Electricity substations and health

Electricity substations, like overhead power lines and electrical appliances in the home, are sources of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields.

The electric and magnetic fields in the vicinity of electricity substations are well below the levels associated with established health effects. A large number of studies have so far failed to establish adverse health effects associated with exposure to low level electromagnetic fields – with the exception of a possible doubling of the risk of childhood leukaemia. So far, other health effects – such as adverse pregnancy outcome – have not convincingly implicated typical environmental exposure to ELF electromagnetic fields.

Bodies such as the Government-backed SAGE and the independent group Powerwatch have recommended precautionary approaches. EU legislation, derived from pre-existing guidelines on exposure to non-ionising radiation, is in train.