Electric and Magnetic Fields and Your Health - Information on electric and magnetic fields associated with transmission lines, distribution lines and electrical equipment

Electric and magnetic fields are produced by any wiring or equipment carrying electric current. This includes overhead and underground power lines carrying electricity, wiring in buildings, and electrical appliances. The strengths of the fields decrease rapidly with increasing distance from the source.

Electric and magnetic fields are fundamentally different from true electromagnetic radiation such as radio waves and microwaves. This booklet relates only to electric and magnetic fields around power lines, electrical wiring and appliances.

There have been many studies carried out over the past 45 years and there is still no persuasive evidence that the fields pose any health risks. The results obtained show that if there are any risks, they must be very small.

A review published by the World Health Organization in June 2007 recommended using exposure guidelines published by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, along with very low-cost measures to reduce exposures where this can be readily achieved. Health New Zealand supports these recommendations, which more recent research indicates are still valid.