Learn about electric and magnetic fields and safety

Some of our customers have asked us about possible health effects of electric and magnetic fields (EMF), which are found wherever electricity is present.

You'll find answers to common questions here:

1. What are electric and magnetic fields (EMF) and where do they come from?

Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are invisible lines of force that are part of the natural and man-made environment. A natural source is the earth's magnetic field. Manmade sources include household or building wiring, electrical appliances and electric power transmission and distribution facilities. EMF strength decreases rapidly with distance from the source

Electric fields are created around appliances and wires wherever a voltage exists, similar to the water pressure in a hose.

Health-related research around EMF focuses on magnetic fields. Magnetic fields are created whenever electrical current flows, similar to opening the nozzle of a hose. Magnetic field strength is often measured in milliGauss (mG).

2. What are typical magnetic field exposures for people in the United States?

A person’s magnetic field exposure varies throughout the day and depends on multiple factors including field levels in the home, vehicle and work place as well as appliance use. Researchers from the Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI) surveyed 992 American homes in 1993 and found an all-room average magnetic field of 0.9 mG, though background field levels in some rooms exceeded 16 mG.

A follow-up EPRI study in 1998 characterized the 24-hour, personal magnetic field exposures of over 1000 people. An average 24-hour personal exposure of 1.25 mG was reported with a small number of people having average exposures over 10 mG.

3. Are electric and magnetic fields a health hazard?

Significant international research has been conducted over the last 40 years to evaluate the potential health impacts of EMF exposure. There is no definitive answer as to whether EMF exposures cause adverse health effects.

After reviewing more than two decades of research in this area, National Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences (NIEHS) scientists concluded there is a possible weak association between increasing exposure to EMFs and an increased risk of childhood leukemia. In general, studies conducted on adult exposures do not support a link between residential EMF exposure and adult cancers.

A 2007 World Health Organization report concluded virtually all of the evidence for a link between magnetic fields and childhood leukemia is not significant enough to be causal but is substantial enough to be a concern. For all other diseases, there is inadequate or no evidence of health effects at low exposure levels.

The report emphasized that, given the weakness of the evidence for health effects, the health benefits of exposure reduction are unclear and policies based on the adoption of arbitrary low exposure limits are not warranted.

4. What is UCE doing about EMF?

Since a question of whether EMF exposures cause human health problems was raised, we have been committed to resolving the issue in a socially responsible manner. Over the past 40 years, we have funded EMF health research and conducted and supported engineering research on field reduction techniques. Beginning in the early 1990s, we took steps to reduce the magnetic fields created by new facilities. We continue to work with government agencies to resolve unanswered questions and develop consistent EMF policies

5. What regulations govern EMF?

In the absence of clearly established health risks, federal health authorities recommend that cost-effective, preventive measures combined with public education about reducing exposure are appropriate to address public EMF exposures. In its 1999 Report to Congress, the NIEHS stated: "the conclusion of this report is insufficient to warrant aggressive regulatory concern."

In 1993, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) required investor-owned utilities to inform customers and employees about potential EMF health effects, provide free EMF measurements, and use EMF-lowering designs on new and rebuilt power lines and substations.

In 2006, the CPUC reviewed and updated its EMF policy. This decision reaffirmed that state and federal public health regulatory agencies have not established a direct link between exposure to EMF and human health effects. The policy directed that (1) use of numeric exposure limits was not appropriate in setting utility design guidelines to address EMF, and (2) existing “no-cost and low-cost” precautionary-based EMF policy should be continued for proposed electrical facilities. UCE stays in compliance with all applicable provisions of this CPUC decision.

6. What magnetic levels are found near power lines?

Power transmission lines bring power from a generating station to an electrical substation. Power distribution lines bring power from the substation to customer homes. Transmission and distribution lines can be either overhead or underground.

Power transmission lines

Magnetic fields created by transmission lines will vary with power line design and how much electricity flows through the lines. However, at the edge of rights-of-way near 220 kV and 500 kV transmission lines, magnetic field levels in the 20-30 mG range can often be found. At a distance of 300 feet during average electricity demand, the magnetic fields from many lines can be similar to typical background levels found in most homes.

Power distribution lines

Typical voltage for power distribution lines in UCE’s service territory ranges from 4 to 33 kV. Similar to transmission lines, the magnetic fields near distribution lines vary with power flow and design. According to the NIEHS, magnetic fields under main feeder distribution lines or over underground lines can create fields around 10 to 20 mG. For smaller distribution lines, field levels are often much less (below 10 mG to under 1 mG). At a distance of 100 feet, the magnetic field levels from distribution lines often drop to values similar to levels found in most homes.

7. Are there any official EMF exposure limits?

While there are no federal or state established limits for EMF exposure, some nongovernmental organizations have issued advisory limits. Exposure to magnetic fields from power lines, in addition to other common exposures in homes, schools and offices, are far below the advisory limits.

8. Where can I find help if I have questions about EMF?

UCE can provide an EMF information package and free EMF measurements to customers upon request. In Southern California, call 800-200-4723, or send an e-mail with your name, mailing address and phone number to almontar@uce.com

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