Epidemiology of Electromagnetic Fields

Appeals to a Wide AudienceFueled by more than 30 years of intensive research and debate on the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on everyday life—starting with residential exposure to magnetic fields and the development of childhood cancer in the 70s and continuing with risk of exposure via wireless communications in present day—Epidemiology of Electromagnetic Fields addresses ongoing public and scientific controversy surrounding the possible effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) to human health, and provides an in-depth introduction into the methodology of environmental epidemiology that is appropriate for all levels, from student to practicing engineer. Exposure to EMFFocusing primarily on EMF examples, the author presents the general principles and methodological concepts in environmental epidemiology. Topics of importance in the first part of the book include epidemiological study designs, exposure assessment methods and implications for the study results, as well as selection bias, confounding, and other biases including reverse causality and ecological fallacy. The second part of the book covers environmental epidemiological methods in detail and outlines key examples such as childhood leukemia and exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields, as well as examples that look at brain tumors and mobile phone use. The book also offers a detailed discussion on the range of EMF sources and exposures. In addition, it highlights the sophisticated assessment methods required to address exposure situations, and provides a historical perspective. The third part of the book examines how EMF exposure from the use of wireless communication techniques and other challenges affect risk assessment today and also details future developments.Explores environmental epidemiological methods in detail, while critically discussing epidemiological findings Provides a state-of-the-art overview of the scientific evidence of the health effects of EMF Considers how novelty, the steep increase of radiofrequency (RF) EMF exposure from wireless communications, and other challenges affect risk assessment today Epidemiology of Electromagnetic Fields provides a thorough overview of the subject, and evaluates the scientific evidence surrounding the possible health effects of EMFs.

"[A]ll scientists interested in environmental epidemiology, or more specifically the epidemiology of electromagnetic fields, should have this book on their shelves. A health physicist or scientist who wants to know pretty much everything about these subjects will find the chapters of this book a treasure trove of information selected by experts in the field. Even an expert in the field will take pleasure in finding that the authors have addressed esoteric topics like ‘reverse causation.’"—Health Physics, April 2015

Martin Röösli has a background in atmospheric physics and a PhD in environmental epidemiology. He is a professor at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in Basel. His research focuses on environmental health and includes exposure assessment studies, etiological research, and health risk assessment in the areas of electromagnetic fields, ionizing radiation, noise exposure, passive smoking, climate change, and ambient air pollution. He has conducted epidemiological studies on personal exposure and health effects of electromagnetic fields, is a member of various national and international commissions on environmental health risk, and has published numerous scientific papers, reviews, and book chapters.