Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
Extremely low frequency electric fields and cancer: Assessing the evidence
No Effects Found
Authors not listed · 2009
Independent scientific commentary challenges industry-affiliated reviews that may downplay ELF electric field cancer risks.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
This is a commentary by Louis Slesin of Microwave News responding to a 2009 review by Kheifets and colleagues that assessed evidence linking extremely low frequency electric fields to cancer. The commentary appears to critique or provide additional perspective on the original review's conclusions about ELF electric field cancer risks.
Cite This Study
Unknown (2009). Extremely low frequency electric fields and cancer: Assessing the evidence.
Show BibTeX
@article{extremely_low_frequency_electric_fields_and_cancer_assessing_the_evidence_ce1393,
author = {Unknown},
title = {Extremely low frequency electric fields and cancer: Assessing the evidence},
year = {2009},
doi = {10.1002/bem.20558},
}Quick Questions About This Study
The Kheifets review assessed evidence linking extremely low frequency electric fields to cancer. Slesin's commentary suggests this review may have minimized health risks, which is concerning given Kheifets' documented ties to the electric utility industry.
Independent commentary provides crucial balance to industry-influenced research reviews. Scientists without financial ties to utilities or telecommunications companies often reach different conclusions about EMF health risks than industry-affiliated researchers do.
ELF electric fields are electromagnetic fields generated by electrical voltage in power lines, household wiring, and electrical appliances. They operate at 50-60 Hz frequencies and are present wherever electrical systems exist in homes and workplaces.
Louis Slesin publishes Microwave News, an independent newsletter tracking EMF health research since 1981. His commentary is significant because he has no industry ties and consistently challenges research that may downplay EMF health risks.
ELF electric fields are created by voltage and are easily blocked by buildings and trees, while magnetic fields are created by current flow and penetrate most materials. Both are generated by the same electrical sources.