Introduction

Abstract

A programmatic effort to assess the effects of magnetic field exposure on living organisms and man is under way at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. This program, which is supported by the Division of Biomedical and Environmental Research of the U.S. Department of Energy, has three principal aspects. First, in a project for which I serve as the coordinator, a series of biophysical experiments are being carried out to determine magnetic field effects on molecular, cellular and whole-animal test systems. A second effort, headed by Dr. Thomas Budinger, involves epidemiological studies designed to evaluate potential health effects in groups of scientists and industrial workers who have been occupationally exposed to high magnetic fields. The third project is the establishment of magnetic field exposure guidelines by a six-member committee composed of scientists from throughout the U.S. and headed by Dr. Edward Alpen, Director of the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Biology and Medicine Division.