Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
What are the effects of electrical and magnetic fields on man?
No Effects Found
Jean Cabanes · 1979
1979 WHO review found no health dangers from power lines up to 800 kV, but modern EMF science has advanced significantly since then.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
This 1979 World Health Organization review examined studies on the health effects of electrical and magnetic fields from power lines on humans. The WHO found no statistically significant health effects and concluded that high-voltage power lines up to 400-800 kV do not pose a danger to human health. Any symptoms reported in some subjects fell within normal physiological ranges or were attributed to non-specific stimulation.
Cite This Study
Jean Cabanes (1979). What are the effects of electrical and magnetic fields on man?.
Show BibTeX
@article{what_are_the_effects_of_electrical_and_magnetic_fields_on_man__g5131,
author = {Jean Cabanes},
title = {What are the effects of electrical and magnetic fields on man?},
year = {1979},
}Quick Questions About This Study
The WHO concluded that high-voltage power lines up to 400 kV posed no danger to humans, with available information suggesting the same for lines up to 800 kV. This assessment was based on studies available through the late 1970s.
No statistically significant health effects were found. Some subjects reported symptoms, but WHO experts determined these fell within normal physiological ranges or resulted from 'non-specific stimulation' rather than actual EMF-related health impacts.
Despite finding no immediate dangers, WHO experts favored continuing investigation into power line health effects. This suggests they recognized the need for more comprehensive long-term studies to fully understand potential EMF impacts on human health.
The 1979 WHO review was based on relatively few years of research from various countries. The limited timeframe and early stage of EMF research meant long-term health effects and subtle biological changes weren't adequately studied.
Modern EMF research is far more sophisticated than 1979 studies, with hundreds of peer-reviewed papers now documenting biological effects. Today's research examines cellular-level changes and long-term exposure effects that weren't detectable with 1970s methodology.