Yes, it can be. Although extremely rare, and usually the result of very high, accidental exposures, low-frequency EMFs can affect the nervous system, and high-frequency EMFs can cause the body and its tissues to heat up.
The long-term effects of lower level exposure to EMFs are less well understood and much more controversial, even though many studies have been conducted (mainly on the effects of magnetic fields on animals and humans).
Following a study in the USA in 1979, which suggested that EMFs could be linked with childhood leukaemia, there has been considerable debate about the safety of living near power lines. More recently, the safety of mobile phones has become an issue.
In 2007 the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported to government ministers on the first interim assessment of SAGE (Stakeholder Advisory Group on ELF EMFs (Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields)) looking at precautionary approaches to ELF EMFs, particularly power lines and property, wiring and electrical equipment in homes.
The HPA reported that: “The impact of exposure to ELF EMFs on health is a difficult and controversial area with mixed views on the extent of any health risk. One major difficulty is that although there are a number of high quality studies and reviews, health effects, if any, are not clear cut, and more work still needs to be done to resolve uncertainties.”
