ELF magnetic fields in a city environment.

Bioelectromagnetics · 2001 · Unclear · Insufficient evidence

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UnclearInsufficient evidencePaper 5327

Study snapshot

PublicationBioelectromagnetics · 2001

Study typeexposure_assessment

Reported directionUnclear

Evidence ratingInsufficient

Abstract

Some epidemiological studies indicate an association between extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure and cancer risks. These studies have mainly taken residential and occupational exposure into consideration. Outdoor environments are often considered as low level areas, but in this paper we show that this is not true in a city environment. We have mapped the ELF magnetic flux densities along certain stretches of sidewalk in central Göteborg City, Sweden. About 50% of the investigated street length shows flux densities of the same order of magnitude (0.2 microT and above) as those associated with increased risks of cancer in epidemiological studies. We conclude that the outdoor exposures in a city environment also should be considered in exposure assessments and risk evaluations. These elevated flux densities are probably due to stray currents. We also found strong magnetic flux densities (> 1.0 microT) close to ordinary distribution pillars, power substations, shoplifting alarms, and other electrical devices.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeexposure_assessment

Effect directionunclear

PopulationNot supplied

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureELF

Evidence strengthInsufficientConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

ELF magnetic flux densities were mapped along stretches of sidewalk in central Göteborg City, Sweden. About 50% of the investigated street length had flux densities on the order of 0.2 µT and above, and strong flux densities (>1.0 µT) were found close to distribution pillars, power substations, shoplifting alarms, and other electrical devices; elevated levels were suggested to be probably due to stray currents.

Outcomes measured

ELF magnetic flux density (microtesla, µT) measurements in urban outdoor settings

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": "city outdoor environment (sidewalks); distribution pillars; power substations; shoplifting alarms; other electrical devices",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": null,
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "ELF magnetic flux density (microtesla, µT) measurements in urban outdoor settings"
  ],
  "main_findings": "ELF magnetic flux densities were mapped along stretches of sidewalk in central Göteborg City, Sweden. About 50% of the investigated street length had flux densities on the order of 0.2 µT and above, and strong flux densities (>1.0 µT) were found close to distribution pillars, power substations, shoplifting alarms, and other electrical devices; elevated levels were suggested to be probably due to stray currents.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [],
  "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "ELF",
    "extremely low frequency",
    "magnetic fields",
    "magnetic flux density",
    "urban exposure",
    "outdoor environment",
    "sidewalk mapping",
    "Göteborg",
    "Sweden",
    "stray currents",
    "distribution pillars",
    "power substations",
    "shoplifting alarms"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.2,
      "reason": "Mentions occupational exposure context in background, but study focuses on outdoor city measurements."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1002/1521-186x(200102)22:2<87::aid-bem1010>3.0.co;2-w
PubMed: 11180253

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