Electromagnetics - the uncertain health risks

Abstract

Considering all the evidences to date in the scientific literature, an association between EM fields at the environmental levels and harmful effects to human is inconclusive or uncertain. However, the available evidences are enough to raise concern by certain segments of the public. In order to manage health risk in the face of scientific uncertainty, authorities may be persuaded to consider precautionary approaches while establishing safety standards and protection guidelines for EM fields. The precautionary principle is another management tool that could be adopted to deal with the health risks associated with EM exposure. It is an extremely conservative decision making principle that leads to prudent actions in the face of uncertainty. Where there is reasonable risk to the public, a prudent action to reduce the risk should be carried out. This procedure should hold even when the scientific proof is inconclusive as long, as the balance of quantitative and qualitative risk, benefit and cost of action justifies it.