Biological Effects of Power Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields

This report was prepared by the Office of Technology Assessment of the United States Congress to review the health effects of high-voltage transmission lines. For about two decades, there has been some concern about the health effects of electric and magnetic fields produced by transmission lines. Recent studies have heightened this concern. Health effects research is still preliminary and inconclusive, but a growing number of studies suggest that under certain circumstances even relatively weak electric and magnetic fields can produce biologic changes.This report discusses the present state of knowledge on the health effects of low-frequency electric and magnetic fields and describes current U. S. funding levels and research programs. Also, the report provides information on regulatory activity, including existing and proposed field exposure standards.