Electromagnetic Fields: MedlinePlus [NEW TOPIC PAGE]

Electromagnetic Fields: MedlinePlus



A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health

Electromagnetic Fields

Also called: EMFs 

Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are areas of energy that surround electrical devices. Everyday sources of EMFs include

• Power lines
• Electrical wiring
• Microwave ovens
• Computers
• Cell phones

Some people worry about EMF exposure and cancer. Some studies have found a link between EMF exposure and a higher risk of childhood leukemia, but other studies have not. Other studies have not found proof that EMF exposure causes other childhood cancers. Studies in adults did not prove that EMF exposure causes cancer.

Some people worry that wireless and cellular phones cause cancer. They give off radio-frequency energy (RF), a form of electromagnetic radiation. Scientists need to do more research on this before they can say for sure.

NIH: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA  

• Cell phones - do they cause cancer?

Related Topics

• Poisoning, Toxicology, Environmental Health

National Institutes of Health

• The primary NIH organization for research on Electromagnetic Fieldsis the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

• Start Here

  • Electric & Magnetic Fields(National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)

• Overviews

  • What Are Electromagnetic Fields?(World Health Organization)
  • Also available in Spanish

• Specific Conditions

  • Cell Phones(Food and Drug Administration) - PDF
  • Cellular Phone Towers(American Cancer Society)
  • Also available in Spanish
  • Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health: Mobile Phones(World Health Organization)
  • Health Issues: Do Cell Phones Pose a Health Hazard?(Food and Drug Administration)
  • Microwave Ovens(Food and Drug Administration)
  • Tanning Salons(Health Physics Society) - PDF

• Related Issues

  • Cell Phones and Cancer Risk(National Cancer Institute)
  • Also available in Spanish
  • Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation(Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation)
  • Magnetic Field Exposure and Cancer: Questions and Answers(National Cancer Institute)
  • Reducing Exposure: Hands-free Kits and Other Accessories(Food and Drug Administration)

• Clinical Trials

  • ClinicalTrials.gov: Electromagnetic Fields(National Institutes of Health)
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• Journal Articles

  References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
  • Article: Mobile phones are given the all clear by UK group.
  • Article: Chair of Wi-Fi safety panel steps down.
  • Article: Federal Wi-Fi panel criticized for undisclosed conflict.
  • Electromagnetic Fields -- see more articles
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• Organizations

  • Food and Drug Administration
  • International EMF Project(World Health Organization)
  • National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
  • Also available in Spanish
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