[Environmental exposure to electromagnetic fields and the risk of cancer].

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of power-line frequency are very common in the human environment. Electric tractions and transmission lines of high voltage are their major sources, however, household appliances are also involved in generating EMFs. Although their biological effect has not as yet been well documented, they evoke an increasing concern as being suspected of their carcinogenic effect. This concern arises mainly from epidemiological studies, which indicate an increased risk for leukemia in children living in the vicinity of transmission lines of high voltage. The author presents a review of epidemiological and experimental studies on a possible effect of power-line frequency EMFs on the development of neoplastic diseases. Epidemiological data obtained to date shows that power-line frequency EMFs do not induce cancer risk and if this is the case the risk is marginal (relevant risk of 1-4 order). Nevertheless, this risk seems to be more evident in occupational than in environmental exposure. The results of experimental studies carried out on animals disclose a possible effect of EMFs as a factor contributing to the development of cancer induced by a known carcinogen. In order to answer the question put in the title it is necessary to continue a large scale investigations especially experimental ones.