Research Recommendations from JEIC

1 November 2012

Research Proposal on Low-Level Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields and Childhood Leukemia

Although the exposure levels are much lower than international protection guidelines, there is still concern that exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields in residential environments may cause childhood leukemia. It is estimated that 0.8% of the population of children grow up in such a living environment (0.4 microtesla or higher). On the other hand, the international exposure guideline is 200 microtesla, and the WHO (World Health Organization) Environmental Health Criteria and Fact Sheets issued in 2007 indicate an association between low-level exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and childhood leukemia, but they do not support the use of 0.4 microtesla as a national exposure standard. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines issued in 2010 also express a similar view. Additionally, the WHO recommends that governments continue to conduct research on low-level exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and the development of childhood leukemia.
In Japan, the report of the Working Group on Electric Power Facility EMF Policy, established under the Electric Power Safety Subcommittee of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in June 2008, includes the following policy recommendations regarding the long-term health effects of exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields.

Regarding (1) in particular, the committee stated that "Since uncertainty remains in the relationship between exposure to magnetic fields and health effects, industry, academia, and government should continue to cooperate in promoting research to reduce the uncertainty. However, based on the results of conventional in-vivo and in-vitro studies and the challenges of epidemiological research on magnetic fields and childhood leukemia, there are points that need to be improved in the research methods for evaluating the effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on inducing childhood leukemia, and a different approach should be considered moving forward. We believe it is necessary to seek opinions from a wide range of experts in various fields, including engineering, medicine, and biology, regarding specific research themes. In order to properly advance research related to magnetic fields, there are limits to the current perspective of the current approach of regulating individual businesses by stove-piping each ministry, and it is necessary to establish a new mechanism for conducting research by having the relevant ministries work together to identify the necessary research fields and themes while looking at the overall electromagnetic field problem. This is a new research mechanism that needs to be established". However, the policy proposal for promoting of research has not been materialized to date.

The Japan EMF Information Center (JEIC), was established in 2008 following the above recommendation (2). Many people are concerned about the relationship between magnetic fields and childhood leukemia, and we believe it is very important to scientifically clarify this issue.
In 2011, we hosted an EMF Forum titled "Childhood Leukemia! What to Do for Future Research?" and invited researchers with expertise in this area. During the forum, we deepened our understanding of the current status and future challenges of childhood leukemia research.

Based on the discussions at the forum, we gathered the opinions of experts who are knowledgeable about research on extremely low-frequency magnetic field exposure and the potential link to childhood leukemia to analyze the current status of this issue and to make joint recommendations for future research.

These recommendations are not directed at any particular research area, institution, or researcher, but rather at the nature of future research. We hope that our recommendations will be of use to relevant institutions as they develop new research plans on this issue.

Finally, we have received letters of recommendation from Dr. Fumimaro Takaku, President of The Japanese Association of Medical Sciences, Dr. Yuzuru Kanakura, Chairman of the Japanese Society of Hematology; Dr. Eiichi Ishii, Chairman of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Hematology / Oncology; Dr. Chiharu Tohyama, Chairman of the Japanese Society for Hygiene; Dr. Takashi Ohida, Chairman of the Japanese Society of Public Health; and Dr. Akihiko Yokoyama, Chair of the Working Group of Electric Power Facility EMF Policy. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to them.

November 2012
Director of JEIC
Member, International Advisory Committee, International EMF Project, World Health Organization
Chiyoji Ohkubo