Electromagnetic fields in environment and its health hazards

Abstract

All alternating electric currents generate electric and magnetic fields - collectively known as EMFs. The electric field is proportional to the voltage. The magnetic field is proportional to the current that is to the amount of electricity flowing through the wires. Buried power lines generate lower magnetic fields than overhead power lines because of their design. The easiest way to reduce exposure to magnetic fields is to increase the distance from the source. Power lines include transmission lines and distribution lines. Use of large scale electrical technologies has led to widespread environmental exposures to electromagnetic fields (EMF) over wide frequency range. Dominant sources of human made fields in the environment are power lines at extremely low frequencies and high powered broad cast transmitters at radio frequencies (RF), but many other sources of EMF exist that can produce fields in a local environment. Any substance that damages DNA or chromosomes or change genetic activity is genotoxic including Extremely Low Frequency (ELF), Medium Wave (MU) and RF. A genotoxic substance may be mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic. The effect of large scale electrical technologies like High Voltage power lines, Radar, Broadcast transmitters etc. and use of microwave ovens including other electronic gadgets etc. has been reviewed. The available data on this aspect is either as a requirement for Govt. approval or data generated by Govt. agencies involved with the project developed. There is lack of authentic scientific data and seen it is difficult to assess the magnitude of the problem.