One of the most controversial and intangible types of pollution is invisible electromagnetic radiation emitted mostly from electrical power lines. A host of modern electric devices, including computer video display terminals (VDTs), microwave ovens, television and radio transmitters, radar, and even electric blankets emit nonionizing electromagnetic radiation, although in lower doses. The radiation is not like the type of radiation that must be contained from nuclear power and weapons production, however, because unlike nuclear energy, electromagnetic radiation cannot actually change atomic structure. Instead, these electromagnetic fields are routinely produced when electrical currents pass through a wire or a common household appliance.

The issue of the health effects of such electromagnetic radiation is controversial. In 1997 the U.S. Research Council concluded a three year review of over 500 separate studies by saying there is no evidence that exposure to ordinary household electric and magnetic fields causes harm to...