Preface E L E C T R O M A G N E T I C FIELDS ( E M F S ) IN T H E ENVIRONMENT come
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sources that are both natural (e.g., U V , I R , and visible light) and manmade (e.g., electric power and appliances), and they cover a wide frequency range. Because the energy o f a field depends on the frequency, the effects on living systems vary with the frequency range. Highly energetic fields at frequencies greater than about 1 0 H z are called ionizing radiation because the energy is sufficient to break chemical bonds. The lower energy E M F s in the microwave range (3 x 10 to 3 x 1 0 H z ) cannot break bonds but do cause rapid heating of tissue as energy is absorbed. A t the still lower power frequencies (50-60 H z ) , even thermal effects of weak fields are negligible, but evidence of important biological effects is growing. In recent years, interest has focused on the 50-60-Hz power-frequency range, largely because epidemiological studies have shown an increased risk of leukemia in children living close to electric power distribution lines. In a parallel but related development, electric devices based on low-frequency E M F s have been approved for therapeutic use to accelerate healing of bone fractures. The stimulation of biosynthesis suggested by both epidemiological and clinical studies has been observed in laboratory studies of cells in vitro. The data from changes in biosynthesis and other cellular processes after exposure to E M F s have recently provided important clues for understanding biological mechanisms. Especially relevant is the fact that the changes i n protein synthesis caused by E M F s are similar to the "stress response" to noxious stimuli normally found in all cells. A s awareness o f E M F s in the environment has grown, along with the sensitivity of the public to possible health risks, the need for sound scientific information has also increased. The Bioelectromagnetics Society was asked by the American Chemical Society's Division of Environmental Chemistry, Inc., to organize a symposium and tutorial on this subject for the spring 1992 A C S meeting in Denver, Colorado. A s chair of the Intersociety Relations Committee, I organized a half-day program of tutorial lectures highlighting important facets (e.g., epidemiology, exposure, and biological mechanisms) of the problem. The program was approved by the Bioelectromagnetics Society Board and was well received at the A C S meeting. After a request from A C S Books to expand the symposium and tutorial into a book, we used the opportunity o f a broader
Downloaded by 80.82.77.83 on June 4, 2018 | https://pubs.acs.org Publication Date: May 5, 1995 | doi: 10.1021/ba-1995-0250.pr001
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format to achieve more effective coverage, especially on the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms of interest to scientists. This book is the result. We have combined the knowledge of many experts on various aspects of the environmental E M F problem to provide an introductory survey at a scientifically sophisticated level. We trust the book will be informative and transmit the excitement and challenge of this field. MARTIN B L A N K
Downloaded by 80.82.77.83 on June 4, 2018 | https://pubs.acs.org Publication Date: May 5, 1995 | doi: 10.1021/ba-1995-0250.pr001
Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics Columbia University New York, NY 10032
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