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24 May 2012

Answer to Question #765 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Pregnancy and Radiation — Power lines, magnets, computers, airport screening, cell phones

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I work in a room 10 feet from the main electrical power switchboard for the building. Am I in danger from radiation if I'm pregnant?

While most public concern about power-frequency fields has centered around cancer, there have also been suggestions that there might be a connection between nonionizing electromagnetic exposure and a variety of other human health problems. Concern about miscarriages and birth defects has focused as much on video display terminals (VDTs) as on power lines. There is little epidemiologic or laboratory support for a connection between exposure to power-frequency fields and birth defects. Huuskonen et al. (1998), Robert (1999), and Brent (1999) have reviewed this field in detail. Huuskonen, H. et al.: Teratogenic and reproductive effects of low-frequency magnetic fields. Mutat. Res. 410:167-183, 1998.

"The epidemiologic evidence does not, taken as a whole, suggest strong associations between exposure to [power-frequency fields] magnetic fields and adverse reproductive outcome . . . Animal studies do not suggest strong effects on embryonal development or reproduction."

Robert, E.: Intrauterine effects of electromagnetic fields - (low frequency, mid frequency RF, and microwaves): Review of epidemiologic studies. Teratology 59:292-298, 1999.

"There is no convincing data that [electromagnetic field exposure] of the sort pregnant women or potential fathers meet in occupational or daily life exposures does any harm to the human reproductive process . . ."

Brent, R.L.: Reproductive and teratologic effects of low-frequency electromagnetic fields: A review of in vivo and in vitro studies using animal models. Teratology 59:261-286, 1999.

"Studies involving nonhuman mammalian organisms dealing with fetal growth, congenital malformations, embryonic loss and neurobehavioral development were predominantly negative and are therefore not supportive of the hypothesis that [power-frequency field] exposures result in reproductive toxicity."

In 1999 Ryan et al. reported that exposure of mice to 2, 2,000, or 10,000 microT power-frequency fields for multiple generations had no effect on fertility or birth defects. In a 2000 follow-up study Ryan et al. reported that adding harmonics to the exposure also produced no reproductive toxicity. Ryan, B.M.; Symanski, R.R. et al.: Multi-generation reproductive toxicity assessment of 60-Hz magnetic fields using a continuous breeding protocol in rats. Teratology 59:156-162, 1999.

"Rats were exposed for 3 generations to 60-Hz fields at 2; 2,000; or 10,000 microT. Exposure was for 18.5 hrs/day and was continuous except at 10,000 microT where both continuous and 1 hr on-off protocols were used. No toxicity was found; in particular, there were no effects on fetal viability, litter weight, sex ratio or fertility."

Ryan, B.M.; Polen, M. et al.: Evaluation of the development toxicity of 60 Hz magnetic fields and harmonic frequencies in Sprague-Dawley rats. Radiat. Res. 153:637-641,2000.

"Pregnant rats were exposed to 180 Hz fields (the third harmonic of power-frequency) either alone or in combination with 60 Hz fields. Exposure was at 200 microT for 18.5 hours from days 6-19 of pregnancy. No significant defects in fetal development were observed."

From: Moulder, E.: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Power-Frequency Fields and Cancer.

John Moulder, PhD
Medical College of Wisconsin

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