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Public Concern and Magnetic Fields
By BILL BATES, University of Illinois at Chicago

The relation "if any" between Magnetic Fields and Public Health has been the topic of numerous news stories in the past ten years.

Although no definite connection or cause and effect has been established by scientific methods. Suspicions and concerns have been aired by environmental groups, epidemiologists and the general media. Measuring the level and intensity of the magnetic field usually metered to as E.M.F. (electro magnetic field) or E.L.F. (extremely low frequency field) is an elementary type measurement. This can be performed by a technician or engineer with relatively simple test apparatus. The students at UIC in the electrical engineering department have organized a program to perform these measurements. The UIC students have been doing this for the last 4 years. They have performed surveys and maintained records on an approximately 150 homes, and businesses since the programs inception. Recently a large number of requests have been from businesses and municipal officials. The students are happy to accommodate requests but it might be pointed out that this measurement could easily be performed by any electrician, building inspector or technically skilled person. Although the interpretation of the data would be the responsibility of a Health expert. (No level of E.M.F. has yet to be determined as safe or unsafe.) The measurements, in many cases, alleviate fears when levels are found to be non-existant on typical. The measurement of fields (EMF) could be the first step in stopping an EMF hysteria from spending through a community. A variety of low cost equipment is becoming available. The understanding of data and its significance can be aided by referring leading a Report by Carnegie Mellon called "Electrical and Magnetic Fields from 60 Hertz electric power. What do we know about possible health risks," which is available from the Department of Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburg PA 15213. This report describes most of the research that has been done and its significance. Companies such as Joseph Electronics and others offer a selection magnetometers and attachments used with common electrical voltmeters which make accurate measurements of EMF. These instruments can accommodate any measurement program.

I have been the tech advisor to the UIC Student Group performing these measurements and I see the social value to offering this service to the public. In the case of the UIC student program it shows social responsibility of engineer as a group and a public service to the community. The students do not suffer from a perceived bias that could be attached program sponsored by a public utility program of similar nature — I would encourage any municipality to engage in a similar effort considering the low investment in time and equipment cost.

April 1993 / lllinois Municipal Review / Page 25


MOUNT PROSPECT RECIPIENT OF TREE CITY USA GROWTH AWARD

The Village of Mount Prospect has again been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. This is the eighth year that Mount Prospect has received this national recognition. In addition, for the first time, Mount Prospect is also the recipient of a Tree City USA "Growth Award" for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program. Village officials were presented the award at a ceremony on March 18 at the Morton Arboretum.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. To become a Tree City USA, a community must meet four standards: 1) have a tree board or department; 2) have a city tree ordinance; 3) have a comprehensive community forestry program; and 4) hold an Arbor Day observance.

The Growth Award was created to recognize environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities. To receive the Growth Award, communities must demonstrate annual progress in various areas such as education and public relations, partnerships with local groups, employee training, etc. Mount Prospect's Growth Award recognizes several projects that were carried out in 1992. These include a new flyer explaining the Village tree trimming program, the Global ReLeaf planting campaign jointly sponsored by the Village and the Garden Club of Mount Prospect, a Joint planting project at the Historical Society Museum, and the execution of a new franchise agreement between the Village and Commonwealth Edison that contains tree planting/protection measures.

"I'm especially excited that we're receiving Growth Award this year," said Forestry Superintend Sandy dark. "We are continuously trying to improve and upgrade our forestry program, and it's nice to recieve national recognition for our efforts."

John Rosenow, Executive Director of the Nationla Arbor Day Foundation, states, "A community's tree planting program is a living memorial to the citizen's concern for the quality of life. The trees we plant and care for today will cool our cities, fight pollution, conserve energy, and give wildlife a home for years come." Rosenow added, "An effective community forestry program is an on-going process of renewal and improvement — a program of tree planting and care that continues through the years. Mount Prospect's Tree City USA award is an excellent indication that there is a solid foundation for that process of improvement."


ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL TREASURERS ASSOCIATION

Annual Treasurers Seminar

Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center
Utica, Illinois
June 27-29,1993

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This seminar is for all local treasurers and finance officers of local governments and special districts. Topics of vital interest will be covered and include such subject matter as cash management and investing in today's economic climate, legislative concerns, pension funds and public accountability.

SEMINAR STYLE

Participants will find this seminar both educational and relaxing. Starved Rock Lodge is located on the Illinois River near Ottawa, IL near Interstates 80 and 39. Golf, hiking, horseback riding, swimming and canoeing all are available for attendees and their families.

SEMINAR INFORMATION

Contact: Ken Mundy, CIMT, 535 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178, Phone: (815) 753-6042

ACCOMMODATIONS

Starved Rock Lodge, P.O. Box 471, Utica, IL 61373, Phone: (815) 667-4211

Page 26 / Illinois Municipal Review / April 1993


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