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Power Lines

Research has shown that extremely low frequency (ELF) fields can interact with biological systems. Results have not provided convincing evidence that exposure to ELF fields causes adverse health effects such as cancer.

Epidemiological studies have not established an association between exposures to ELF fields and the development of cancer in adults. The epidemiological evidence associating cancer in children with exposure to ELF fields is inconclusive.

With respect to childhood exposure to ELF fields, the International Agency for Research on Cancer makes the following assessment: "Overall, extremely low frequency magnetic fields were evaluated as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Although children who are exposed to residential ELF magnetic fields less than 0.4 microTesla have no increased risk for leukaemia.”

The Federal-Provincial-Territorial Radiation Protection Committee (FPTRPC) has documents available in both official languages related to the health concerns of electric and magnetic fields.

RIN 1 - Power Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields, produced by Radiation Protection Services of the BCCDC summarizes the findings.

Exposure Guidelines

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, ACGIH TLVs and BEIs Threshold Limit Values, 2008.
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has published Reviews, Guidelines, Statements, Proceedings and more, related to Electromagnetic Fields.

Cardiac Pacemakers and ELF Fields

Pacemakers are not likely to be affected by magnetic fields below 1000 mG and electric fields below 1000 V/m.

Last Updated: January 12, 2012