During the last 30 years, scientists at EPRI and elsewhere have conducted a large number of studies investigating whether electric and magnetic fields (EMF) associated with electricity can affect health.

While many studies have shown no link between EMF and a variety of health effects, expert scientific panels have concluded that there is a statistically significant association in epidemiological studies between exposure to power-frequency magnetic fields and the development of childhood leukemia.

However, experts agree that the data are not convincing enough to conclude that a cause-and-effect relationship exists. In fact, the vast majority of laboratory studies on animals and cells have not supported a link between residential levels of magnetic fields and cancer. Additionally, scientists have not been able to identify a biological mechanism by which the low-level fields found in homes can possibly interact with human tissue.  In the absence of supporting laboratory and mechanistic evidence, scientists are investigating the possibility that the epidemiological results have been generated by inadvertent errors in study design or that magnetic fields occur along with another exposure, such as contact current, which could plausibly contribute to leukemia development.

EMF research is continuing throughout the world. At EPRI, the EMF research program is focused primarily on resolving the uncertainties about EMF and childhood leukemia.

EPRI is currently the only organization in North America funding long-term, multidisciplinary EMF research.  EPRI performs much of its research through the sponsorship of independent scientists affiliated with major universities, laboratories, and consulting organizations. In addition, an external, blue-ribbon scientific advisory committee provides guidance for the EMF program’s research activities. Research findings are published in peer-reviewed journals.

EPRI’s current research in the EMF Health Assessment and RF Safety Program also includes studies of possible health effects associated with exposure to occupational EMF environments and possible EMF interference with implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers.