Low-frequency electromagnetic (EM) radiation is emitted from all electrical devices including power lines, computers, household appliances and the wiring inside the walls of buildings. Radio waves, such as those emitted from cellphones, utility smart meters, smart home appliances, automobiles, data communication networks and devices connected to the Internet of Things also emit electromagnetic radiation. There has been an ongoing debate for many years over the possible harmful effects of being in close proximity to sources of electromagnetic radiation. Some believe EM fields may be harmful in subtle ways. Much research has been done on possible EM field links to childhood leukemia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Some studies have concluded EM fields should be regarded as carcinogens, while others have concluded that exposure to EM fields are unlikely to cause cancer. Industry advocates warn of the cost of enacting new building codes, burying overhead power lines, and shielding appliances and devices to protect us from this potential danger.

Health advocates claim pregnant women and children are most at risk from being exposed to these fields. A U.S. hospital study of 800 pregnant women measured their exposure to EM fields from things like power lines and microwave ovens. It found the children of mothers who had the highest exposure to EM fields had a 3½ times greater chance of having asthma than children whose mothers who had the lowest EM field exposure. Our Air Force has recently voiced concern over pilots being harmed by radio frequency and EM fields from all the high-powered electronics in their aircraft, fearing the problem could be making pilots so disoriented that they crash their planes.

Proposed Legislation: Introduction of legislation to study the health effects of exposure to electromagnetic radiation from power lines, home appliances, wireless devices and other potentially harmful sources of electromagnetic radiation.
Prospective Sponsor: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (WV)