[Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields in human environment and the risk of cancer in the light of epidemiological studies-- based on the literature].

Numerous reports suggest that there is a relationship between the increased incidence of cancer and congenital defects in children on one hand and exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields at the place of habitation on the other. Some authors suggest that electromagnetic fields persisting in flats, produced by home electric installations, various forms of their execution and external electric power lines may enhance the occurrence of cancer. Living flat buildings are generally remote from electric power lines. They are, however, supplied with electric power by means of trafo stations. The maximum averaged values for 356 living flats in Denver, Colorado, were 14 V/m for the electric component and 0.25 microT for the magnetic component of the field. Besides, various household devices supplied with power from the mains also produce ELF EM fields. From the available epidemiological data it can be concluded that the relationship between exposure to ELF EM fields and increased incidence of cancer has not been unequivocally proved. The estimated risk remains within 0.9-3.2 range.