Many studies have investigated the potential link between ELF-EMF and health over the last 40 years.
In case of exposure to very high intensities of 50 Hz magnetic and/or electric fields, acute direct effects can occur. These effects are well studied in human volunteers and animals. All these effects have thresholds below which they do not occur and can be avoided by meeting appropriate basic restrictions on electric fields induced in the body.
Numerous questions are now arising involving health effects of exposure to 50 Hz electric and magnetic fields, especially long term exposure with low levels of intensities often met in our everyday life.
These effects related to long term-low intensity exposure were first studied in the late 1970s with a comprehensive analysis of parameters of the environment of residences of children with leukaemia. 50 Hz electric and magnetic fields were one of the multiple variables studied. Afterwards, researchers continued their studies on various parameters and among them, exposure to residential 50 Hz magnetic fields showed a consistent risk with childhood leukaemia above level of 0.3 -0.4 μT, but this observed association alone is not sufficient to imply a causal relationship.
Research on low EMF level was also made in relation with different types of cancer, as well as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, depression, suicide, neurobehavior, fertility disorders, hypersensitivity, sleep disturbance… but without showing causal relationships.
It is important to note that at this time, no mechanism of action has been demonstrated neither in cells nor in animals that could explain health risks.
Here are the conclusions of the European Health Risk Assessment Network (EFHRAN):
