For my physics class I had to read a chapter from Robert Park's Voodoo Science (posted on our LearnLink conference under "Good Books"). The chapter follows the scare that took place during the '80s and '90s about a possible link between exposure to EMF and cancer. In the end, the studies wasted $25 billion dollars and lots of time only to discover that there was no apparent connection. The controversy was sparked and fed by a columnist for The New Yorker who first wrote an article about the higher occurrence of childhood leukemia in children who live near power lines. The study he cited did not take into account that such children often lived in poorer, less healthy conditions. This led Park to suggest that perhaps the real answer was to not be poor. Nevertheless, the columnist published more articles and several books on the "issue".
I thought it was interesting that I had to read this article the same week we discussed scientists' role as advocates for their discoveries. This article made me wonder about turning the question around: what role should advocates/public controversies play in determining what research scientists do? This was an example of vast resources being wasted because of sensationalistic claims, but are there ever situations where public pressure on researchers could be positive? Any thoughts?
7 comments:
I am so glad you posted this entry. I have a friend who is an electrical engineer and he does not believe that there is no link between EMF and cancer. Maybe this book will convince him. See, sometimes even scientists and engineers get caught up in the sensationalism. Without researching more deeply, it is difficult to draw conclusions.
It appears that both of you are young; therefore your naivety can be excused. There is a definite link between EMFs and several illnesses. Assuming that you are young, it is unfortunate that your generation and that of your children will have to go through years of doubt and denial just as we did with asbestos, DDT and tobacco. Enjoy.
While I agree that there is certainly something about EMF that makes me uneasy, I would like to know what studies or articles you refer to when you say that there is a definite link between EMF and illness
Brandon. Great name. On of my sons has it. I'm sorry I don't have the time to direct you to a specific paper but a good starting point is searching for;
Magda Havas, B. Blake Levitt and the Benevento Resolution.
The safety levels in North America are archaic at best and the time will come when criminal will be a more suitable descriptor.
I came across two articles cited through governmental websites who state that there is NOT a link between EMF and cancer or other illnesses as some suggest.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has information (pg. 9 of the article) that states that the scientific evidence suggesting an exposure to EMF causing health risks is weak. Many people associate health risks with EMF because of what they have heard about those who work with EMF (having cancer). Much of the studies have not shown a casual relationship between EMF and health risks.
In the article by the Tennessee Valley Authority, they state that studies who have reported a possible relationship between EMF and health risks have not been reproducible in larger and more controlled studies, which weakens the validity of those studies.
Here are the articles:
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/docs/niehs-report.pdf
http://www.tva.gov/power/projects/500kv_line/facts_ems.htm
Follow the money, Lindsay. First problem; 'government websites'. Realize that electricity is one of the most profitable and biggest businesses in North America. The governments promote business first and look after the needs of people last. Case in point; New Orleans. How many years has it been now? Trust me, the day is coming that the 'causal' proof (from the word cause) will be made. Like so many other murders, most of the evidence is already in place, they just need that last piece to convince the jury. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and minimize your own exposure.
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