ELF Electromagnetic Fields and Neurodegenerative Disease [antikvár]

INTRODUCTIONThere are continuing concerns about the possible health effects that may arise as a consequence of exposure to electromagnetic fields and radiations (EMFs). In relation to exposures to power frequency (extremely low freauency. ELF) electromagnetic fields, the principL~c6ncern has been the possibility that they may be implicated in the development of cancer. This has been addressed in previous reports by the Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation (NRPB, 1992.1994,2001). Research on other possible effects on health has also been carried out in recent years and a number of epidemiological studies have considered the possibi^y of an association between occupational exposure to ELF electromagnetic fields and the development of several ^eurodege^ra^edfseases. ~''----^The Advisory Group has a remit*to review work on the biological effects of non-ionising radiation relevant to human health and to advise on research priorities'In developing its advice for the Board of NRPB on the possible health effects of electromagnetic fields, the Advisory Group has reviewed a number of studies tha^ havQ exanjnedassociai^nsbetween ^heimer'sdisea^. motor neuron disease and I^aridnson s disease and exposurL.,tQ_elgctromagnetic fields. These diseases mjy be classed as neurodegenerative disease as all involve the death^nempns, although their aetiology is different (Savitz etal 1998a,b). Most investigators have chosen to examine them separately and to study only one specific type of motor neuron disease in relation to electromagnetic fields, namely amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's disease).This report examines first the biological basis of these neurodegenerative diseases, the location of~die nerve cells implicated in their development, and the pathological changes that become manifest as they develop.It then reviews the relevant epidemiological studies. These have examined the possiKHty^lilationship^^electromagnetic fields, particularly as aconsequence of work involving the use of electricity (eg electric power line/cable vj^rtes^welder^^and dressmakers).-Although the aetiology of these diseases is different, there is the possibility that oxidativesfi^s^ay in all cases play a significant role in thejeagj^^neurons, whichjaJ key featurejn^thejevdopmem^eacl^ these diseases. The evidence for oxidative stress as a common factoTintfieirdevelopmentis therefore examined.' The possible effects of ELF electromagnetic fields on neurodegenerative diseases have been examined in epidemiological studies, but there_jre_veryje^ experimental investigations. Several studies have, however, examined the effec^f elecffomagneticTields on'calcium exchange in nervous tissue and other^dirm effects^ on nerve tissue function. andltie'iiiulfsoftEese studies are reviewed '^^'rheb^icc^e^Qnce relating these diseases to electromagneticjeldexp^^ is then considered and recommendations made for further work.