Buzz
Photo by Karen Keczmerski/iStock
DCLWe’re still figuring out how to fuel the vehicles that define our society, but electric cars seem to be heading in the right direction. While we still need to produce electricity for these cars—often through methods that pollute—electric cars themselves contribute less to pollution. That's about all we can hope for until we transition to cleaner energy sources, like wind and solar. Many of us haven't experienced an electric car yet, let alone driven one. We might wonder, 'How do electric cars affect our health?'
Health Benefits
Electric vehicles don’t burn fossil fuels, and car exhaust is harmful to the lungs. Emissions from idling can cause respiratory diseases—such as pneumonia, emphysema, bronchitis—and even cancer. Electric cars don’t produce these harmful emissions. Additionally, an electric vehicle will never unintentionally harm someone who leaves their engine running in an enclosed space.
The Health Risks
There are concerns about the electricity used by electric vehicles. A New York Times article delves into these potential risks. Some individuals worry that the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) created by hybrid and electric cars may be harmful. There's even speculation that EMFs could cause leukemia in unborn children. One woman shared that after driving a hybrid for 200 miles daily, she experienced high blood pressure and fell asleep at the wheel multiple times.
Are the Health Risks Real?
The health risks are largely speculative. No definitive evidence has been found to prove that EMFs cause cancer. While there is a possibility that EMFs could contribute to cancer, it’s not proven. Even if certain EMFs did cause cancer, proving that the EMFs from hybrids and electric vehicles are the cause would still be necessary. Some individuals may be more sensitive to EMFs, but this is another unknown factor. For peace of mind, pregnant women should consult a doctor before using a hybrid or electric vehicle.
The only genuine health risk comes from crashing your vehicle, and you don’t need an electric car to experience that.
