Domestic devices, such as electric blankets, phones, dishwashers, computers, and TVs, all have an electric field around them. The electric fields, created by alternating electric current, are low-frequency current. They are called ELF, for extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields.
Groups concerned about the safety of ELF fields recommend that people stay at least one meter away from computer and television screens. However, all electric devices produce ELF fields. People are surrended by electric wiring and electric devices at home, school, and work. The effects of long-term exposure to ELF fields are still unknown.
People studying disease patterns in human populations have noticed a possible relationship between ELF fields and an increase in cancer.
Groups of people exposed daily to ELF fields have a higher-than-normal rate of brain cancer and leukemia. The groups studied include electricians, telephone-line workers, and people who live near high-voltage power lines. The higher cancer rates don't prove that ELF fields cause cancer. Many other unknown factors could be involved.
Some physicists think that ELF fields are too weak to affect the human body. They feel the studies don't prove that ELF fields cause cancer and more research is needed.
