Prof. dr. Aldo Canova

The topic of the effects of electric and magnetic fields, particularly at low frequencies, on living organisms has been widely debated over the past 60 years. Despite numerous studies, much remains to be explored. Humans and, more generally, living organisms have evolved within a natural magnetic field, the Earth’s geomagnetic field (GMF), and have inevitably been influenced by it. Before the year 2000, numerous studies and experiments were conducted on this subject, demonstrating how the GMF influences various biological phenomena in humans, animals, and plants. More recently, interest in this topic has increased due to the hypothesis of living on planets other than Earth, where the GMF is absent, in order to assess the possible consequences. In the era of industrialization, the rise of communications, and electrification, the impact of electromagnetic fields on human health has become a crucial issue. Various modes of interaction can be classified based on the frequency, intensity of the fields, and duration of exposure. The scientific community has extensively studied this phenomenon. On one hand, “confirmed effects” have been clearly identified in the presence of high-intensity fields. On the other hand, when it comes to prolonged exposure to low-intensity fields, epidemiological studies have sometimes shown contradictory results. This has led to the need to establish international commissions, such as the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection), to guide policymakers in their decisions. The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), an agency of the WHO (World Health Organization), has also played a key role in evaluating the potential health risks of electromagnetic fields. In 2002, the IARC classified extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF) as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) based on limited evidence suggesting a possible increased risk of childhood leukemia. At the same time, transnational governmental organizations, such as the European Commission, have issued directives for protection against short-term effects of electromagnetic fields. Member states have subsequently adopted these directives, integrating them into their national laws. As a result, the global legislative landscape remains highly inconsistent. A final crucial aspect of electromagnetic field interactions with humans is their use for therapeutic purposes. This field is also vast, but here we will focus on a specific application: Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF). This technique is widely used in medicine and involves the application of pulsed electric or magnetic fields to stimulate the growth of specific cells, such as bone cells, aiding in post-fracture recovery. PEMF therapy is also used for treating conditions like osteoporosis and muscular inflammation. Numerous studies are being conducted on these techniques, yet the cellular mechanisms triggered by these electromagnetic stimuli are still not fully understood. There remain many aspects and uncertainties that science must address. The fundamental question remains: How can electromagnetic fields, even at low intensities, interact with biological phenomena? It appears that Quantum Biology, the latest frontier in science, might begin to provide answers…but much remains to be discovered.

Keywords: electric field, magnetic field, Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF), geomagnetic field, Health and Biological Effects