02/01/2002 - Powerfrequency affects melatonin levels and IARC accepts EMFs as a possible carcinogen along with DT

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Many studies have now shown that power-frequency magnetic fields can block the protective action of melatonin in fighting breast cancer. A new Japanese study [1] has shown just how the magnetic field can disrupt the cell's signalling systems thatmediate melatonin's oncostatic (anti-cancer) action. They have confirmed that there are reproducable low-level magnetic field effects.

The Japanese group are the fifth to repeat an experiment first reported by Dr Robert Liburdy in 1992. "This paper should be enough for physicists who are skeptical of a 1.2 microtesla effect to reconsider their position", said Dr Richard Stevens, a researcher and previous proponent of this theory "Rational scientists now have to embrace this data," Liburdy told Microwave News "Otherwise they are onstructing science. We need to move forward.".

One key finding is than only some types of MC-7 breast cancer cells are sensitive to magnetic fields. This seems to be an almost universal rule for populations of living cells, or animals, or people - that some sub-groups are more sensistive to a variety of environmental pollutants.

Two other new studies [3,4] have shown that overnight melatonin levels can be reduced by expsoure to power-frequency magnetic fields.

[1] Kabuto, Masami, Ishido & Nitta, Carcinogenesis, 22, pp.1043-1048, 2001
[2] Davis, Kaune et al, A.J.Epidemiology, 154, pp.591-600, October 1, 2001
[3] Levallois et al, A.J.Epidemiology, 154, pp.601-609, October 1, 2001

IARC classifies power-frequency magnetic fields as "possible human carcinogen"

On 27th June 2001, 21 experts from the International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group has unanimously concluded that power-frequency magnetic fields are possible human carcinogens. They placed EMFs in the same category (2B) as chloroform and DDT. Various American groups have earlier place EMFs in the same category, but their reports have been suppressed.