Download RIN #1 POWER FREQUENCY ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS

RIN #1
POWER FREQUENCY ELECTRIC AND
MAGNETIC FIELDS
What is the issue? Power frequency electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are produced by the
generation, transmission and use of electrical energy, at a frequency in Canada of 60 Hz.
People are exposed to these fields almost everywhere (e.g. near power lines, electrical
wiring and appliances, etc.). In 1979 a researcher speculated that childhood leukaemia
might be associated with low level magnetic field from power lines in proximity to
residential housing. Over the last 30 years more research papers have been published
investigating an association between 60 Hz EMFs and the possibility adverse health effects.
Laboratory and Epidemiological evidence: Since
the publication, in 1999, of the 10-year study of
children from five Canadian provinces that was
conducted by the British Columbia Cancer Agency,
little has changed and the evidence may still be
summarized as: “this investigation, which examined
several measures of EMF, including personal
exposures, offers little support for the hypothesis of
an increased risk of childhood leukaemia either from
magnetic or electric fields or from residential power
line configurations."
Similarly the 1999 British medical journal (The
Lancet) findings of the largest childhood cancer
study covering England, Scotland and Wales and
conducted in collaboration with each country's
leading childhood cancer experts, remains
uncontested. They found no evidence of excess risk
of childhood leukaemia or other cancers from
exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields. Sir Richard Doll,
the chairman of the UK Childhood Cancer Study,
stated at that time that: "The magnetic component
of EMFs has been under suspicion for some time,
but this major study provides firm evidence that
exposure to the levels of magnetic fields found in
the U.K. does not augment risk for childhood
cancer."
Laboratory research (exposure of animals and cells,
etc. to power frequency fields) overall has
continued to show that these fields can interact
with biological systems. However the results to date
have not provided conclusive evidence that these
fields and their interactions cause adverse health
effects, such as cancer.
What other concerns are there? Immediate effects
can result from direct exposure to field strengths,
but only at levels well above those typically found in
living environments. Peripheral nerve and muscle
stimulation can be caused by intense magnetic
fields and hair stimulation by intense electric fields.
Minor shocks may be caused by touching poorlygrounded, conducting (metallic) objects located
under some high voltage lines, as a result of
electrical charge induced by high intensity electric
fields. Avoidance of minor shocks that may occur
from contact with conducting objects underneath
high voltage power lines can be achieved through
awareness.
Conclusion: The Federal Provincial Territorial
Radiation Protection Committee Electromagnetic
Fields Working Group affirms the Response
Statement to Public Concerns Regarding Electric and
Magnetic Fields (EMFs) from Electrical Power
Transmission and Distribution Lines issued on
November 8, 2008. This group will continue to
monitor the literature, review studies as released,
and investigate the need for Extremely Low
Frequency (ELF) guidelines in Canada.
In summary:
It is the opinion of the Federal-ProvincialTerritorial Radiation Protection Committee
(FPTRPC) that there is insufficient scientific
evidence showing exposure to EMFs from
power lines can cause adverse health effects
such as cancer.
Updated: Jan 2014
For further information, please contact:
Radiation Protection | Environmental Health Services
th
LL0073, 655 12 Ave W | Vancouver BC V5Z 4R4
T: 604.707.2442 | F: 604.707.2441 | E: [email protected]