Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) of all frequencies are ubiquitous, given our reliance on electricity and constant technological advances. EMF are part of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation that ranges from static EMF to extremely low frequency (ELF) EMF to radiofrequency (RF) EMF. The potential influence of these fields on health—particularly the ELF EMF associated with electricity and the RF EMF associated with cell phones—has drawn considerable interest in the scientific community and among the general public, and the potential health effects of EMF have engendered a large body of research.
Questions about the health impacts of EMF and RF often arise during the planning and construction of new infrastructure for power grids and cell phone networks, as well as during the associated occupational exposure assessments. Epidemiologists at EpidStrategies have a strong knowledge base in the complex issues involved with assessing ELF EMF/RF exposure, and stay abreast of the large body of research related to the potential health effects of ELF EMF/RF and other related exposures (e.g., air ions and stray voltage). They are also knowledgeable concerning the regulatory guidance related to EMF.
Our epidemiologists have broad project experience in conducting original health research related to residential and occupational EMF exposures and evaluating potential health effects from these exposures. This includes research on electric utility workers, mobile phone manufacturing workers, and residents exposed to EMF fields. Our experience includes:
- Conducting exposure assessment and exposure modeling studies
- Performing systematic literature reviews and preparing research summaries for filings to electric utility commissions
- Preparing public education materials on this topic
- Providing internal training presentations to staff at utility companies
- Attending public meetings to directly address the public’s questions about new infrastructure and resulting changes in EMF levels
- Testifying in public hearings regarding the potential health impacts of EMF.