title: [Electromagnetic pollution (electrosmog)--potential hazards of our electromagnetic future].
abstract: The term electromagnetic environment encompasses the totality of all electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields generated by natural and technical sources. A differentiation is made between low- and high-frequency electromagnetic fields. Typical sources of the former are domestic electricity Exposure to the latter is, for example, associated with the sue of mobile telephones. Studies on the health-related effects of electromagnetic fields are available in particular for the low-frequency range, based on an appropriate estimation of exposure. A number of these studies reveal an association between exposure to this type of electromagnetic fields and the occurrence of infantile leukemia in the highest exposure category. For high-frequency electromagnetic fields the number of epidemiological studies is limited. An increased risk of an accident occurring through the use of a cellular phone while driving has consistently been shown. Against the background of our limited knowledge about possible adverse effects of exposure to mobile phone transmitters, and the inability of the public to influence such exposure, transparency in the communication of the risks involved is of great importance.
authors.affiliation: Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits- und Umweltmedizin der LMU München. Dennis.Nowak@arbeits.med.uni-muenchen.de
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nowak
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Radon
mesh_terms: D040421:Cell Phone; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007938:Leukemia / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012905:Smog / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D012905:Smog