UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
EFA-SAB-Ltr-9Q-QQ3
May 4, 1990
OFFICE OF
THE ADMINISTRATOR
Honorable William K Reilly
Adm inistrator
U.S. Environmental protection Agency
401 M Street, SW
Washington, D.C, 20460
Dear Mr. Reilly:
Acting, upon the recommendation of its Radiation Advisory
Committee, the Science Advisory Board urges you to malce provisions
for an early resumption of the Agency's research and related
activities needed to make decisions about the issuance of
guidelines for exposure to nonionizing electromagnetic fields,
The Science Advisory Board has made strong recommendations to
this effect several times before, going back to the Agency's 1983-
84 report which reviewed research in this area by its own and other
laboratories. In 1984, the Science Advisory Board found, "that the
report is an adequate review of the scientific literature and can
serve as the basis for the development of radiation protection
guidance for use by Federal agencies to limit exposure of the
general public to radio frequency radiation." However, the guidance
development effort (and the Agency's own research) was subsequently
terminated despite objections from other Federal agencies,
industry, the academic community, and the Agency's own Science
Advisory Board.
It is the Board's present view that its earlier
recommendations have lost none of their force. In addition, new
circumstances have arisen that further support these
recommendations. Recent research has focused attention on
nonionizing electric and magnetic fields well below the usual
radiofrequency range, down to 60-Hz power line and lower
frequencies, as well as radiofrequency fields modulated at these
extremely low frequencies (ELF). Reports in recent issues of
scientific journals have suggested the possibility that ELF and
power frequency fields may produce detrimental health effects.
Some of these studies suggest that, cancer is associated with
exposure to alternating current magnetic fields. The Agency's
Human Health Assessment Group is expected to draw attention to this
possibility in its forthcoming report.
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All these circumstances reinforce our view that the Agency
should resume its efforts in this area. It is entirely
appropriate for EPA actively to conduct research on nonionizing
radiation, including ELF effects. Even though the Department of
Energy and the National Cancer Institute conduct research on ELF
effects, EPA will be called upon to address the public health and
environmental issues involved. The fact that other agencies, state
and local authorities, and foreign governments have looked to EPA
for assistance on this issue reinforces the need for EPA actively
undertake this ELF research.
The Board affirms its interest in this subject, continues to
follow the progress of science on non-ionizing electromagenetic
fields and to conduct reviews for the Agency. There is enough
substance to the science in this area to require your attention.
The Science Advisory Board continues to urge the Agency to
undertake a leadership role in this complex and important area.
Sincerely,
Raymond C. LoeHri Chairman
Executive Committee
Science^ Advisory Board
Oddvar F. Nygaard, Chairman
Radiation Advisory Committee
Science Advisory Board
cc: Mr. R. Guimond
Dr. W. Farland
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