Electromagnetic fields: a cancer promoter?
This paper discusses some of the current questions observed in updated research analyzing the association of electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure and cancer. It reveals the predominant efforts toward obtaining more accurate levels of EMF exposure as a crucial key to gain knowledge about that association. A general picture of a molecular biological model of cancer is presented, showing that EMF presents certain compatible characteristics of a cancer promoter. Further, we raise the hypothesis that EMF action is probably linked with other unknown initiator agents, rather than acting alone as presently assumed in epidemiologic studies. Finally this paper reinforces the importance of strong descriptive analysis of potential factors acting together on EMF and cancer association.
Koifman
S
S
Department of Epidemiology, National School of Public Health, Osvaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
D003043:Cocarcinogenesis; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*