2007 WHO Research Agenda for Extremely Low Frequency Fields

Overview

In 1997, the WHO International EMF Project developed a Research Agenda in order to facilitate and coordinate research worldwide on the possible adverse health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF). In subsequent years, this agenda has undergone periodic review and refinement.

In October 2005, WHO carried out a health risk assessment of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields up to 100 kHz, which is published as a WHO Environmental Health Criteria monograph1 . Gaps in knowledge about possible health effects of ELF field exposure are identified in this monograph, and form the basis for research recommendations given in this Research Agenda.

Following a standard health risk assessment process, it was concluded that there were no substantive health issues related to ELF electric fields at levels generally encountered by members of the public. Thus this Research Agenda addresses further research concerning the possible acute and long term effects of exposure to ELF magnetic fields.