New Cell Phone Warning: MedlinePlus Health News Video

New Cell Phone Warning
Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:57:52 -0600
VIDEO:
New Cell Phone Warning: MedlinePlus Health News Video




Electromagnetic Fields


URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/electromagneticfields.html

Also called: EMFs

Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are areas of energy that surround electrical devices. Power lines, electrical wiring, and appliances produce EMFs. Some people worry about EMF exposure and cancer. A few studies found a link between EMF exposure and a higher risk of childhood leukemia, but the link is weak. Other studies didn't find a link between EMF exposure and other childhood cancers.

For adults, studies of EMF exposure from power lines and electric blankets show little evidence of a link to cancer. In adults, EMFs may reduce heart rate and interfere with brain electrical activity during sleep. This may or may not affect your health.

Some people worry that wireless and cellular phones cause cancer. They give off radio-frequency energy (RF), a form of electromagnetic radiation. Scientists need to do more research on this before they can say for sure.

NIH: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Electromagnetic Fields: MedlinePlus