Breast cancer and electric power.
Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women in industrialized societies. It is far less common in less industrialized nations and the reason for this difference is unclear. One possibility is the distribution and use of electricity which results in two new exposures in the human environment: light-at-night and electromagnetic fields. These can reduce nocturnal melatonin production. Melatonin, in turn, has a protective effect on breast cancer in experimental animals.
Stevens
R G
RG
Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352.
D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D004560:Electricity / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats
D008550:Melatonin