Research Projects in Biological Effects of Electric and Magnetic Fields Controlled by the Power Industry and the Department of Energy
| Project and Contractor | Funding and Duration | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| RP1644-1 “Epidemiological Study of Utility Employees Exposed to High Voltage Electric Fields,” Tabershaw Occupational Medicine Association. | $139,871 4/80–6/81 |
Provide information on health effects of individuals regularly or frequently exposed to high level electric fields. Provide a population base for updating morbidity information on these individuals. Provide dosimetry experience and estimates of exposure for various utility tasks. |
| RP1641-1 “CNS* and Endocrine Studies of Power Electric Field Effects,” Tulane University. *(Central Nervous System) | $260,653 4/79–4/81 |
Determine if high intensity 60Hz fields affect endocrine and/or CNS function in rats. If effects are observed, the mechanisms will be sought and relative degree of adversity will be established. |
| RP1640-1 “Evaluation of Biological Effects of DC Fields—Air Ions”, University of California-Berkeley. | $251,375 5/79–4/81 |
Investigate the effects of air ions produced by high voltage DC fields on the biologic properties of mice. Effort is to be focused on growth, biochemistry, hematology, resistance to infection, tumor growth and tumorogenesis. |
| RP1064 “Effects of Electric Fields on Plants and Developing Embryos,” Westinghouse Electric Corporation. | $796,617 6/77–7/81 |
Coordinate with other EPRI projects. Extends upon RP129. Determine the environmental consequences of EHV and UHV transmission lines. |
| RP0934 “Field Evaluation of Possible Effects of High Voltage Lines on the Honey Bee” | Investigate effects of exposure of honey bees to maximum fields under a 765kV line. Study honey and wax production, reproductive success, hive health, activity and behavior as indicators of neurologicaleffects. | |
| RP0934-1 Bioconcern, Inc. | $266,597 11/76–2/82 |
|
| RP0934-2 ITT Research Institute | $86,587 5/78–3/81 |
|
| RP0799-1 “Electric Field Effects on Large Animals,” Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories/td> | $2,740,775 3/76–5/80 |
Design, fabricate, and test a 60Hz exposure facility for Hanford Miniature Swine (HMS) having no corona discharge, mini-shock, or hair stimulation. Study the effects of HV fields over long periods on HMS. |
| RP0679-6 “Evaluation of Electric Fields on Implanted Cardiac Pacemakers in Humans,” University of Rochester. | $55,728 9/79–9/81 |
Evaluate the effect of varying intensities of electric fields from EHV transmission lines on implanted unipolar and bipolar pacemakers in patients. For comparison, evaluate the effects of household sources of electromagnetic energy. |
| RP0857 “Biological Effects of Electric Fields General Support Study,” ITT Research Institute. | $153,272 8/76–9/79 |
Collect and review the literature that has become available since mid 1974. Prior to this date, literature was reviewed under RP381. |
| RP0799-4 “Probe for Measuring Internal Voltages and Engineering Support: Effects of Electric Fields on Bees,” ITT Research Institute. | $26,611 7/78–3/79 |
Develop instrumentation |
| RP-TPS76-639 “Epidemiology of Lineman and Switchyard Workers,” Equitable Environmental Health, Inc. | $24,175 3/76–7/78 |
Develop instrumentation |
| RP0679-1 “The Effect of 60Hz Electric and Magnetic Fields on Patients with Implanted Cardiac Pacemakers,” ITT Research Institute. | $142,467 | Study the effect of EHV fields on cardiac pacemakers. |
| RP-TPS76-630 “Possible Effects of High Voltage Electric Fields on Honeybees: Feasibility Study,” Bioconcern, Inc. | $42,500 2/76–8/76 |
Determine effects of high voltage powerlines on colony population, honey stores, bee generated noise, hive temperature, queen cell production, swarm tendency. |
| RP0581-1 “Effects of Electric Fields on Large Animals A Feasibility Study,” Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories. | $74,900 8/75–2/76 |
Define conditions for experimental exposure of large animals to high intensity electric fields. |
| RP-381-1 “Biological Effects of High Voltage Electric Fields,” ITT Research Institute. | $82,300 12/74–4/76 |
Develop a plan describing research necessary to determine if there are biological effects from EHV transmission lines. |
| RP129 “Ecological Influences of Electric Fields,” Westinghouse Electric Corporation. | $521,374 5/74–5/77 |
Determine effects of high intensity electric fields on plants, animals and soils. |
| RP0098-1,2 “Biological Effects of Exposure to High Intensity Electrical Fields,” Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine. | 1970–1976 $450,439 (included $5,000 support from TVA) |
Determine if there are any biological effects to humans from exposure to high voltage fields. |
| RP0098-3 Johns Hopkins University | $98,000 7/75–2/76 |
Use anesthetized dogs and telemetered baboons for determining physiological effects of electric fields. |
| EA-77-A-01-6010/A017 “Psycho-Acoustic Response to Line Noise,” National Bureau of Standards. | $891,000 1/76–9/80 |
Investigate the psycho-acoustic responses of humans to audible noise associated with high voltage transmission lines. |
| ET-78-C-01-5059 “HVDC Data Base to ±1500kV,” General Electric Company. | $1,469,754 5/77–10/79 |
Develop a sufficient data base on the effects and characteristics of electric fields and air ion concentrations from DC transmission lines. Evaluate DC transmission as an alternative or complement to AC transmission. |
| FG 01-78ET10157 “Design, Construct and Test DC Bioeffects Enclosure for Small Animals,” Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute. | $570,000 24 months |
Design, fabricate and test a prototype enclosure to subject small laboratory animals to a simulation of the electrical environment under HVDC lines. |
| AC02-80RA-5053 “New Conductor Systems,” Charles T. Main. | $423,000 9/80–9/81 |
Develop promising concepts for new AC transmission conductors and prepare a test program. Develop techniques top quantify and characterize audible noise from corona. |
| ALO 0789/RPIS 2636 “The Effects of Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Biological Systems,” Sandia Laboratories. | $490,000 7/77–9/80 |
Using 3–300 MV/m and 5–500 A/m2 fields, develop an exposure system to produce electric fields within a cell culture medium and grow mammalian cells within that system; determine if the cell system is perturbed by electric fields, and if so, investigate the basic mechanisms for these changes. |
| EA-77-A-01-6010/A018 “Electric and Magnetic Field Measurements,” National Bureau of Standards. | $742,000 3/75–9/80 |
Establish requirements for traceability, performance criteria. Evaluate available instrumentation for measurements of AC and DC fields, calibration criteria, field use procedures. |
| AC02-80RA-50293 “Neutral, Cardiac, and Behavioral Effects of 60hz Fields,” Randomline, Inc. | $190,000 9/80–9/82 24 months |
Investigate, using a battery of central nervous system tests in rats, effects from electric fields and to determine the mechanisms by which the effects may have developed. Determine threshold field strengths for effects found under previous DOE contracts. |
| A C01-80RA-50219 “Effects of Electric Fields on Non-Human Primates,” Southwest Research Institute. | $4,000,000 38 months |
Long-term study of the biological effects of 60Hz electric fields on non-human primates in both individual and group cultures. Data will be related to humans. |
| ET 78-C-01-2875 “Preliminary Study of the Behavioral and Biological Effects of High Intensity 60Hz Electric Fields,” Southwest Research Institute. | $800K/year 4/78–8/80 |
Study effects of 60Hz electric fields on non-human primates. Verify experimental protocols for the effects of high-intensity electric fields on biological parameters and behavior. The feasibility of predictive modeling of baboon and man for computer solutions will be addressed. |
| DE-W-3109-ENG-0038 “Biomedical Effects Associated with Energy Transmission Systems,” Argonne National Laboratory. | $1,132,000 10/77–10/80 |
Design and construct facilities for exposing small laboratory mammals to ELF (10-60Hz) electric fields. Study effects on circadian rhythm regulation viz physiological and behavioral patterns in mammals. Results of the study will assist in establishing allowable 60Hz field strengths for humane exposed to high transmission systems. |
| ET-76-C-06-1830 “Biological Effects of High Strength Electric Fields on Small Animals,” Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory | $2,879,449 2/76–9/80 |
Establish a system for exposing small laboratory animals to 60Hz electrical fields. Study animal responses to these fields. Determine if there are any adverse biological effects. Field strengths up to 130kV/m. |
| AI01-79ET2-9078 “Tissue Interaction with Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Fields,” Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital. | $536,324 4/79–4/81 |
Study effect of 60Hz electromagnetic fields on the central nervous system to achieve an understanding of mechanisms associated with fields and living tissues. |
| ET-79-C-06-1830 “Genetic Effects of Electrical Fields,” Battelle Pacific Northwestern Laboratory. (jointly funded by DOE and EPA) | $335,000 1/79–1/81 |
Determine whether DC and 60Hz electric fields can influence mutation rate in well characterized genetic systems (fruit fly) and if so, to establish a relationship between field strength and mutagenic potential and the mechanisms involved. |
| AC02-80RA-50153 “Electric Field and Ion Effects of HVDC Lines: ±60 to ±1500kV,” General Electric Company. | $1,329,695 1/80–12/83 |
Investigate and quantify the effects of fields and ions which are observed near HVDC lines up to ±1500kV. Complete data base. (PHASE 2 of ET-78-C-01-5059). |
| AC01-79ET2-9016 “Analysis of Electromagnetic Fields and Noise Measurements on TVA 500kV Transmission Lines,” Tennessee Valley Authority | $100K/year 4/79–4/81 |
Measure and assess electromagnetic fields and audible noise along TVA&Rsquo;s 500kV lines. Assess the effects on growth and development of selected plants. |
| CH03490-RPIS 3456 “Tibia Growth and Metabolism in ELF Fields,” University of Rochester. | $127,000 7/79–9/82 |
Investigate the metabolic effects of electrical stimuli. Determine the mechanisms of stimuli. |
| CH03490/RPIS 2907 “Mechanisms of Neuroendocrine and Neurochemical Responses to Electromagnetic Radiant Energy,” University of Rochester. | $744,000 10/77–9/82 |
Assess the stability of physiological regulation in rats exposed to 60Hz electric fields. Relate changes to behavioral studies. |
| CH03490/RPIS 2858 “Detection of 60Hz Electric Fields,” University of Rochester. | $555,000 10/77–9/82 |
Investigate the threshold and mechanisms by which rats perceive the presence of 60Hz electric fields. Determine rat’s preference, aversion or indifference to various field strengths. |
| CH03490/RPIS 2908 “Physical and Environmental Radiation Cytology,” University of Rochester. | $305,000 10/77–9/82 |
Investigate the effects of high amplitude electric fields on selected cell systems. Develop dose/response data. Investigate mechanisms of interaction. |
| RL 01830/RPIS 2747 “Magnetic Field Dosimeter Development,” Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory | $197,000 10/77–9/80; |
Develop working model of a magnetic field dosimeter to monitor exposure of individuals. |
| SF ENG48/RPIS 3097 “Magnetic Field Dosimetry,” University of California, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. | $295,000 10/78–9/81 |
See above. |
| RL0183/RPIS 2720 “Biomagnetic Effects,” Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory. | $1,190,000 10/76–9/82 |
Study short-term and long-term effects of strong DC magnetic (1 Tesla) fields in small mammals and other systems. Define possible functional, pathologic or mutagenic responses to these fields. Primary concern is human exposure in connection with magnetic fusion reactors, magnetohydrodynamics systems. Intrauterine exposure of mice. |
| SF ENG48/RPIS 2189 “Bioeffects of Magnetic Fields,” University of California, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. | $1,435,000 | Investigate physiologic functions in small animals under DC magnetic field exposure. Determine mechanisms of biologic interaction if any. |
| EY-76-C-03-0115/RPIS 800189 “Environmental Control Technology Requirements for Future AC Overhead Transmission Facilities,” SRI International. | $110,000 6/78–9/79 |
Assess environmental control requirements identified as part of the concluded New York State Public Service Commission hearings on applications for approval of two 765kV transmission lines. |
| BPA 846-902 “BPA 1200kV Prototype Biological Study,” Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory | $535,000 3/76–9/81 |
Determine possible effects of a prototype 1200kV line on natural vegetation, crops, wildlife, cattle and honeybees. (Joint BPA-DOE funding) |
| TVA942-15-531.08 “Effects of High Intensity Electric Fields,” Tennessee Valley Authority. | $71,400 6/76–9/79 |
Review ongoing research conducted nationally. Investigate specific problems and solutions related to the TVA power system. |
| LPL91252 “Study of Subtle Effects Induced by High Intensity 60Hz Electric Fields” (Louisiana Power and Light), Tulane University. | $46,122 9/77–8/78 |
Investigate the actual cause of subtle effects of high intensity electric fields. |
| SCE052.010 “Transmission/ Substation Electromagnetic Field Effects” (Southern California Edison Co.), Loma Linda University; Manpower Inc.; Washington State University. | $1,105,000 2/78–12/83 |
Assess and minimize physical and biological effects of existing and future transmission systems. Identify areas of concern. Monitor and assess projects in this area being conducted by DOE, EPRI, EEI, EPA and other utilities. Construct a data base on physical effects such as TVI, RFI, AN. Identify areas of concern and formulate detailed study plans to reduce the effects. |
| “Assessment of UHV Transmission Impact” (Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation), Westinghouse Electric Corporation | $65,000 1974–76 |
Review and assess environmental impact of UHV transmission lines. |
| BPA840-611 “HVDC Transmission Line Biological Study,” Western Interstate Commission. | Funding not available 6/76–7/77 |
Determine if ±400kV transmission lines produce biological effects on crops, natural vegetation, and wildlife along the Celilo-Sylmar intertie. |
| BPA846-623 “Environmental Effects of Electric Fields and Ion Currents from DC Transmission Lines,” Bonneville Power Administration. | Funding not available 7/76–12/79 |
Develop analytical computational methods to predict fields, ion densities and current distributions, under idealized conditions in the proximity of DC transmission lines. Compare with data obtained under BPA840-611. |
| Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory | $670,000 into 1980 |
Identify and characterize biological effects from magnetic fields particularly generic. Study cellular systems and tissues. |
| Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory | $120,000 into 1980 |
Epidemiological study of 2000 scientists and technicians who have been exposed to over 4000 “Gauss Days” per year for 5 years. |
| BPA 840-706 “Effect of Transmission Lines on Raptors,” Bonneville Power Administration. | $30,000 9/77–9/79 |
Assess status of raptor (hawks, eagles, osprey) nesting on BPA transmission structures. Determine effects of electric fields. (Joint BPA-DOE funding) |
| BPA 846-704 “Lyons 1200kV Test Line: Field Strength Study,” Bonneville Power Administration. | $440,000 12/76–9/83 | Measure or evaluate E and H fields, audible corona noise, RI and TVI. |
| Battelle Pacific Northwest | $605,000 into 1980 |
Study of the response in animal and cellular systems from magnetic fields; effects on growth development, behavior; other responses in mice and trout. Investigate possible mutagenic effects, chromosome pattern alteration, nerve function and altered cell growth in simpler systems. |
| Brookhaven National Laboratories | $605,000 into 1980 |
Genetic effects of static magnetic fields in drosophila and tradascautia (flowering plant). |