Low energy non-ionising electromagnetic fields and cancer: an update

Abstract: The last century has witnessed an exponential increase in the level of background electromagnetic (EM) fields, whose environmental impact, because of ignorance as to the Potential effects of non-ionising athermal EM interactions, has been largely ignored. Unfortunately, far too little research effort has taken place in this area. Electromagnetic fields (like chemical treatments) constitute a potentially infinite family of treatments, with eachfield having different effects on specific systems. It is likely that certain EM fields will inhibit, and certain EM fields will stimulate, a given effect. The epidemiological studies suggesting the possible promotion of cancer, especially leukaemia in children, as a result of power line exposure, are provocative; the increased risk appears real though the net effect may be quite small. No low energy non-ionising EM source has been shown to initiate cancer in vitro or in vivo, however experimental evidence of a promotional role for specific EM fields an certain tumours has been reported. Studies which have shown malignant cell death or inhibition resultant from EM exposure are outlined, and include the exciting work using direct current (DC) implanted electrodes in human tumours in vivo.

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