Exposure to electromagnetic fields during pregnancy

Question. Several of my patients quote recent media coverage claiming that working with home appliances could increase the risk of miscarriages. What is your advice?. Answer. Two recent epidemiologic studies from California have suggested an increased risk of miscarriages associated with exposure to magnetic fields. Even if the threshold associated with such risk is a biologic and true risk (and not just an association), it does not appear from typical use of hair dryers, microwave ovens, vacuum cleaners, and similar home appliances.