ABSTRACT
Exposure assessment for electric fields is particularly difficult. Power lines may carry no current at all and thus produce no magnetic fields, but they still may be energized and produce similar electric field as when fully loaded. Given the ubiquitous nature of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF), there is concern regarding their potential to adversely affect human health. Calculation of electric fields in the presence of trees or buildings is difficult, thus it is better to measure the electric field than to rely on calculations. Unlike studies of residential magnetic-field exposure and childhood leukemia, epidemiological studies of residential electric fields have been predominately negative. Studies on occupational exposure to EMF and adult leukemia have mostly linked job titles with cancer incidence or mortality. Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring malignancy in women in the United States and the second most worldwide.
