Biological Effects of High-Voltage Electric Fields: An Update Volume 1
H. Kornberg, L. Sagan, M.D. · 1979
This 1979 EPRI report represents early industry assessment of high-voltage electric field health effects during the first wave of power line concerns.
Plain English Summary
This 1979 EPRI technical report by Kornberg and Sagan reviewed the biological effects of high-voltage electric fields, examining what was known about health impacts from power line exposures at that time. The study represents an early comprehensive assessment of ELF (extremely low frequency) bioeffects research during the initial wave of public concern about power lines and health.
Why This Matters
This report marks a pivotal moment in EMF health research history. Published by the Electric Power Research Institute in 1979, it came during the first major wave of public concern about power lines and health effects. What makes this significant is the timing - this was among the earliest comprehensive reviews attempting to assess biological effects from high-voltage electric fields, the kind you encounter near transmission lines. The reality is that 1979 research had significant limitations compared to today's methods, but it established the foundation for decades of subsequent investigation. The science demonstrates that early industry-sponsored reviews like this often set the tone for how EMF health effects would be framed for years to come, typically emphasizing uncertainty over precaution.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Show BibTeX
@article{biological_effects_of_high_voltage_electric_fields_an_update_volume_1_g4948,
author = {H. Kornberg and L. Sagan and M.D.},
title = {Biological Effects of High-Voltage Electric Fields: An Update Volume 1},
year = {1979},
}