BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY OF GRANADA

_________________________________________________________________________________

"Intercellular Communication" Research Team DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY

FACULTY OF MEDICINE AVDA. MADRID, 11

E-18012 GRANADA (SPAIN) __________________________________________________________________________________________

Dr. Darío Acuña Castroviejo Phone: +34-58-246631 Professor of Medical Physiology Fax: +34-58-246295 E-mail: dacuna@ugr.es

Granada, July 31, 2006

SCIENTIFIC REPORT ON THE EFFECTS

OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS

ON THE HUMAN ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

AND ASSOCIATED PATHOLOGIES

This report has been prepared and issued by Professor Dario Acuña Castroviejo,

Professor of Physiology at the University of Granada, Secretary of the Institute

of Biotechnology of the University, and co-editor of “Journal of Pineal

Research”, the leading international journal in the field of melatonin, based on

his knowledge and research experience in the field of endocrinology and

specially of melatonin.

Dr. Darío Acuña Castroviejo

Professor of Physiology

SCIENTIFIC REPORT ON THE EFFECTS

OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS

ON THE HUMAN ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

AND ASSOCIATED PATHOLOGIES

1. Background

Human body health is maintained thanks to the perfect functioning of several regulatory

systems, being the endocrine the one with a perfect control to maintain communication

between the nervous and immune systems. Thus we speak of neuro-inmuno-endocrine

system, responsible for the functional balance, that is, the body homeostasis, working in close

communication. This intercommunication is possible because the cells of the three systems

share specific receptors and other mediators. In turn, this relationship between the systems

explains a series of events which explain that situations such as depression, emotional stress

or anxiety, are accompanied by increased susceptibility to infections, cancer or autoimmune

disease, which means poorer health and shorter longevity. By contrast, pleasant situations and

optimistic vital status helps to overcome illness, and in general to have better health.

Moreover, it has been confirmed that alterations of the immune system, as may happen in an

infectious process, modify negatively the functionality of nervous and endocrine systems, and

vice versa. In all these cases, health disorders are accompanied by a significant increase in

oxidative stress and imbalance in redox state of the cell. Therefore, any impact on one of the

system regulators affects the rest, which is of great importance in medicine, when seeking the

causes of certain diseases.

2. Electromagnetic Fields

Living beings are bioelectrical structures. Every living cell behaves as a dipole due to the

potential difference across the cell membrane (between -10 and -100 mV). On the other hand,

the Earth is surrounded by a static magnetic field of an average value of 500 mG and receives

sporadic natural manifestations of solar magnetic ejections. Therefore, living beings have

been subjected over millions of years to natural magnetic influences, which probably had and

still have an influence on different biological functions. When magnetic and electric fields

vary over time, electromagnetic fields are then created. The use of electrical power and

telecommunications systems introduces in working and domestic environments

electromagnetic radiation (non-ionizing radiation) with wave frequencies ranging between

100 KHz to 300 GHz. The proliferation of the number of sources emitting electromagnetic

radiation has raised high concern and deep interest in knowing the influence of this physical

factor on humans.

2.1. Biological interaction of electromagnetic fields

The nature of the interaction between an electromagnetic radiation and biological matter

depends on the frequency of emission. Frequency and wavelength are related, when

frequency increases, wavelength decreases. Although electromagnetic spectrum is currently

referred to as the main source of energy waves, sometimes electromagnetic energy acts itself

as particulate matter rather than as waves, being this particularly true for high

frequencies. The nature of these electromagnetic particles is important because it is the

energy amount per particle (or photon, as these particles are called) which determines the

biological effects electromagnetic energy will cause. Magnetic fields are difficult to shield

and they easily penetrate buildings and people. On the contrary, electric fields have little

ability to penetrate skin or buildings. As static electric fields do not penetrate the body, it is

assumed that any biological effect from routine exposure to static fields must be due to the

magnetic component of the electric field. Because of their electrolyte composition, living

beings are good electricity conductors. Ionic currents flow through cell membranes and intra

and extracellular body fluids and especially through nerve and muscle cells exposed to a

specific magnetic field. Furthermore, within biological systems there are magnetically

influenciable structures, such as free radicals, that have paramagnetic properties.

The response of a biological system to an external magnetic field depends as much on the

intrinsic magnetic properties of the system as on the characteristics of the external field and

the properties of the medium in which the phenomenon occurs. On the other hand, extremely

low frequency non-ionizing radiations such as those from 50 Hz magnetic fields affect a large

number of biochemical processes, among which: a) synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA and

RNA), responsible for our genetic, heritage and proteins endowment; b) change the hormone

production; c) modify the immune response, and d) change the degree of cell growth and

differentiation, determining the appearance of cancer. From a physical standpoint, it is

assumed that the main interaction between electromagnetic fields and the body occurs in the

cell membrane and more specifically in the ion channels, being the calcium dependent the

most actively involved in biological alterations.

2.2. Electromagnetic fields and free radicals

Due to their conformation, free radicals are atoms and molecules that have the potential to

damage body cells entering in contact with them. In the human body, free radicals are

normally produced during aerobic cellular metabolism, primarily at mitochondrial respiratory

chain, by phagocytosis, synthesis of prostaglandins, and by the cytochrome P450 system in

the liver. Free radicals can also be generated from non-enzymatic reactions such as oxygen

reactions with organic compounds and those produced by ionizing and non-ionizing

radiations. Damage to tissue may be serious enough to lead to cell death. Our body defends

itself against free radicals attacks by the Endogenous Antioxidant System. This is why in our

body there is a delicate balance between the production of free radicals, required by our

immune system, and their neutralization when produced in excess. The loss of this balance in

our body causes the most times the presence of excessive quantities of free radicals, inducing

damage to macromolecules of the cell such as nucleic acidosis (DNA and RNA), proteins and

lipids, which can lead to mutagenesis and cancer or cell death. In any case, this unbalance

accelerates the aging process and enables the onset of various diseases.

In living beings, free radicals formed physiologically are regulated by the antioxidant defense

systems. When the production of free radicals increases over the defensive capacity of the

cell, it is created a state of oxidative stress that lies behind many diseases. Environmental

pollution, smoking, high processed foods meals and situations of physical and emotional

stress trigger the production of free radicals in amount greater than the body can normally

neutralize. So, these free radicals damage several different structures such as vascular

endothelium (vascular lesions, atherosclerotic disease), neurons (neurodegenerative diseases

like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, etc.). The antioxidant defense biological systems consist of two

groups molecules. A group consisting of enzymatic character systems, such as superoxide

dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase

(GRD), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

(G6PD). And other group consisting of free radical scavenger molecules such as C and E

vitamins, glutathione, and melatonin. Most of these systems act both upon the cytosol and the

mitochondria, being this second organelle the most important one in the prevention of

oxidative damage and subsequent cell death.

The adverse effects of electromagnetic fields include production increase of free radicals,

both oxygen derived (ROS) and nitrogen derived (RNS) and decrease of antioxidant

defenses. People exposed to these fields show a significant increase in SOD plasma levels

and hydrogen peroxide, which fits with a SOD increase. Also, the total plasma antioxidant

capacity decreases significantly in the exposed people, the serum concentration of

malondialdehyde significantly increases after exposure, indicating an oxidation increase of

cell membrane. At a subliminal level, the damage is present in heart diseases or in cataract

induction after damage to eye lens proteins. As for cancer induction, electromagnetic fields

are not ionizing and therefore may affect the processes of cell proliferation through the

generation of free radicals, which in turn can act on the processes of neoplastic

transformation of cells. Finally, a recent study indicates that electromagnetic fields stabilize

free radicals in such a way that they increase their average life allowing for their greater

dispersion. This increases the likelihood of damage to cell macromolecules, including nucleic

acids, proteins and lipids. The suppression of cell proliferation induced by an electromagnetic

field in the presence of antioxidants supports this way of damage.

2.3. Electromagnetic fields and associated pathologies

Organic and cell functions are based, regulated and coordinated by differences between ionic

and biochemical molecular gradients first and low-frequency and intensity electromagnetic

differences afterwards. This initially biochemical and later electromagnetic activity is

graphically expressed with electroencephalograms, electrocardiograms, electromyograms,

and, more recently, with electromagnetograms. Electromagnetic waves generated by

electrical currents and microwaves (wire phone networks, mobile phone networks, radio

frequencies, tv frequencies, civil and military radar systems and so on) interfere with and

distort the normal functions of human organism. Despite certain controversy in scientific

literature, several publications with sufficient methodological rigor have been issued on the

harmful effects on exposed persons.

The major adverse effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields include:

a) Neurological disorders such as irritability, headaches, fatigue, hypotonia, hyperexcitability

syndrome, somnolence, sensory alterations, tremors, dizziness.

b) Mental disorders: mood and character disorders, depression, suicidal tendencies.

c) Cardiopulmonary disorders: heart rate alterations, changes in blood pressure and peripheral

vascular disorders.

d) Reproductive disorders: menstrual cycle disorders, abortions, infertility and decreased

sexual libido.

e) Increased risk of some cancers such as childhood acute leukemia and central nervous

system tumors.

f) Dermatologic disorders: nonspecific dermatitis and skin allergies.

g) Hormonal disorders: alterations in rate and levels of melatonin and other neurosecretory

substances and sex hormones.

h) Immune disorders: disorders of the anti-infective and anti-tumor immunosurveillance

system.

The potential risk of these complications is greater in the following population groups:

pediatric age, the elderly, pregnant women and infants, and especially among metal

prostheses and pacemakers users. Nowadays, the above is corroborated by the EPA

(Environmental Protection Agency) and the IARC (International Agency for Research on

Cancer).

Continued technological developments result in increasing incidence of this type of

pollution. In the late seventies the first data appeared showing an association between

electromagnetic fields and cancer, particularly childhood leukemia. Since then, there have

been great number of epidemiological and laboratory studies to establish a relationship

between exposure to electromagnetic fields and human disease. The IARC, global reference

on cancer research indicates that exposure to 0.4 μT on doubles the risk of childhood

leukemia in the affected population. An increased mortality rate of leukemia has been

observed in workers whose labor is in environments with electromagnetic fields and in

children living in homes near high voltage power lines. Countries like Sweden have

recognized in their legislation the impact of electromagnetic fields generated by power lines

on childhood leukemia. Other studies showed that most cases of sudden infant death occur in

the proximity of electrified wiring networks, radio stations, high voltage lines and radar

stations, that is, in areas exposed to strong electromagnetic fields. They also found an

increased frequency in congenital malformations in children whose parents worked in high

voltage generating sources, indicating a genotoxic effect of electromagnetic fields.

220 volts and 50 Hz electrical wiring installed in homes generate fields that raise the partial

pressure of oxygen in the blood and hematocrit. Given that brain electrical activity of human

being shows a periodicity ranging from 14Hz to 50 Hz in the state of wakefulness, and

between 8Hz and 14Hz if in the state of relaxation, it is deduced that an external field of 50

Hz as the common electrical grid can induce states of nervousness (electrostress). Moreover,

these fields can alter the fat and cholesterol balance in the blood, increase the production of

cortisol and heighten blood pressure, which can lead to heart, kidney, gastrointestinal,

nervous and other diseases. Other biological alterations due to action of intense artificial

electromagnetic fields include changes in body temperature, alterations in blood electrolyte

balance, joint muscular pain, difficulty in colors perception, fatigue, loss of appetite, impaired

central nervous system, stress, decreased platelet counts, and so on. In short, low intensity

electromagnetic radiations may have an adverse impact and be the cause of the onset and

development of cancer, affect the reproductive functions, cause allergies and depression,

which indicates their clear involvement in the affections of the neuroinmunoendocrine

system.

2.4. Electromagnetic fields and gene expression

Experimental studies indicate that after exposure to electromagnetic fields EMF, immune

system cells are activated and ROS and RNS production is increased. We studied the

expression of genes in monocytes (immune system cells) derived from human umbilical cord

blood after exposure to 1 mT. The results indicate altered expression in 986

genes. Expression of IL2, IL10, FOS genes is activated while HIOMT (melatonin synthesis

enzyme) expression decreases, among many others. These results indicate the start up of a

cellular pathway activation of monocytes, with an inhibition of melatonin production. These

effects occur in the same way that the activation of immune system cells produced by

bacterial lipopolysaccharides, responsible for the induction of sepsis and septic human shock,

that is, a very severe systemic inflammatory reaction. In addition, ROS production after

exposure to electromagnetic fields was of equal magnitude to that produced after

administration of lipopolysaccharides. Therefore, electromagnetic fields directly influence the

human genome, decrease melatonin levels and produce an inflammatory reaction whose

effects can manifest in the medium and the long term.

2.5. Cognitive effects of electromagnetic fields

One of the important considerations of little significance so far however is the effect of

electromagnetic fields on the brain and the consequences in cognitive and behavioral

levels. Evidence suggests that even brief exposures can induce changes in brain electrical

activity, especially within the alpha frequency band (8-13 Hz). Also, another effect now

being studied is the appearance of alterations after exposure to electromagnetic fields, and not

only during the exposure itself. Several studies show significant effects on brain physiology

and cognitive abilities after exposure to these fields. Among them decrease in recognition

memory levels after exposure to100 μT for 1 second, and decrease of alpha activity levels in

the occipital cortex, after 15 min exposure to 80 μT.

3. Endocrine mechanisms of the adverse effects of electromagnetic fields

3.1. The immune system

From birth on, as humans, we are continually exposed to suffer infections and cancer

malignancies, against which we would succumb if it was not because we have a complex

physiological system that defends us from such menaces; the immune system. This system is

responsible for the recognition of our own integrity and this way is able to defend each of us

from strange menaces. The immune system consists of a variety of cells and molecules

capable of recognizing and eliminating unlimited different agents foreign to the organism,

among which not only invading microorganisms are included but also cells of our body

continually maligned by the attacks, among other, from free radicals. The set of mechanisms

in place to carry out this function is known as immune response, which consists of that very

system cells activation. This activation is a set of processes that are well regulated, since an

uncontrolled immune activation would mean, and indeed it does, the individual's death.

The immune system has specific innate or nonspecific functions and acquired or specific

functions. The nonspecific response is developed and acts indiscriminate and immediately

against any foreign agent that has managed to cross the body's natural barriers, or against any

cell that has become cancerous.

This response is carried out by a series of cells such as phagocytes (neutrophils, monocytes

and macrophages) and "Natural Killer" cells (NK) (or naturally killer), which hold a first line

of defense against strange agents. The action of phagocytic cells involves increased oxygen

consumption and the consequent production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), being the

superoxide anion the first. The specific response is the responsibility of lymphocytes, which

once have recognized the strange agent; one of their most representative actions is the ability

to proliferate in an adequate number of cells able to face strange agents. With these properties

the immune system has proven to be fundamental in the maintenance of body homeostasis,

being a clear regulatory system, on equal terms with the classical regulatory systems, as the

nervous and endocrine systems.

3.2. Electromagnetic fields and melatonin

3.2.1. Functions of melatonin

Melatonin is a stress hormone and, as such, its production is directed to counteract it. The

pineal gland is an organ located in the center of the brain, which converts serotonin into

melatonin at night. This circadian rhythm of melatonin is an essential signal for internal

synchronization of a large number of endocrine and non endocrine rhythms as the

sleep/wakefulness itself. Moreover, melatonin is a vital part of the endogenous antioxidant

system of the human organism. The main melatonin effects could be classified into: a)

antioxidant, to debug ROS/RNS and increase the expression of genes coding for antioxidant

enzymes, b) anti-inflammatory, to repress the expression of genes that code for inducible

nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the inducible mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase (i-

mtNOS), and reduce the production of NO. Furthermore, melatonin stimulates the production

of antibodies by the immune system, c) stimulating immune defenses by increasing the

synthesis of antibodies, among other functions. Moreover, melatonin has important

oncostatic effects; it reduces cancer cells proliferation and has neuroprotective effects,

perhaps in part due to previous actions. The decline in melatonin production from the age of

35 on, has been interpreted as favoring the aging process and processes associated with it,

such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Numerous studies endorse the preventive effect of

melatonin administration against many changes associated with oxidative stress and its

consequences.

3.2.2. Effects of electromagnetic fields on melatonin

Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of electromagnetic radiations to decrease

circulating melatonin levels, both in animals and humans. High voltage lines have a decisive

influence in the decline of melatonin. After a month of exposure, melatonin levels are

reduced by 40%, although after removal of the radiation source, these levels become

stabilized. The decrease in melatonin production has as immediate consequence the alteration

of the melatonin circadian rhythm, which causes depression and fatigue, symptoms well

known to be expressed in individuals exposed to electromagnetic fields. Artificial

electromagnetic fields have the same effect on the pineal gland as light, another melatonin

production inhibitor. But whereas during the night, the absence of light stimulates melatonin

production, exposure to electromagnetic fields is continuously for 24 hours, thereby

preventing the nocturnal synthesis process of melatonin. In this regard, a very interesting

study has been carried out in humans exposed to 1 μT around the head and 10 μT around the

rest of the body in their regular work environment. The reduced production of melatonin was

found in women, and the decline was greater in women working during the night, indicating

that there is a summation of effects between the exposure to light and electromagnetic

fields. This would explain the decreased ability of the immune system and the cause of many

insomnia or changes in behavior and mood disorders common to people exposed to

electromagnetic fields.

In the Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory (USA), 60 Hz electric fields and about 2 kV / m

electric fields were proven to reduce the amount of melatonin produced at night, just when

these levels should be maximized. There is evidence that a dose of 400 microwatts/cm2,

inhibits melatonin secretion in humans.

There is a very important fact to consider. Studies with volunteers subjected to

electromagnetic fields of 20 μT for 8 hours per day, did not show a significant decrease in

melatonin levels. Other evaluations, with exposure to 300 μT found no evidence of melatonin

disruption. The problem in these studies was that 0.2 μT exposures were used as control,

which may be the level at which chronic exposures inhibit melatonin. In fact, and this is of

great importance, the ability of electromagnetic fields to inhibit melatonin seems to be at

about relatively low levels, below 0.2 μT. This paradoxical effect is very similar to what

happens with light, as the pineal gland melatonin production inhibition occurs within the

range of 10 to 200 lux, while exposure to 50,000 lux have little influence of melatonin.

The decrease in melotonin levels eliminates this important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

hormone. Because of oncostatic and stimulating actions of the immune system, the decrease

in melatonin causes the body to lose these defense capabilities. On the other hand, it must be

considered that melatonin also regulates the function of certain endocrine organs: the gonads,

pituitary, thymus and hypothalamus.

3.2.3. Electromagnetic fields, melatonin and immune system

Macrophages and neutrophils are immune cells responsible for the defense of the organism.

Electromagnetic fields increase ROS production by these cells. An exposure to 0.5 mT for 45

min is able to activate macrophages and human monocytes, raising the ROS

production. Macrophages play an essential role in the immune system. Activated

macrophages have a high phagocytosis capacity and increased production of ROS and

RNS. These free radicals are helpful in fighting against the invader (bacteria) but, when they

occur after activation of these cells without the presence of infection, as in the case of

exposure to electromagnetic fields, will cause serious damage to the body. Due to the high

amount of melatonin in bone marrow, its decrease due to electromagnetic fields will lead to

increased oxidative stress in marrow affecting at the same time the mother cells. These

changes increase the risk of cancer such as lymphoma and leukemia, and other types of

cancer such as breast cancer.

3.2.4. Electromagnetic fields, melatonin and breast cancer

Estrogens are produced in the ovaries and they are steroid hormones. Their functions are the

development and maintenance of women sexual characteristics, especially in the uterus,

mammary gland and the distribution of fat, but other functions have also been described: they

relieve symptoms of discomfort during menopause, they are hormones protecting against

heart attacks and strokes, and against osteoporosis and diseases of the NBS. The changes in

the endocrine system secondary to ovarian dysfunction are therefore very important and

affect many functions of woman's body, including mood, memory, cognitive abilities,

immune system functions, the musculoskeletal system and cardiovascular function. Estrogens

bind to specific receptors in the cell nucleus, regulating gene expression in the respective

target organs, mainly the female reproductive tract, breast, pituitary, hypothalamus, bone,

liver, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, skin, etc.. Given the importance of

melatonin in the regulation of endocrine functions, we can deduce that the reduced levels of

this hormone could be one of the keys to understanding the increased risk of contracting

cancer in humans exposed to low frequency electromagnetic fields. It has been proposed that

nocturnal melatonin suppression could explain the epidemiologically described association

between occupational and residential electromagnetic exposure and increased cancer

risk. People exposed to electromagnetic radiation may be at increased risk of breast cancer,

either because the inhibition of melatonin can lead to increased production of prolactin and

ovarian estrogens, or by a decrease of the inhibitor direct effect of melatonin on cell

proliferation in breast cancer. In this regard, several studies suggest that if melatonin

production is inhibited estrogen production rises (since melatonin slows down its production),

thus increasing the risk of breast cancer. Indeed, the action of estrogen to accelerate cell

growth in mammary gland is suppressed by melatonin at concentrations as low as 1

nM. However, the antitumor action of melatonin decreases drastically by the action of an

electromagnetic field between 0.2 to 1.2 μT with a maximum activity at 1.2 μT. The same

intensity of electromagnetic field inhibits the antiproliferative action of Tamoxifen, an anti-

estrogen drug used to treat breast cancer. In addition, the decrease of melatonin by

electromagnetic fields can produce the release of cancer cells that were quiescent. In this

sense it has been proved that electromagnetic fields block the inhibitory effect of melatonin in

cancer cells growth.

3.2.5. Electromagnetic fields, melatonin and leukemia

In 1970 the first link between cancer and exposure to electromagnetic fields apperaed. There

is a positive relationship between leukemia, lymphoma and NBS tumors and exposure to

electromagnetic fields. In a case-control study, a direct relationship of childhood leukemia

was found associated with electromagnetic fields of 0.2 μT. In adults, several studies have

indicated risk of leukemia 6 times higher among workers at power plants. Other studies

slightly lower that risk to a 3 times factor. This latest study, conducted in 4,000 cases of

cancer among power plants workers in Canada and France, is very indicative. Currently, it

has been documented the existence of at least twice the risk

associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields higher than 0.3-0.4 μT, having those

exposures been classified as carcinogenic by the IARC. In addition, there is lots of

epidemiological information that suggest a risk increase of certain types of cancer and non-

cancerous diseases associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields. Among them,

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, brain cancer and leukemia.

Other studies have supported the large scale occurrence of leukemia in the U.S., Canada and

the United Kingdom associated with exposure to magnetic fields. A study of 45 deaths in

children, including 18 sudden deaths, showed that melatonin levels were much lower in

babies who die suddenly in relation to other deaths. Hormone levels in the brain were 15 pg /

ml, compared with 51 in the control group, and hormone levels in blood were 11 pg / ml on

average in the 18 sudden deaths case and 35 pg / ml in the other group. The evaluation of

electromagnetic fields in children is of great importance. The fetus, which does not produce

melatonin, receives it through mother`s placenta, who produces more melatonin during

pregnancy. The newly born does not produce significant amounts of melatonin until 6 months

of age. Therefore, the fetus and children under 6 months are especially sensitive to

electromagnetic fields. Undoubtedly, in these cases the lack of melatonin increases the risk of

complications associated with it: mutations due to DNA damage and cancer, rapid growth

tumors, etc. In fact, the incidence of childhood leukemia has increased rapidly in recent

decades in most industrialized countries. Although the causes of this disease are largely

unknown, increasing exposure to electromagnetic fields in these countries and the disruption

of melatonin may play a decisive role.

4. Conclusions

4.1. The data published by the Council of the American Physical Society and the National

Research Council indicate that there is currently no final evidence that exposure to

electromagnetic fields caused by power plants have a risk effect on human health. However,

these organizations also indicate that, in relation to cancer breast and childhood

leukemia, the possible factor of risk of the electromagnetic fields has not been clarified.

4.2. The main current problem of the situation of the partial ignorance of the effects of

electromagnetic fields on human health is that studies on humans have involved a very small

number of cases. Therefore, the lack of significant effects of exposure to electromagnetic

fields may be due more to the lack of data and not to the absence of their effects. On the

other hand, in many of the tests conducted to assess the effects of such exposure it was not

used an appropriate methodology. Therefore it becomes necessary to extend the studies with

modern neuroimaging technical means, as well as magneto-encephalography, which allows

studying the brain electromagnetic activity with much greater accuracy.

4.3. The IARC evidences that, among other things, children are more sensitive to leukemia

from exposure to EMF. This logically questions whether children living in advanced

civilizations are more sensitive to these fields. To better assess the sensitivity of the children

to electromagnetic fields, it has been recently conducted an international workshop named

"Sensitivity of Children to EMF Exposure" organized and sponsored by several international

organizations, including the World Health Organization, the European Commission for

Coordination on Electromagnetic Fields, the Swedish Radiation Protection Authority, the

European Commission for Cooperation in the Field of Science and Technology Research, the

International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and the School of Medicine

of the University of Turkey, where it was organized in 2004 with the following considered

proposals:

-Examine the state of development at which children may be more sensitive to

electromagnetic fields.

-Possible effects of electromagnetic fields in children.

-Identify points for further investigation.

-Recommendations for national authorities of all countries until there is adequate scientific

information.

4.4. In this workshop it has been consensuated that, with current knowledge, and given the

uncertainty about the effects of electromagnetic fields on children, serious steps should be

taken to reduce their exposure to electromagnetic fields, as well as the adoption of

international standards. Such measures should be aimed at minimizing exposure to

electromagnetic fields in schools and kindergartens, as well as on any other location

where children remain a part of the day.

4.5. The hypothesis of melatonin endocrine disruption after exposure to electromagnetic

fields becomes every time more consistent and can participate in the increased risk of

many diseases associated to exposure to electromagnetic fields.

4.6. Final Conclusion: Given the risk factors, the relationship between exposure to

electromagnetic fields, the melatonin production inhibition and the onset of different

diseases, especially breast cancer and childhood leukemia, it is recommended that, while

absence of more studies stating otherwise, power plants generating electromagnetic

radiations should be located as far as possible from the population at risk.

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