EMF Bioeffects Lab seeks answers to health effects data questions Electromagnetic fields, or EMFs, are a controversial subject.
Some scientists suspect that they cause or contribute to certain cancers.
Others flatly state that they don't. Because the public's fears associated with EMFs cost money in terms of delaying or rerouting utility lines and other economic activity, Congress asked DOE to sponsor an EMF bioeffects research program. The recently dedicated EMF Bioeffects Laboratory will be part of it. ORNL's lab is one of just a handful that will do EMF replication studies. Paul Gailey of Energy Division cited ORNL's multidisciplinary strength and cooperation across programs and divisions as one factor in obtaining funding for the EMF lab.