EMF and current cancer concepts

Exposure to power frequency electric and magnetic fields (EMF) is ubiquitous, and a body of epidemiologic studies has produced evidence suggestive of a possible link between EMF exposure and cancer of several types. This paper provides a perspective that holds key findings in the EMF literature against the background of important models and established principles in cancer biology. It is intended primarily for scientists whose expertise lies outside of cancer biology and animal bioassays. Current thinking holds that carcinogenesis is a multistep process that requires at least two genotoxic events in its critical path but that is facilitated by nongenotoxic proliferative effects on target cells. EMF, which itself is not believed to be genotoxic, could influence carcinogenesis if it exerted either direct or indirect effects on target cell turnover. Such effects could operate through receptor‐mediated or nonreceptor‐mediated pathways. However, effects relevant to carcinogenesis have not been confirmed, and a mode of action for EMF has not been determined. Chronic bioassays in rodents are in progress to examine the potential carcinogenicity of EMFs. EMF research has the opportunity to capitalize on the recent major advances in our understanding of carcinogenic processes. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.