Abstract

Many computers, monitors, and cell phones produce Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Recent research has begun to identify an association between pulsating magnetic fields and health effects, including brain cancer, leukemia, reproductive cell damage, and other deleterious effects. Most studies report the association for cell phones or laboratory generated fields. Few studies have attempted to study a similar relationship associated with computer use. There continues to be no reporting of accurately measured EMF field magnitudes to which subjects are exposed. Identifying the specific level of EMF exposure for each subject is difficult. For longitudinal and meta-analysis studies, determining prior EMF exposure levels is no longer possible. Researchers studying current subjects use estimates rather than direct measurement. This study identifies and reports measured levels of EMF emitted from currently used computers and cell phones at distances experienced by many end users. The magnitude and variability of the measured field levels support the need for researchers to measure specific exposures levels and duration for each subject.