title: [Exposure to low electromagnetic fields and the carcinogenesis process].
abstract: In the literature as well as in public media increasing attention is paid to possible health effects of exposure to low-frequency electric and magnetic fields, Experimental studies at the cellular level and mammalian studies in vivo have demonstrated various biological effects that are possibly associated with human exposure to low-frequency radiation. Although the exact mechanism of this relationship is not entirely clear, it has been indicated that low-frequency radiation might promote the process of carcinogenesis, although it does not seem likely to initiate it. A possible link between human low-frequency exposure and occurrence of carcinoma at child and adult age has been examined in some fifty epidemiological studies. A few studies have demonstrated a possible connection between carcinoma at child age and distance from electrical installations. Although the results point to an association between exposure to low-frequency electric and magnetic fields and cancer, further research is called for. In the meantime "cautious avoidance" of extended exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Institut za medicinska istrazivanja i medicinu rada, Zagreb.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Garaj-Vrhovac
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology*