The Bernal Lecture 2004 Are low-frequency electromagnetic fields a health hazard?

Electric power is an essential commodity of the developed world, and is critical to the continuing progress of our technology-based society, as well as to the growth of less privileged societies. In contrast to its overwhelming benefits, there is a suspicion that the magnetic component of the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) associated with power distribution and electrical appliances has adverse health effects, especially a small increased incidence of childhood leukaemia. The possibility that environmental EMFs represent a health hazard has serious economic implications for government, the electricity industry and society, as well as raising several profound scientific challenges, including, in particular, biophysical mechanisms, experimental replication and scientific uncertainty.

Alan Frederick Williams 25 May 1945 - 9 April 1992.

Alan WIlliams is noted for his seminal contributions to the field of leucocyte membrane glycoproteins (that is, differentiation antigens). He played a leading role in the development of approaches to the purification and structural analysis of cell surface antigens. His comprehensive characterization of the structure of the rat Thy-1 antigen, as well as the application of monoclonal antibodies to the designation and subsequent isolation of multiple new leucocyte antigens, were exemplary.

Are environmental electromagnetic fields genotoxic?

Long-term exposure to extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMFs) greater than 0.4 microT has been linked, by epidemiological studies, to a small elevated risk of childhood leukaemia. Laboratory-based experiments have been claimed to show that ELF EMFs induce a variety of biological responses, although these claims are controversial.