Drybala Stephanie Critical Thinking Worksheet #2 September 28, 2007 I believe, as do the majority of scientists that using cell phones and living by power lines do not cause cancer; nor does using a microwave or other type low Hz radioactive device. The Science Department of the Government spent over $23 billion dollars in research to find out the truth about the beliefs that these radioactive objects cause cancer.
The controversy of these different types of radioactive devices causing cancer began with Paul Brodeur. He felt that power lines were causing cancer; more specifically, leukemia in young children. He thought there to be a direct correlation between power lines and children who had cancer. A series of experiments were run to determine if this was true or not. However, the experiments were not completely accurate. The experiments were not "blind", and the relative strengths of the power-line fields were not measured. They were estimated based on the size and closeness of power lines. This is not at all an accurate study.
Another interesting aspect of the children being diagnosed with leukemia is that these children were coming from neighborhoods that are poor, congested, and polluted. These types of areas typically have more power lines. However, the power lines were not causing the cancer. Living in poverty, in a congested, polluted area such as a city does however increase the risk of contracting cancer.
The frequency emitted from a power-line is so low that we cannot even think of it in terms of radiation or photons. The power-lines are measured in separate electric and
magnetic fields. These electric fields do not in any way pose a hazard to our health. Human tissue conducts electricity. The outermost epithelial layers of our skin act a shield. This shield prevents electric fields from penetrating into our body.
There is no need to worry about the magnetic fields either. The high-voltage lines minimize the magnetic field. And as long as humans have been around they have been exposed to a magnetic field. Earth is one enormous magnet. The electrical currents circulating in Earth's molten core act like a huge dynamo. (Voodoo Science, 152)
Even with all of the televisions, radios, lights, etc. that require electricity in the places that we work and live, the magnetic fields that are produced by electric power is only as strong as about 1 percent of the strength of the Earth's natural magnetic field.
Newer studies that have been conducted of the dangers of power-lines are much more reliable than the previous ones. These studies were "blind" and they actually measured field strength, they didn't just estimate it. These experiments cost billions of dollars and took years to complete. In 1996 the National Committee of Science, run by the Federal Government issued this statement: "Based on a comprehensive evaluation of published studies relating to the effects of power frequency electric and magnetic fields on cells, tissues, and organisms (including humans), the conclusion of the committee is that the current body of evidence does not show that exposure to these fields presents a human-health hazard. Specifically, no conclusive and consistent evidence shows that exposures to residential electric and
magnetic fields produce cancer, neurobehavioral adverse effects, or reproductive and developmental effects. (1996 National Committee reporting)
The National Cancer Institute also did their own study. They did not use any previous information or evidence concerning power lines causing cancer. They launched their own investigation. This investigation was so thorough and extensive that the results would be impossible to challenge. The NCI concluded that any link between acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and magnetic fields is too weak to detect or to be concerned about. (Voodoo Science, 159). They also determined that there is no association between leukemia patients and how close they live to power lines. In May of 1999 the Canadians reported the results of their own research. This study's results were very similar to that of the NCI. Their study also found no connection between exposure to residential electromagnetic fields and leukemia in children.
Microwaves are also a source of electromagnetic radiation. In the course of a normal ordinary day we are continuously immersed in electromagnetic radiation. The majority of this we neither see nor feel. Microwaves use only 60 Hz of or radiation. Research about the effects of microwaves was supported by the Department of Defense. Ellie did an experiment with monkeys that disproved any beliefs that microwaves were dangerous. She had monkey that were exposed to huge doses of microwaves. These monkeys were described as being happy and in perfect health.
The microwave industry at one point once had troubling sales. However, after much research all health effects thought to be contributed to using a microwave has been
discredited. Microwave sales now flourish. Practically every home in America has one. There have been no increases in health problems.
It was once thought that using cell phones could also cause cancer. This theory has also been proved wrong. Cell phones also use such a low amount of radio frequencies. There is no correlation between using a cell phone and cancer or any other type of health problem. In order to calm the fear of consumers, cell phone companies are now required to label the SAR, or Specific Absorption Rate of a particular cell phone on its box. This was done in hopes to ease the concerns of consumers.
I see no reason to worry about using microwaves or cell phones or living near power lines. These all seem to be non-existent concerns. I feel as though feel create more risks for themselves by worrying about these things. For instance, when people thought that being near power lines was dangerous they would move their children to a different school. This move created a longer commute and more chance of a travel related accident. Not carrying a cell phone can be considered dangerous in today's world. It is nice to have the safety and security of being able to call emergency services wherever you are.
In conclusion, over $23 billion dollars was spent researching radio frequencies and electromagnetic and radiation fields. This money could have been better spent elsewhere to perhaps find a cure for cancer or Alzheimer's. Instead it was spent to end people's fear of a problem that did not exist. And one last interesting fact, the average life expectancy has doubled since electricity was first introduced over 100 years ago.