Power-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields in the studies of their hazardous effects on living beings

Life on Earth is nearly completely dependent on electricity. Whilst this has revolutionized life of mankind, it has also posed the question of possible hazardous effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs)-essentially associated with all current carrying circuits-on all living beings, including humans. The majority of studies of ill-effects of EMFs on humans have been revolving around the time varying (AC) EMFs of extremely low, or power, frequencies. However, no clear understanding of the cause-effect relationship of the phenomena has been established. In most cases the proper identification of source(s) of EMFs, their implications and basis of selection for a given study and experimental set-ups, as also the monitoring and measurement of fields, have not been properly discussed. This paper presents a comprehensive picture of the types of electric and magnetic fields at the power frequency-the causing factor. Then, the electromagnetic effect is explained in relation to the fundamental property of electromagnetic induction of all time-varying fields. A special feature of the paper is the details of a typical set-up used in an experimental study. The paper also lists the lacunae, and the various factors and parameters, that must be considered, especially in the Indian context, for fuller studies of EMFs vis-a-vis humans.