Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)

Electric devices don't just produce electric fields, however - they also produce magnetic fields, and it's the magnetic fields that is generating the most interest in modern research. Magnetic fields are produced by current, not voltage - that is, the lamp is both plugged in *and* turned on. Magnetic fields produced by power lines or household appliances are not easily shielded by buildings or objects - safety lies in distance. That's why people who live close to power lines have reason to be somewhat more nervous than folks who are some distance away. Houses and trees between you and the lines offer no protection from any effects the magnetic fields might produce.

There isn't an obvious answer to the original questions about health effects and electromagnetic radiation, but the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (http://infoventures.com/private/federal/... offers these suggestions: keep the distance between yourself and an EMF source at a maximum (sit arm's length away from your computer!), avoid high EMF sources (don't let children play under power lines), and reduce the time spent in the field (turn your computer monitor and other appliances off when you aren't using them).

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