Interactions of the fields with the body and their physiologic effects are not fully understood. Electric appliances, power lines, and grounding systems are the main exposure sources for most persons. Known human effects include changes in heart function, decrements in performance, suppression of melatonin secretion, and enhancement of wound and fracture healing. Most studies of magnetic field effects in children, workers, and other populations do not meet accepted scientific criteria in terms of accurately measuring past exposures, identifying comparable test and control groups, and accounting for potentially confounding factors. Findings of studies are inconsistent in terms of whether a risk exists, what conditions might be related to exposures, and risk magnitude.
Positive studies indicate, for the most part, that the associated relative risks are low.
This report encourages continued investigation of basic effects and physiologic mechanisms, studies of people's average exposures, and the developing of national exposure standards, if such are recommended by an authoritative advisory panel. The following statements, recommended by the Council on Scientific Affairs, were adopted as AMA Policy at the 1994 AMA Interim Meeting. Will continue to monitor developments and issues related to the effects of electric and magnetic fields even though no scientifically documented health risk has been associated with the usually occurring levels of electromagnetic fields. Encourages research efforts sponsored by agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation to continue on exposures to electromagnetic fields and their effects, average public exposures, occupational exposures, and the effects of field surges and harmonics. Supports convening an authoritative, multidisciplinary committee under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences or the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements to make recommendations about exposure levels of the public and workers to electromagnetic fields and radiation.