sb@tis.llnl.gov (04/04/89)
The recent comments produce concern -- ionizing radiation is clearly NOT the only to get cancer -- there is much concern about low frequency radiation (previously thought to be safe), such as 60 Hz. There are several studies out that show that people living in the area (not underneath, not sitting on the wire) of high voltage lines have significantly increased chances of cancer (and I forget which type). For infants, it is clearly stated that even the minor field generated by electric blankets can induce cancer. Having been in the EMC arena for a while, the topic of cancer is under very heavy scrutiny in the 500W arena/60 Hz arena, to which we are cur- ently exposing people in relatively large quantities, as this is the std power used to drive large magnetic (Helmholz coils). As a safety prec- aution, we do require our people to be with the vehicle while it is sub- jected to this EMR (as it is on a dynamometer). We also require a minimum of a yearly physical exam done by the company to catch any areas of difficulty that could arise. It is important to understand, that while this field will seriously deflect a CRT beam at several feet, it is nothing when compared to the field produced by a hand held razor. As this applies to Cellphones (including those with internal mount ant- ennas), there is most likely a very small finite probability that the radiation will produce odd side effects in adults. This probability is also vastly increased for infants (namely those under 2 years old). THIS DOESN'T MEAN DON'T USE CELLPHONES! Dosage is the key factor -- no human being is exposed to hours of cellphone communication on end -- expense, drop-outs, safety, and cauliflower ear prohibit such exposure. Using an electric blanket, a child gets 8 hours plus per day exposure. Using our coils - technicians get 2 min/day of whole body exposure and using an electric razor a persons exposure is less than three minutes per day. In the future, there is going to be a significant amount of discussion about radiation limitations in the low frequency and low power areas of operation. These concerns have been troubling the EMC types for quite a while. Bradley W. Smith (313) 685-5265 @ GMPG lll-tis!gmeeca!sb umix!clip!hse001!sb Disclaimer: In consideration of the legal ramifications of the above statements, consider the aforementioned statements to be my personal opinions and non-indicative of my employer.