Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext 1025
LYONS, NEBRASKA – While all electronic devices emit some level of electric and magnetic fields (EMFs), a new fact sheet released by the Center for Rural Affairs highlights that electric transmission lines put off lower levels of EMFs than most household appliances.
Transmission lines connect electric generation to consumers across wide regions. EMFs are emitted from transmission lines, but personal computers measure between 60 to 100 hertz while transmission lines give off lower amounts ranging from 50 to 60 hertz. Released today, “Electric and Magnetic Fields” provides information about electric transmission lines and EMFs.
“The electric transmission grid is an essential piece of infrastructure,” said Lu Nelsen, policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs and author of the fact sheet. “As the grid continues to be updated, many residents have voiced concerns about perceived impacts on health.”
The fact sheet identifies a review of more than 500 studies by the National Research Council which found no link between low-level EMFs and negative health effects.
“EMFs also decrease as distance increases from the source,” said Nelsen. “Given the setback requirements for transmission lines from dwellings, EMF levels are often lower than many household sources of EMF.”
To view or download the fact sheet, visit cfra.org/publications.
