This animal ecology study reports that weak anthropogenic-like airborne electric fields can reduce honeybee floral landing rates. It reports deterrent effects for AC and positive DC fields, with no statistically significant effect for negative DC fields. The authors also report that electric fields measured near high-voltage power lines can match the levels that affected bees and extend tens of meters at foraging-relevant heights.

This cross-sectional epidemiologic study enrolled 100 employees of an electricity company to assess whether occupational low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure is associated with cataract development. Cataract frequency was higher in exposed versus non-exposed groups, and nuclear opacity grading differed significantly between groups. Within exposed workers, nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract grades were associated with longer work experience, suggesting occupational exposure may be a risk factor, particularly for nuclear cataracts.

This multi-hospital case-control study (n=316) examined associations between use of common household electrical appliances emitting ELF EMF and tumour risk. Most devices showed below-unity odds ratios, while computer screen and microwave oven use showed slightly increased odds with wide confidence intervals. Proximity to electricity transformer stations was associated with higher tumour odds, whereas proximity to powerlines was not.

This review describes public concerns and scientific reports of non-thermal biological effects from low-intensity ELF and RF exposures. It lists multiple health endpoints reported to be associated with ELF and/or RF and highlights the BioInitiative Report’s conclusion that a reasonable suspicion of risk exists at environmentally relevant levels. The authors argue that existing public exposure standards should be lowered and that mobile phone SAR guidelines should be revised based on biology and long-term risk claims.