For substations and transformers the magnetic fields at distances of 5-10m away are generally indistinguishable from typical background levels in the home. Generally, homes that are more than 50 m from a high voltage powerline are not expected to have higher than typical magnetic fields. In view of the epidemiological studies, however, the possibility remains that prolonged exposure to higher than typical magnetic fields may increase the risk of leukaemia in children.įor homes near high voltage (HV) powerlines the magnetic field exposure will vary according to the amount of current carried by the powerline and the distance of the home from the powerline. There is no established evidence that the exposure to magnetic fields from powerlines, substations, transformers or other electrical sources, regardless of the proximity, causes any health effects. How close can I live or work near powerlines or other electrical sources? The strength of magnetic fields is described in one of two units, microtesla (µT) or milligauss (mG), where 1 µT = 10 mG. How can I measure my exposure to ELF magnetic fields?ĪRPANSA has meters available for hire to measure the levels of magnetic fields.
On balance, the evidence related to childhood leukaemia is not strong however people should be aware of the issue in order to make informed decisions. Overall, other research including studies on cells and animals has not confirmed these results. It is not known how magnetic fields could cause childhood leukaemia. There are problems with the methods in epidemiological studies that weaken the conclusion from these results. Based largely on this limited evidence the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified ELF magnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans. However, there are some epidemiological (population) studies that have reported a possible association between prolonged exposure to ELF magnetic fields at levels below the exposure limits but higher than what is typically encountered and increased rates of childhood leukaemia. Most of the research indicates that ELF EMF exposure normally encountered in the environment, including in the vicinity of powerlines, does not pose a risk to human health. There has been a lot of research on whether exposure to ELF EMF from electrical sources below the exposure limits causes any health effects. While such exposures are very unusual, there are international guidelines on limits of exposure which are aimed at preventing established harmful effects. However, exposure to high levels of ELF EMF is not normally found in the everyday environment from electrical sources. Do electrical sources cause any health effects?Įxposure to ELF EMF at high levels can affect the functioning of the nervous system.
This fact sheet has been prepared to address concerns that exposure to ELF EMF may cause health effects, particularly leukaemia in children. As we are surrounded by electrical sources in our daily lives we are all exposed to some level of ELF EMF constantly. The scientific evidence does not establish that exposure to the electric and magnetic fields found around the home, the office or near powerlines causes health effects.Įlectricity powerlines, substations, transformers and other electrical sources such as common electrical appliances and wiring, all emit extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields (EMF).
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