Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)

Electromagnetic fields are generated by electric currents and voltages in conductors. There is considerable concern about the health effects of long term exposure to these fields. While the risks remain difficult to quantify, it is clear that the highest exposures and concerns occur when people live or spend significant potions of time near a power conductor. Learn more about the perceived risks of EMFs around conductors.

The EU has issued standards that control the allowable exposures to EMFs, but at significantly higher levels than those found in the vicinity of power lines. The following are typical national positions on magnetic fields:

• International Commission on Non-Ionising radiation Protection, ICNIRP & EU recommendation 1999 - 100 µT
• 1996 Swedish Advisory Bodies suggest power distribution should avoid average exposures above 0.2 µT
• 1999 Swiss Government limit for new installations - 1 µT
• 2000 Three Italian Regions: Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Toscana - limit for new installations near schools, nurseries, houses & places where people spend more than 4 hours per day - 0.2 µT
• 2002 New substation in Queensland, Australia: Energex Ltd - 0.4 µT
• 2004 The Netherlands Dept of the Environment proposal – 0.4 µT

Underground cables can help power projects to transmit power past sensitive areas of human habitation and address the concerns of stakeholders. Learn about EMFs around shielded and unshielded cables. For a more detailed overview of EMFs, download our report on EMF standards and sources.