do androids dream of ELECTRIC sheep?!. . .Hybrid cars might be good for the environment but bad for your health. . .?-gc

[NewtonMP2100]

. . .EMFs. . .


Fear, but Few Facts, on Hybrid Risk

. . .There is a legitimate scientific reason for raising the issue. The flow of electrical current to the motor that moves a hybrid vehicle at low speeds (and assists the gasoline engine on the highway) produces magnetic fields, which some studies have associated with serious health matters, including a possible risk of leukemia among children.

With the batteries and power cables in hybrids often placed close to the driver and passengers, some exposure to electromagnetic fields is unavoidable. Moreover, the exposure will be prolonged — unlike, say, using a hair dryer or electric shaver — for drivers who spend hours each day at the wheel.

Some hybrid owners have actually tested their cars for electromagnetic fields using hand-held meters, and a few say they are alarmed by the results.

Their concern is not without merit; agencies including the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute acknowledge the potential hazards of long-term exposure to a strong electromagnetic field, or E.M.F., and have done studies on the association of cancer risks with living near high-voltage utility lines. . .


the MISSING LINK to the potential of health hazards for being 'green'. . .

[Article Accelerator]

Nice FUD..

They're starting early I see.

[microchip13]

Gravity's a field too, does it cause adverse health effects as well?

Seriously, I understand there's probably some merit to this, but what can be done? You win some, you lose some.

[Black Landlord]

ALMOST without exception, scientists and policy makers agree that hybrid vehicles are good for the planet.

Puke. They might be better for the planet than combustion engine vehicles, but you are not helping the planet by driving a hybrid vehicle.

[RAMd®d]

ALMOST without exception, scientists and policy makers agree that hybrid vehicles are [less bad] for the planet.

In a strict sense, doing less harm is not helping.

Regardless, hybrid or electric vehicles won't hurt me 'cause I've got magnets in my socks.

Beats the heck outta diamonds in the soles of her shoes.

[Acer]

This is a good time to share an interesting article some feel is relevant to the subject:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weasel_word

"Weasel words are deliberately misleading or ambiguous elements of language used to avoid making a straightforward statement while simultaneously generating the illusion that a direct, clear form communication is being utilized. This type of language is used to deceive, distract, or manipulate an audience.

"Tactics that are used include vague generalizations; the use of the passive voice; non-sequitur statements; extrapolating through the use of grammatical devices such as qualifiers and the subjunctive..."

[cbelt3]

9 out of 10 people that were wearing lab coats agree that they' are worried about something. Personally I think we should simply invade.

[mattkime]

[quote microchip13]Gravity's a field too, does it cause adverse health effects as well?
I know I've suffered ill effects from gravity on more than one occasion.

[sekker]

Your greatest risk of death between the ages of 15 and 25 is getting INTO a car.

So, by definition, (hybrid) cars are DEFINITELY dangerous to your health.

[Carnos Jax]

[quote microchip13]Gravity's a field too, does it cause adverse health effects as well?

Seriously, I understand there's probably some merit to this, but what can be done? You win some, you lose some.
Gravity is a field that has always existed, hence one we evolved with. Plus, it's really not an electro-magnetic field.