POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (EMF) ON HUMAN HEALTH
ABSTRACT
The Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) has updated the previous opinion on “Possible effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF), Radio Frequency Fields (RF) and Microwave Radiation on human health” by the Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment (CSTEE) from 2001, with respect to whether or not exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is a cause of disease or other health effects.
The opinion is primarily based on scientific articles, published in English language peer-reviewed scientific journals. Only studies that are considered relevant for the task are cited and commented upon in the opinion. The opinion is divided into frequency (f) bands, namely: radio frequency (RF) (100 kHz < f ‰¤ 300 GHz), intermediate frequency (IF) (300 Hz < f ‰¤ 100 kHz), extremely low frequency (ELF) (0< f ‰¤ 300 Hz), and static (0 Hz) (only static magnetic fields are considered in this opinion).
There is a separate section for environmental effects.
Radio Frequency Fields (RF fields)
Since the adoption of the 2001 opinion extensive research has been conducted regarding possible health effects of exposure to low intensity RF fields, including epidemiologic, in vivo, and in vitro research. In conclusion, no health effect has been consistently demonstrated at exposure levels below the limits of ICNIRP (International Committee on Non Ionising Radiation Protection) established in 1998. However, the data base for evaluation remains limited especially for long-term low-level exposure.
Intermediate Frequency Fields (IF fields)
Experimental and epidemiological data from the IF range are very sparse. Therefore, assessment of acute health risks in the IF range is currently based on known hazards at lower frequencies and higher frequencies. Proper evaluation and assessment of possible health effects from long-term exposure to IF fields are important because human exposure to such fields is increasing due to new and emerging technologies.
Extremely low frequency fields (ELF fields)
The previous conclusion that ELF magnetic fields are possibly carcinogenic, chiefly based on occurrence of childhood leukaemia, is still valid. For breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, recent research has indicated that an association is unlikely. For neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumours, the link to ELF fields remains uncertain. No consistent relationship between ELF fields and self-reported symptoms (sometimes referred to as electrical hypersensitivity) has been demonstrated.
Static Fields
Adequate data for proper risk assessment of static magnetic fields are very sparse. Developments of technologies involving static magnetic fields, e.g. with MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) equipment requires risk assessments to be made in relation to occupational exposure.
Environmental Effects
There are insufficient data to identify whether a single exposure standard is appropriate to protect all environmental species from EMF. Similarly the data are inadequate to judge whether the environmental standards should be the same or significantly different from those appropriate to protect human health.
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background Of The Study
For the general public, Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 (2) on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz) fixes basic restrictions and reference levels to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). These restrictions and reference levels are based on the guidelines published by the International Commission on Non Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)3(3). The ICNIRP guidelines had been endorsed by the Scientific Steering Committee (SSC)(4) in its opinion on health effects of EMFs of 25–26 June 1998(5).
The motivation for this work is derived from the increasing exposure to EMF consequent to the further growth in the use of electricity, from the continuous development of the telecommunications industry, and to a rapid increase in the installation of transmitter masts used as radiotelephone base stations. In addition to domestic, industrial and medical electrical appliances and devices, the high voltage overhead transmission lines (and to a lesser extent underground cables) are major sources of exposure to Extremely Low Frequencies (ELF) in the environment. The CSTEE opinion “on Possible effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF), Radio Frequency Fields (RF) and Microwave Radiation on human health”(8), of30 October 2001, concluded that the information that had become available since the SSC opinion of June 1999 did not justify revision of the exposure limits recommended by the Council(9).
A substantial number of scientific publications and reviews on the possible health effects of EMF (focusing mostly on mobile telephones) have become available since the CSTEEopinion of 2001, for example the 2002 Dutch report(10) the 2003 AGNIR report(11) and the 2004 British National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) report on “Mobile phones and health”(12) which is the most recent of them. The NRPB provided a detailed review of the recent literature and useful contribution to the discussions on whether there are health effects related to the use of mobile phones. The report concluded that there is no hard evidence at present that the health of the public is being adversely affected by mobile phone technologies but uncertainties remain and a continued precautionary approach is recommended until the situation is clarified.
Additional results are expected shortly from Community funded research and development (R&D) activities, from national programmes, and from work within the International EMF Project of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
As part of its mission to protect public health and in response to public concern over health effects of EMF exposure, WHO established the International EMF Project(16) in 1996 to assess the scientific evidence of possible health effects of EMF in the frequency range from 0 to 300 GHz. The EMF Project encourages focused research to fill important gaps in knowledge and to facilitate the development of internationally acceptable standards limiting EMF exposure.
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
It is well recognized that there are established biophysical mechanisms that can lead to health effects as a consequence of exposure to sufficiently strong fields. For frequencies up to, say, 100 kHz the mechanism is stimulation of nerve and muscle cells due to induced currents and, for higher frequencies, tissue heating is the main mechanism. These mechanisms lead to acute effects. Existing exposure guidelines, such as those issued by ICNIRP, protect against these effects. The current issue is the possibility that health effects occur at exposure levels below those where the established mechanisms play a role and in particular as effects of long term exposure at low level. No further consideration is given to thermal effects.
1.3 Aims And Objectives Of The Study
The objective of this project is to:
- To have an overview of the scientific literature concerning the health effects of EMF;
- To draw attention to significant new scientific findings;
- To provide a review of the literature in the light of significant new evidence;
- To determine Possible effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF), Radio Frequency Fields (RF) and Microwave Radiation on human health
1.4 Research Questions
In reviewing and evaluating the studies on the potential health effects of EMF, the study seeks to answer the following questions:
- What is the nature of EMF studies, i.e., epidemiology, laboratory biology (in vivo vs. in vitro), clinical examinations (heart function, sleep electrophysiology, immune system, blood chemistry, hormones including melatonin, etc.), and theory;
- What is the characterization of risks, in particular, nature and magnitude of damage, likelihood of occurrence (expressed preferably in terms of natural frequencies rather than probabilities), uncertainty, geographical distribution, persistence over time, reversibility, delay, possible violation of equity, potential for public mobilization etc.; and
- How is the identification and physical characterization of existing and foreseeable sources of exposure to EMF, e.g., electromagnetic vs. magnetic including magnetic resonance imagery (MRI), from AC vs. DC current, new frequency ranges, higher transmission power, etc.
1.5 Significance Of The Study
The purpose of this study is in respect to whether or not exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is a cause of disease or other health effects. Recommendations regarding exposure guidelines or other risk management tools, including application of the precautionary principle are beyond the scope of the opinion. The methods that were used for the preparation of the opinion are explained below.
1.6 Scope And Limitations Of The Study
Following the CSTEE general principles, only studies published in peer reviewed journals have been considered. The section is divided into four sub-sections according to frequency (f) range: radio frequency (RF) (100 kHz < f ≤ 300 GHz), intermediate frequency (IF) (300 Hz < f ≤ 100 kHz), extremely low frequency (ELF) (< f ≤ 300 Hz), and static (0 Hz) (only static magnetic fields are considered in this opinion). These frequency ranges are discussed in order of decreasing frequency, RF, IF, ELF, and static. For each frequency range the review begins with a description of sources and exposure to the population. This is followed, for each frequency range, by a discussion that is organized according to outcome. For each outcome relevant human, in vivo, and in vitro data are covered.
Table 1 below illustrates some typical artificial sources of electromagnetic fields with frequency and intensity. Natural sources like the magnetic field of the earth are not included. Note, however, that big variations occur. For an explanation of some of the terminology used please be referred to the next chapter.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
The review of relevant literature is the main topic of this chapter. A literature review covers theoretical and methodological contributions to a certain issue in addition to the state of knowledge at the time of writing. It provides information about the state of the art in relation to the subject you are writing about. It examines the body of work on the chosen subject. The literature evaluation in this study comprises the …
Procedure for Downloading the PDF (Docx) Material
Possible Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) on Human Health can be downloaded by requesting the full set of materials at the project or seminar cost. The document will be sent via Microsoft Word (MS-Word) format via WhatsApp (e-mail) following payment confirmation.
| Seminar Material Cost ₦3,000 | Project Material Cost ₦5,000 |
Request Complete Material
 | Click here to request the Complete Material via WhatsApp including;
|
Disclaimer for Complete Material Utilization
The displayed research work titled "Possible Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) on Human Health" is stated as a research guideline towards accomplishing your assigned project / seminar research work. All the research materials on this website are ONLY for research purposes and should be used as a guideline in developing your research work. For no reason should you copy word for word as projectlist.com.ng will not be liable for any who copied the material. By ordering the complete research guideline, it signifies that you've accepted our terms of service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the material for “The Impact of Training on Employees Productivity” be used as a guide for Public Administration (PA) Project?
Yes it can be used — This project work investigated impact of training an employee’s productivity where Odu’aInvestment Company limited was used as a case study. Despite its importance and contribution of training employees to the development of the company, their activities have been hindered/incapacitated by lack of access to finance and education. The data utilized in this study was obtained through descriptive survey design. Questionnaires were designed to obtain information from the respondents. Percentage tables were used to analyze the response while spearman’s correlation co-efficient (R) was adopted to test for the operational hypothesis. Finally, based on research findings; it u/as generally observed that there were no positive relationship between the frequency of training and employee’s job performance at Odu’A investment limited. In view of this useful …
Can the material for “The Effect of Training on Employees’ Job Satisfaction in African Petroleum Plc” be used as a guide for Industrial Relations and Personnel Management (IRPM) Project?
Yes it can be used — This study investigated the effect of training on job satisfaction among the staff of African Petroleum. Thirty − four (34) employees were selected − from the organization. Among the employees, 35% were juniors and 65% were seniors, 76% trained and 24% untrained, 56% male and 44% female, 59010 promoted and 41 % not promoted. The research design adopted was field survey. Questionnaires were administered randomly to selected staff of the organization. The data collected were subjected to independent T -test analysis and the hypothesis tested for significance. The criteria for rejection of Null hypothesis was 0.5 level of significance. The results of the study revealed that although there is a positive relationship between training and job satisfaction, it (and other variables …
Is the topic “Assessing Book-Keeping Practices of Small and Medium Scale” recommended for Business Administration and Management (BAM) Project?
Yes it is highly recommended — Nigeria’s economy is characterized by a large number of micro enterprises, and in between lie small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The unique feature of most SMEs is that, they can be easily established since their requirement in terms of capital, technology; management and even utilities are not as demanding as it is the case of large enterprises. Consequently, small enterprise sector is one of the leading employers (next only to peasant agriculture) in Nigeria and has been recognized as significant sector in employment creation, income generation, poverty alleviation and a base for industrial development. It is estimated that there are over 30 million enterprises in the sector employing between 15 to 16 million people. Despite the enormous potential of the …
Can the material for “The Impact and Roles of Accounting Information to Non-Profit Making Organization” be used as a guide for Accountancy / Accounting Project?
Yes it can be used — Non-profit making organization on the other hand has immensely benefited from accounting information to survive, integrate and stabilize in this current economic recession in the country. The applications of Accounting Information have contributed to the growth and development of every business entity. The study was carried out to examine the Roles and Impact of Accounting Information to Non-Profit Making Organization using Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) as a case study. Investigation reveals the problems of the Roles and Impact of Accounting Information to Non-Profit Making Organization research work which entails that the inability of the priest to keep adequate financial information is responsible for crisis and break up of churches, and cases of unqualified personnel handling accounting information of …
Can this topic “The Effect of Divorce on Children, Implication for Counselling” be used for Guidance and Counselling Project?
Yes it can be utilized for research — The study examines the Effect of Divorce on Children, Implication for Counselling, considering the major alarming causes of divorce and the end result of these causes on the immediate family members i.e. The father, the mother and the children in the typical Nigerian system. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to examine the place of Guidance and Counselling in the causes and the effects of divorce on the immediate family members in Nigeria, create awareness on the nature and types of conflicts generally, specifically marital conflicts, create the need to raise structures and institutionalize pre-marital counselling in Nigeria, and make for harmony and integration of the family unit. The research design used in this report …
Can the material for “Effective Resource Budgeting as a Tool for Project Management” be used as a guide for Accountancy / Accounting Project?
Yes it can be used — Budgeting is the accepted basis for profit, planning and financial control. The study was carried out to investigate the effective resource budgeting as a tool for project management using Coca-Cola Company in Nigeria as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to ascertain if effective resource budgeting is a tool for project management and determine if there is a significant relationship between effective resource budgeting and project management. Investigation revealed that the underutilization of Resources in Coca-Cola Company has seriously led the organization into a mess because the resource is not properly managed. Mismanagement is another serious problem facing our organization today and has reduced it to nothing as people are no longer …
Can the material for “Design and Implementation of an Online Shopping Cart System for an Online Store” be used as a guide for Computer Science (CS) Project?
Yes it can be used — A shop is a place where various types of goods are packed and sold. Shopping is the process of purchasing items in exchange for money. The business-to-consumer aspect of an online shopping is the most visible business use of the World Wide Web. The primary goal of an online shopping site is to sell goods and services online. This project deals with developing an e-commerce website for online shopping. It provides the user with a catalogue of different goods and services available for purchase in the store. In order to facilitate online purchase a shopping cart is provided to the user. The reason for writing this project work on this topic is to create software that will automate shopping for …
Can the material for “Secretarial Profession and Public Perception” be used as a guide for Office Technology and Management (OTM) Project?
Yes it can be used — Secretarial profession is absolutely essential and contributes immensely to humanity. The aim of the study is to investigate the Secretarial Profession and Public Perception. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were set out to find out the kind of relationship that exists between the secretaries and their bosses as well as the public, know whether the secretaries actually meet up with the required roles and qualities, for the secretaries to detect and correct their areas of deficiency, if any, in the performance of their duties keep the society aware of the secretaries’ responsibilities as well to acquaint the readers with the qualification required for the profession, and for the executives to know the importance of both female and …
Can the material for “A Critical Assessment of Micro Finance Banks and Their Contribution to the Development of Small Scale Enterprises” be used as a guide for Finance Project?
Yes it can be used — This project work is carried out to examine the contribution of micro finance banks to the development of Small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria. The Brass micro finance bank is used as a case study. Data were collected through a well structured questionnaire and the information elicited from the respondents were analyzed through tabular presentation of data, frequency distribution and percentages. The findings revealed that Microfinance banks have contributed immensely to the development of small scale business in Nigeria and most especially Small Business Ventures. However, it was discovered that the small scale businesses are beset with myriads of problems which can be solved through an improvement in the service of Micro finance banks by the government. …
Can the material for “Effect of Processing on the Storage Stability and Functional Properties of Cowpea Flour in the Production of Moin-Moin and Akara” be used as a guide for Food Science and Technology (FT) Project?
Yes it can be used — Flours prepared from cowpea variety white using different processing methods (germination, heat treatment, fermentation and the untreated flour) were evaluated for proximate composition, functional, sensory properties and storage stability. The fermented and germinated samples were found to be richer in carbohydrate content with 59.72% and 57.78% respectively while the untreated flour had the highest protein content (27.87%). The untreated flour also compared favorably with the control (wet processed paste) in terms of organoleptic properties in the production of akara and moin-moin. For storage, after three months, the germinated cowpea flour was found to be more stable in terms of reduction in moisture with 10.2%, followed by fermented and untreated flour and then heat treated flour with 10.6%, 10.6% and 10.8% …