Staying informed
Adverse health effects of electric and magnetic fields continues to be an environmental and occupational health issue for the electricity supply industry throughout the world. Considerable research effort has been undertaken in an attempt to resolve many of the scientific uncertainties surrounding the health effects issue.
Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) are invisible forces produced by the generation, transmission, distribution and use of electric power. They are found near electrical infrastructure, wiring in homes and offices, electric clocks, computers, hair dryers, electric blankets and any other devices that use electricity. They are not unique to ElectraNet’s transmission lines.
In the management of this issue, ElectraNet is guided by the findings of independent authoritative scientific and medical reviews, which evaluate all the research findings. Many reviews have been published worldwide. None have concluded that EMFs cause or contribute to adverse health effect.
Download factsheet: Electric and Magnetic Fields [pdf 72kb]
The World Health Organisation International EMF project plans to produce a series of health criteria reviews as a means of advising governments on the EMF issue. The project is dealing with the full range of non-ionising radiation frequencies including power frequency EMFs. It is predicted that these reviews will set the future agenda for the issue in terms of management and further research. ElectraNet continues to review the findings of occupational epidemiology studies specific to electricity industry employees. To date, the findings have been inconsistent and inconclusive and provide no definitive evidence on an association between exposure to electric and magnetic fields and adverse health effects.
The Energy Networks Association (ENA) continues to co-ordinate EMF information for the Australian electricity industry. As an ENA member, ElectraNet actively supports and contributes to the management of the issue through membership of the ENA EMF Advisory Committee.
Please contact our office if you have any additional questions.
