Since epidemiologic studies have reported a modestly increased risk of oncogenesis associated with certain electromagnetic fields (EMF), popular media and scientists have raised concerns about possible health hazards of environmental exposure to EMF. Laboratory-based experiments have shown that a variety of biological responses were induced by EMF, although these results were controversial and conflicting. The non-thermal effects of low energy EMF,the possible interaction of EMF with biological system have become focus topics in the biolectromagnetic fields. This paper focuses on recent studies of static and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields, especially the interactive mechanism between EMF and cellular membrane and protein kinase signal transduction pathways. The potential genetic toxicity and risk evaluation are also discussed. However, the existence of some positive findings and the limitations in the set of studies suggest a need for more work.
DNA Damage ; radiation effects ; Electromagnetic Fields ; adverse effects ; Environmental Exposure ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Humans ; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced ; etiology