Electric and magnetic fields
Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) exist everywhere in our modern society; everyone is
exposed to them in varying degrees. Electric currents flowing deep within the earth's core
produce the earth's strong magnetic field. And, all power lines and electrical devices in
our modern society - appliances, computers and household wiring -- produce electric and
magnetic fields.
SRP recognizes that some customers have concerns about studies which have reported that
exposure to EMF may contribute to human health problems. Therefore, SRP takes steps to
communicate to its customers about exposure to EMF from power lines, electrical household
appliances and other electrical equipment and wiring.
Public concern regarding possible health risks from exposure to low frequency (60-Hz) electric
and magnetic fields produced by power lines, household appliances and wiring, and electrical
devices has generated considerable discussion and debate among scientists, public health officials,
the media and the general public. The majority of the discussion regarding possible health risk
comes from studies of people living near distribution and transmission lines.
The major research on EMF and health effects has been performed in the following four areas:
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Epidemiology is the science that attempts to establish patterns, links or association between
disease causing agents and diseases in human populations, such as cancer or leukemia.
However, the epidemiological evidence for a relationship between exposure to low frequency
(60 Hz) electric and magnetic fields is inconsistent, ranging from weak to non-existent.
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Biological studies are used to detect EMF responses on individual cells or DNA and determine
if magnetic fields cause damage to cells. There is no consistent evidence that electric and
magnetic field exposure damages DNA. Generally, cancer initiation is caused because DNA
has been damaged, but the results of EMF exposure to cells or DNA have been negative.
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Animal studies are used to determine biological effects of EMF on animals to establish if
exposure causes cancer in rodents, for example. Numerous studies have been performed
on animals at a variety of exposure levels, over several generations and the data does
not support a conclusion that exposure to 60-Hz EMF alters the rate or pattern of cancer.
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Clinical studies test the exposure of human volunteers to electric and magnetic field levels
higher than generally encountered in residential or work environments. Human responses
have been detected at extremely high field strengths, but generally do not correlate or
show association with health hazards.
Scientists have researched the possibility of a link between exposure to low frequency
60-Hz EMF and certain types of cancer for several decades. Recent governmental reviews
of the research have concluded that the existing evidence does not show that EMF causes
cancer. Most scientists have concluded there is little evidence of a link between EMF and
any human health hazard. Also studies have not established an "unsafe exposure level,"
as a result there are no federal standards that limit exposure to 60-Hz EMF.
For example, in 1991, the U.S. Congress requested the National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
review existing EMF literature, studies and to prepare a report on their findings. Hundreds of
EMF studies were examined and in 1997, the NAS published their report titled: "Possible Health
Effects of Exposure to Residential Electric and Magnetic Fields."This committee of 16
eminent scientists concluded:
"Based on a comprehensive evaluation of published studies relating to the
effects of power-frequency electric and magnetic fields on cells, tissues, and organisms
(including humans), the conclusion of the committee is that the current body of evidence
does not show that exposure to these fields present a human-health hazard."
In 1992, the U. S. Congress authorized the Electric & Magnetic Fields Research and
Public Information Dissemination Program, or EMF-RAPID. Congress instructed the
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to review the information
and prepare a response. NIEHS created the EMF-RAPID web site and prepared a report
titled: "Health Effects from Exposure to Power-Line Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields."
This report concluded:
"The scientific evidence suggesting that ELF-EMF exposures pose any health risk is weak."
As new power lines and electric facilities are planned and constructed, SRP follows prudent
practices in designing and locating of our transmission, distribution and substation facilities.
SRP has supported and funded EMF-related medical and scientific research and will continue to
pursue answers to EMF questions. SRP is committed to research and communication about
exposure to EMF for the benefit of its customers.
The electric utility industry has provided funding to independent medical researchers for a
considerable share of the investigations on EMF and health effects undertaken to date.
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has sponsored much of the epidemiological
and biological research. SRP has helped to support EPRI's EMF Research Program through
financial contributions.
SRP will continue to fund EMF research and pursue answers to EMF questions.
SRP is committed to sharing and communicating information about EMF so its customers
are well informed and have easy access to EMF research findings.
Because electric and magnetic fields exist all around us, managing only the fields given
off from power facilities does not control exposures. Studies show that primary sources
of EMF exposure for most people are inside the home and workplace. This is largely
because people are typically in closer proximity to those EMF sources than they are to
power facilities.
Other sources of information about EMF are available on the Internet. Three informative
Web sites are:
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The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the Department of Energy
(DOE) combined to create EMFRAPID
(the Electric and Magnetic Fields Research and Public Information Dissemination Program).
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The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Web site offers an online version of a book titled:
"Possible Health Effects of Exposure to Residential Electric and Magnetic Fields",
published in 1997, under the direction of the DOE.
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The Electric Power Research Institute has provided research funding for three decades. An EPRI EMF fact sheet updated in May 2008 is available. There is also EPRI general information and answers to frequently asked questions.
SRP encourages you to learn more about EMF in order to understand this field of study.
If you have questions regarding EMF, please write to us at
ombuds@srpnet.com or call SRP Consumer
Affairs at (602) 236-2196.