A large number of epidemiologic studies examining the potential effect of residential exposure to extremely-low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields and childhood leukemia have been published. Two pooled analyses [Ahlbom A, Day N, Feychting M, Roman E, Skinner J, Dockerty J, Linet M, et al. (2000). A pooled analysis of magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia. Br J Cancer. 83(5):692-698; Greenland S, Sheppard AR, Kaune WT, Poole C, Kelsh AM (2000). A pooled analysis of magnetic fields, wire codes, and childhood leukemia. Epidemiology. 11(6):624-634], which included the major epidemiologic studies on ELF magnetic fields and childhood leukemia showed twofold increase in childhood leukemia risk in association with residential ELF exposure above 0.3-0.4 μT. Based on "limited" epidemiologic evidence linking ELF exposure to childhood leukemia and "inadequate evidence" for carcinogenicity of ELF in rodent bioassays, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified ELF magnetic fields as a possible human carcinogen (2B classification) [International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (2002). Non-ionizing radiation, Part 1: Static and extremely low-frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Vol. 80. IARC Press: Lyon], confirmed by WHO on the basis of studies published after 2000 [World Health Organization. Extremely low frequency fields. In: 238 Environmental health criteria, Geneva: WHO; 2007]. The analysis of more recent studies of ELF magnetic fields and childhood leukemia had small findings and propose methodological improvements concerning the uncertainties in epidemiological approaches and exposure assessment, bias in selection of controls [Kheifets L, Oksuzyan S (2008). Exposure assessment and other challenges in non-ionizing radiation studies of childhood leukaemia. Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 132(2):139-147]. By the end of 2010, 37 countries had been identified for possible participation in the International study TRANSEXPO. The pilot work has been completed in five countries (Finland, Hungary, Israel, Switzerland and Bulgaria). In 2008, Bulgaria through the National Centre of Public Health Protection joined with pilot study in TRANSEXPO Project. At this first stage of the project our investigation was directed to performing measurements in dwellings with built-in transformer stations, collecting data of population and cancer registry and choosing the epidemiology design feasible for continuing the project. Taking into account the available sources of information in Bulgaria (different registers of the population) needed for epidemiological approach, it was found that the most appropriate epidemiology design would be the nested case-control study. Control group could be collected in accordance with the international requirements for such epidemiological studies. This approach could be modified in the course of the further study in order to ensure achievement of the purposes of the main international requirements of the study.

There are a variety of definitions for "non-thermal effects" included in different international standards. They start by the simple description that they are "effects of electromagnetic energy on a body that are not heat-related effects", passing through the very general definition related to low-level effects: "biological effects ascribed to exposure to low-level electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields, i.e. at or below the corresponding dosimetric reference levels in the frequency range covered in this standard (0 Hz-300 GHz)", and going to the concrete definition of "the stimulation of muscles, nerves, or sensory organs, vertigo or phosfenes". Here, we discuss what kind of effect does the non-thermal one has on human body and give data of measurements in different occupations with low-frequency sources of electromagnetic field such as electric power distribution systems, transformers, MRI systems and : video display units (VDUs), whereas thermal effects should not be expected. In some of these workplaces, values above the exposure limits could be found, nevertheless that they are in the term "non-thermal effects" on human body. Examples are workplaces in MRI, also in some power plants. Here, we will not comment on non-thermal effects as a result of RF or microwave exposure because there are not proven evidence about the existance of such effects and mechanisms for them are not clear.

In the recent years concerns whether exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from base station antennae can cause adverse health effects are grown. Great attention is paid on risk of EMF exposure to people living in a close proximity of base stations. In this issue, a point of interest is the personnel mounting, adjusting and maintaining base stations. Their working tasks require stay in high EMF levels' conditions. There are only few studies concerning this specific occupational group. The results from our previous investigation (Zaryabova and Israel 2006) show that in many cases on performing some specific tasks operators are overexposed according to our national legislation, and ICNIRP guidelines. Here, we present an extended study covering more base stations and more precise scenario for performed tasks and working positions. Results of exposure assessment are presented. They include energetic load calculations on the basis of Bulgarian national legislation, and the corresponding SAR values. Data are used to determine permissible time duration for each particular work operation and served as a base for limiting the exposure and proposal for protective measures for the personnel.Good communication between different groups of interest among the society are important opportunity for faster implementing of new technologies in our life, and their safe use without any inadequate health risk perception by the general population. This refers particularly to the issue of health risk from electromagnetic fields (EMF). Electromagnetic fields are among the most important ''strategic'' risk factors of the environment and they are considered by researchers, international and ecological organizations, in connection to suspected causal relationship with some severe human diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, hypertension and coronary heart disease, behavioral problems and cancer. Public is concerned that exposure to EMF created for example by power lines, radars, mobile phones and related base stations can have hazardous effects on health and mainly on children. As a result, in some countries the construction of new power and distribution lines or mobile communication networks faces significant public opposition.The broad public have access to scientific and popular literature where, unfortunately, there are serious contradictions and inadequately proven scientific facts related to ask questions-sometimes they are correct, often unclear, and inaccurate. Because of the quick development of technologies connecting with electromagnetic irradiation (EMR), and the lack of effective system for public information as well as for communication between the interested groups, the new EMF technologies sometimes provoke fear and disbelief.Public relations (PR) have a key role in human relations using two-directional activity aiming to establish trust, harmony, good will and understanding on the basis of effective dialogue. The PR practice is based on the understanding that only the informed public acts reasonably.

Targeting sonic hedgehog pathway in combination with proton radiation or gamma irradiation decreases viability of glioma cell lines .

The new recommendations of WHO and EC for legislation in Europe and other countries concerning nonionizing radiation (NIR) health and safety include exposure limits that are very debatable. ICNIRP Guidelines propose exposure limits for electromagnetic fields in the frequency range up to 300 GHz based on short-term exposures and on thermal effects. The new EC proposal for optical and laser safety legislation includes classification of sources of radiation-both lasers and other optical sources, but not requirements for the methodology of classification. On the other hand, many new requirements have been set by the WHO publication ''Model Legislation for EMF Protection'' concerning the responsibilities in the field of EMF health and safety. Many specialists in the field of developing exposure limits have positions very far away from the proposed of the ICNIRP Guidelines philosophy. The results are different approaches in developing standards and exposure limits, and differences more than 100 times in maximal permissible levels. We, the Bulgarian Program Committee on NIR, try to organize working groups and discuss different philosophy for developing exposure limits for more than 10 years. This paper exposes our position in this area.