Electromagnetic Radiation
and Human Health: A Review
of Sources and Effects
By Ali Zamanian and Cy Hardiman
Fluor Corporation, Industrial and Infrastructure Group
R
adio Frequency Electromagnetic Frequency Spectrum
This article provides an (RF) engineers are Wireless communication links have been
extensive summary of the faced many times used worldwide for many years as solutions
types of electromagnetic with the following two for connectivity in point-to-point and point-to-
radiation and their thermal questions: “What are the multipoint applications. The most common
and molecular effects effects of radio waves on wireless solutions include AM and FM radio,
on the human body human health?” and, television broadcast stations, mobile and cel-
more specifically, “What lular phones, radar and microwave systems.
health risks are associated with the use of cell The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum con-
phones, mobile radios, microwave radios, tains an array of electromagnetic waves
microwave ovens, broadcast radio and televi- increasing in frequency from Extremely Low
sion transmitters, power lines and X-rays?” Frequency and Very Low Frequency
In recent times, many people have (ELF/VLF), through Radio Frequency (RF)
expressed an interest in learning if the use of and Microwaves, to Infrared (IR) light, Visible
cell phones is associated with cancer. Many Light, Ultraviolet (UV) light, X-rays, and
have heard or read about possible links Gamma rays.
between cell phones and cancer, but conclu- Figure 1 is a graphical representation of
sions are rarely definitive. This paper will the spectrum of electromagnetic energy or
attempt to answer these questions, but first, radiation in ascending frequency (decreasing
we must develop a basic understanding of wavelength). The general nature of the effects
electromagnetic radiation (EMR). is noted for different ranges.
Ionizing Radiation Microwave (MW) and Millimeter- made. Natural EMR includes a back-
Ionizing radiation contains suffi- wave (30 kHz to 300 GHz) ground electromagnetic field created
cient electromagnetic energy to strip • Infrared (IR) light, Visible light and by the earth as well as additional
atoms and molecules from the tissue Ultraviolet (UV) light (above 300 EMR created by thunderstorms, as
and alter chemical reactions in the GHz) well as solar and cosmic activity. The
body (converting molecules totally or • [Editor’s note: the frequencies strength of an electromagnetic field
partly into ions). X-Rays and Gamma between the highest microwave depends both on the power at the
rays are two forms of ionizing radia- bands and infrared light are rarely source and the distance from the
tion. These rays are known to cause used, but are being studied for future source.
damage, which is why a lead vest applications] Exposure to man-made ELF/VLF
must be worn when X-rays are taken occurs primarily due to the generation,
of our bodies, and heavy shielding sur- Some heating effect is generated transmission and use of electrical
rounds nuclear power plants. by all of these waves. Insufficient energy. Electromagnetic fields are cre-
Human beings are constantly energy is available from most common ated whenever electricity passes
exposed to low levels of ionizing radia- sources to produce any type of damage through a conductor. Actually, two
tion from natural sources. This type of to human tissue, although it is proba- interdependant fields are created: an
radiation is referred to as natural ble that higher power densities, such electric field and a magnetic field. The
background radiation, and its main as those densities very near high-volt- strength of the electric field depends
sources are: age power lines or high-power on the voltage being carried, while the
(megawatt) broadcast transmitters, magnetic field strength depends on the
• Visible light, ultraviolet light and could have long-term health effects. amount of current being carried
infrared light (sunlight) The power density of any source of (amperage). Thus, electromagnetic
• Radioactive materials on the earth’s EMR is not only related to the power fields are created by a variety of elec-
surface (contained in coal, granite, level at the source, but increases trical household appliances such as
etc.) rapidly as the distance from the motors in refrigerators, vacuum clean-
• Radioactive gases leaking from the source decreases. A common concern ers, hair dryers, irons, electric blan-
earth (radon) today, since more and more people are kets, microwaves, televisions, stereo
• Cosmic rays from outer space enter- using cell phones than ever before, is receivers, and computers. In fact,
ing the earth’s atmosphere through that cell phone antennas radiate near because of the individual’s proximity to
the ionosphere a person’s head. Cell phones, however, household appliances, the level of elec-
• Natural radioactivity in the human radiate very little power. So, even tromagnetic fields is often far greater
body while close to the head, they are not than those levels produced by trans-
considered a danger. mission lines strung on high towers.
Non-Ionizing Radiation Some studies suggest that poten- However, the appliances only create
The lower part of the frequency tial health hazards could be linked to electromagnetic fields while in use,
spectrum is considered non-ionizing excessive exposure to high-power den- whereas the transmission line electro-
Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR), sities of non-ionizing radiation. These magnetic fields are continuous. While
with energy levels below that required health hazards include: these man-made ELF/VLF electro-
for effects at the atomic level. magnetic fields may cause biological
Examples of non-ionizing radiations • Cancer effects, the adverse effects on human
are: • Tumors health are highly controversial.
• Headaches
• Static electromagnetic fields from • Fatigue Electrical Power Line Effects
direct current (0 Hz) • Alzheimer’s Disease The concern over electromagnetic
• Low-frequency waves from electric • Parkinson’s Disease fields emitted by power lines (Figure
power (50-60 Hz) 2) has long been a topic of conversa-
• Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Researchers, however, are unsure tion in the real estate and power
and Very Low Frequency (VLF) of specific long-term effects resulting industries. New studies and conflict-
fields (up to 30 kHz) from prolonged exposure to non-ioniz- ing reports are published every year.
• Radio Frequencies (RF), including ing radiation. While it is easy to shield a house
Low Frequency (LF), Medium against the electric field generated by
Frequency (MF) High Frequency ELF and VLF EM Radiation nearby power lines, it is much more
(HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), EMR in the ELF and VLF range is difficult to shield against the magnet-
Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and both naturally occurring and man- ic fields they generate. The magnetic
sions. For the purpose of this discus- the effects are basically the same.
sion, the term “RF energy” is used for An Australian group claimed to
all frequencies between 30 kHz and have evidence that living near televi-
300 GHz. Some known facts about RF sion broadcast station towers causes
energy are: an increase in childhood leukemia.
Figure 2 · Electric power line. However, follow-up studies conducted
• The biological effects of RF energy in Australia and in the UK contradict-
are proportional to the rate of ener- ed this claim. The follow-up studies
field can best be shielded by burying gy absorption, and the level of found no significant correlation
power transmission lines, but at a absorption varies little with fre- between RF exposure and the rate of
much higher cost compared to over- quency. childhood leukemia in these cases.
head lines. • RF energy has the ability to heat
Animal experiments, laboratory human tissue, much like the way Cellular Telephones, Cordless
studies of cells, clinical studies, com- that microwave ovens heat food, and Phones and Hand-Held Radios
puter simulations, and human popula- can be hazardous if the exposure is Most cellular/PCS and cordless
tion (epidemiological) studies have sufficiently intense or prolonged. telephones have either a small anten-
been conducted to determine the rela- • Damage to tissue may be caused by na attached or the antenna is integrat-
tionship between exposure to electro- exposure to high levels of RF energy ed into the body of the telephone.
magnetic fields and a number of disor- because the body is not equipped to Because the antenna of a cellular
ders, including depression, childhood dissipate the excessive amounts of phone is close to the user’s head, such
leukemia, central nervous system dis- heat generated. Possible injuries telephones create greater RF exposure
orders, cancer, melanoma, breast can- include skin burns, deep burns, heat than other types of RF systems. Home
cer, etc. In the past, numerous reports exhaustion and heat stroke. cordless telephones and other two-way
have presented conflicting informa- hand-held radios have a similar effect.
tion. Some of these reports have pro- Eyes are particularly vulnerable to However, cordless telephones have
vided evidence of adverse health extended exposure to RF energy; the very low RF power output and two-
effects, and some other reports have lack of blood flow to cool the cornea way hand-held radios are generally
failed to find any such correlation. can result in cataracts. used in the push-to-talk mode, there-
Recently, the National Academy of fore, transmission is not continuous.
Sciences and the National Cancer Broadcast Stations Table 1 illustrates the frequency bands
Institute have released major studies Commercial AM/FM radio and TV and average radiated power for cellu-
finding no evidence of a link between broadcast stations transmit very high lar, PCS, hand-held radios and cordless
electromagnetic fields and cancer. levels of RF energy. Some of their telephones in the United States.
These studies suggest that power antennas radiate power levels of sev-
transmission lines are much less like- eral megawatts but, fortunately, these Vehicular Mobile Telephones
ly to cause cancer than was previously antennas are generally placed on high and Radios
suspected. towers or buildings where no humans Vehicular mobile telephones (not
are nearby. Even so, humans absorb cellular) and radios have an antenna
Radio Frequency Radiation more RF energy from AM/FM radios mounted outside a vehicle, usually on
RF energy in the frequency range and TV broadcast station antennas the roof, window, trunk or fender. The
of LF, MF, HF VHF, UHF or than from mobile telephone and base metal surface of a vehicle provides a
Microwaves is often referred to as station antennas. However, once the shield between the mobile telephone
radio waves, RF radiation, or RF emis- energy is absorbed from either source, or radio user and the RF energy radi-
electrons in tissue near the body’s sur- the human body. However, overexpo-
face can absorb energy from intense sure to UV radiation has adverse
optical sources, thereby causing heat- health effects. In addition to the imme-
ing and even burning. Visible light diate effect of sunburn, overexposure
spectrum is illustrated in Figure 6. to UV radiation can cause skin cancer,
Optical radiations are not very eye damage, immune system suppres-
penetrating; therefore, the eye and the sion, and premature aging. Children
skin are the organs of greatest con- are highly susceptible to harmful UV
cern. The immediate effects can be radiation. Because of its greater bio-
retinal injury to the eye as well as logical effects, some references consid-
abnormal redness and burning of the er UV to be ionizing radiation.
skin due to solar radiation (sunburn).
Delayed effects include cataract for- X-Rays, Gamma Rays and Other
mation, retinal degeneration, acceler- Nuclear/Cosmic Rays
ated aging, and skin cancer. The adverse effects of large doses
of ionizing radiation were seen shortly
Effects of Infrared (IR) after the discovery of radioactivity
Infrared (IR) is an energy field and X-rays in the 1890s. In 1902, skin
similar to visible light but with a cancers were reported in scientists
longer wavelength. This radiation, who were studying radioactivity. The
typically emitted by heat lamps, role of radiation in causing leukemia
molten metal or glass, fireplace in humans (primarily in physicians
embers and other “hot” objects, is and radiologists) was first reported in
invisible to the human eye. The ther- 1944.
mal effects, characteristic of the IR
region, extend into the spectrum of X-Ray and CT Scan
visible light. However, while visible Due to the extremely high frequen-
light energy is emitted by objects only cies and energies of these forms of
at a high temperature, infrared ener- EMR, they have sufficient energy to
gy is emitted by all objects at ordinary break chemical bonds in living tissue.
temperatures. Some studies have The well-known biological effects of X-
shown that infrared energy can have rays are associated with the ionization
positive effects on human cells in that of molecules. The many types of X-ray
it can help to rebuild connective tis- devices include:
sue. Infrared radiation has no correla-
tion with ultraviolet radiation and, • Radiographic systems (dental, podia-
applied in moderation, has no damag- try, veterinary, medical, chiropractic)
ing effect on human health. • Fluoroscopic imaging systems; (hos-
pitals, radiologists)
Effects of Ultraviolet (UV) • Cancer therapy
The main effect of Ultraviolet (UV) • CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
radiation is photochemical; this effect • Mammography
is also the case, but to a lesser degree, • Cabinet X-ray systems for security
with visible light. Everyone is exposed (baggage inspection at airports)
on a daily basis to the UV radiation • Industrial radiography (pipe welds,
contained in sunlight. The harmful circuit board analysis)
effects of UV exposure depend on the • Bone Density Scans for detection of
level of exposure, the duration of expo- osteoporosis
sure and differences in the susceptibil- • Other medical and research applica-
ity of individuals to UV light. UV radi- tions
ation has both positive and negative
effects. The positive effects of UV radi- A CT scan is essentially a sophisti-
ation include warmth, photosynthesis cated type of X-ray that can take cross
in plants, and vitamin D synthesis in section images of the body. These scans
provide excellent bone detail by shoot- Safety Guidelines such as leukemia or bone, breast, and
ing multiple X-ray beams through the In the United States, federal, state lung cancer.
body to create a computer-generated and local authorities require that all
image. Whole-body scans require high- equipment and facilities emitting elec- Acknowledgements
er doses of the X-ray radiation to make tromagnetic radiation comply with Many thanks to Robert
these images. As is the case with other their exposure guidelines. These Edmondson and Ernest Roiz for
forms of ionizing radiation, X-rays, guidelines are designed to protect review comments and their valuable
over the long term can the modify both occupational workers and the suggestions regarding ways to
genetic material in cells and cause general public with a very large mar- improve this paper.
mutations leading to cancer. gin of safety. These limits have been
It is important to realize that the endorsed by federal health and safety References
amount of X-ray radiation used in agencies such as the Environmental 1. “Opinion on Possible Effects of
most diagnostic procedures is so small Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Electromagnetic Fields (EMF), Radio
that the risk is extremely low. Multiple Administration, etc. These standards Frequency Fields (RF) and Microwave
X-Ray examinations do not appear to limit exposure to levels many times Radiation on Human Health,”
increase risk, and no limits have been below those levels generally accepted Scientific Committee on Toxicity,
placed on the number of medically nec- as having the potential to cause Ecotoxicity and the Environment
essary X-ray examinations a person adverse health effects. (CSTEE).
may undergo. However, it is always 2. Guidance for Industry and
safe to assume that the same kind of Conclusions FDA—Regulation of Medical Devices,
effects that occur at high doses of radi- Electricity—Studies of workers U.S. Department of Health and
ation could occur at low doses; there- exposed to strong electric and magnet- Human Services, Food and Drug
fore, it is better to try to reduce expo- ic fields (60 Hz ) from power lines pro- Administration, Center for Devices
sure as much as possible. Patients vide no consistent evidence that these and Radiological Health.
should, if possible, minimize their fields are damaging to DNA or that 3. Electromagnetic Fields and
exposure to X-rays, especially to CT they are capable of causing mutations Human Health, by John E. Moulder,
scans which should not be performed or cancer. Ph.D., Professor of Radiation
on women who may be pregnant. RF—The most apparent biological Oncology.
effects of RF energy to living cells are
Gamma Rays due to heating. While it is not certain Author Information
Everybody is basically aware of the that RF radiation generally poses any Ali Zamanian received a B.Sc.
high degree of danger associated with risks to human health, some reasons degree in Iran in 1964 and a M.Sc.
atomic radiation. Gamma rays, as well exist for being concerned about degree in Electrical Engineering from
as Alpha and Beta particles emitted human health effects from the cellular the University of Essex, England in
from radioactive material and nuclear phones themselves. These concerns 1977. He joined Fluor Corporation’s
reactions, are forms of ionizing radia- exist because the antennas of these Telecommunication Division in 1984
tion; these rays and particles can cause phones deliver much of their RF ener- and has been involved in RF system
chemical or physical damage when gy to small portions of the user’s head. design, mainly on the Public
they deposit energy in living tissue. No evidence exists regarding any Safety/911, two-way radio and cellu-
Health effects resulting from expo- harmful effects resulting from expo- lar/PCS communication networks. He
sure to radiation vary from no effect at sure to typical levels of RF and EMF is currently Telecommunications
all to death, and can cause disorders radiation. However, everyone should Engineer Con-sultant with Fluor
such as leukemia or bone, breast, and be aware that exposure to such radia- Industrial & Infrastructure Group.
lung cancer. In addition, the children tion may not be completely safe at cer- Cy Hardiman is a Project Manager
of pregnant women who were exposed tain power levels and frequencies. It is at Fluor Corporation. He received his
to high doses of radiation have shown always a good idea to avoid unneces- B.S. degree in Construction Manage-
an increased risk of birth defects. sary radiation exposure whenever ment from Purdue University in 1974.
These effects have been observed possible. He joined Fluor in 1975 and worked in
in various studies of medical radiolo- EMR exposure at the highest fre- the refinery, petrochemical and nucle-
gists, uranium miners, radium work- quencies (X-Rays, Gamma rays) is a ar industries. His telecommunications
ers, radiotherapy patients, and the source of serious biological damage. career began as a Project Manager in
people exposed to radiation from Health effects from exposure to this 1987 managing various wireline, wire-
Chernobyl and the atomic bombs form of radiation vary from no effect less, Public Safety, and operations and
dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. at all to death, and can cause diseases maintenance projects.