The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences announces the availability of an updated booklet about the electric and magnetic fields (EMF) associated with the use of electric power. This booklet, "Questions and Answers about EMF" was initially printed in 1995 as part of the EMF Research and Public Information Dissemination (RAPID) Program, a six-year effort aimed at providing scientific evidence to clarify whether or not exposure to EMF associated with the generation, transmission, or use of electric power involves a potential risk to human health. But the new Q & A incorporates information from subsequent U.S. and foreign reviews.

EMF exposures exist in the home and workplace as a result of electrical equipment and building wiring, and not only as a result of nearby power lines.

This booklet explains the basic principles of EMF, provides an overview of the results from major research studies, and summarizes conclusions from the various expert review panels that have examined the scientific evidence regarding exposure to EMF and health effects. It includes the findings and recommendations of major EMF research review efforts including those of the EMF RAPID Program and the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer.

The booklet is available on-line at http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/emf/. A limited number of paper copies are available from: Central Data Management, MD K2-05, NIEHS, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709.

Reporters will find the new Q and A good background and perhaps find news or feature stories in this summary of the latest information on a subject that has concerned the public for decades.