Summary of the opinon of Haleh Cohn BSc | 12 Dec 2025 https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/criti ... lth-hazard Accessed 2025-12-14
The article by Haleh Cohn examines whether magnetic levitation (Maglev) trains pose health risks due to their use of electromagnetic fields (EMF). While Maglev technology may seem alarming because trains float and travel at extreme speeds, the EMF they emit is low-frequency, non-ionizing radiation—similar in nature to everyday technologies like power lines and household appliances, and incapable of directly damaging DNA.Haleh Cohn graduated with a BSc in Anatomy & Cell Biology and Economics minor at McGill University.
The piece explains how Maglev trains work, covering magnetic suspension (German vs. Japanese systems) and linear motor propulsion, as well as their advantages: very high speeds, minimal friction, low pollution, and a strong safety record. However, high construction costs have limited widespread adoption.
On health concerns, the article reviews existing scientific evidence. Studies on low-frequency magnetic fields show no strong or consistent proof of harm to humans, including cancer risk. A small, weakly designed study on Maglev workers reported minor differences in metabolism and cognition, but its findings are not considered reliable. Most measurements show Maglev EMF levels are below international safety limits set by ICNIRP.
The conclusion is reassuring for passengers: short rides, such as airport transfers, are not a health risk. The real research gap concerns people with long-term exposure—such as workers or nearby residents—where more data is needed. Ironically, magnetic levitation is increasingly used in medical diagnostics, suggesting magnetism is more likely to help detect disease than cause it.
Based on: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/criti ... lth-hazard Accessed 2025-12-14