Health Effects Of EMF
We all are
aware of certain safety issues associated with electricity, such as electric
shock. But some scientists also have raised questions about potential health
effects caused by exposure to electric and magnetic fields (EMF). Researchers
are trying to determine whether EMF can lead to cancer, particularly childhood
leukemia or brain cancer. So far, studies have been inconclusive or have failed
to link EMF to cancer.
Questions about health effects from EMF exposure first arose in the 1960s and
1970s with the use of higher transmission voltages in the U.S.
Early research focused on electric fields. Studies of electric fields overall have
found no evidence of biological changes that could lead to health effects.
The research focus moved to magnetic fields when, in 1979, an epidemiological study
suggested that magnetic fields might be linked to childhood cancers. Since
then, while some statistical associations have been reported, no actual health
effects have been demonstrated.
Appalachian Power and
AEP are not health research experts and recommend that interested individuals
review the expert information available at the links provided below. By
providing these links, AEP is not endorsing the accuracy or quality of
information, nor does it necessarily agree with any conclusions set forth by