Electric and Magnetic Fields

40 Sylvan Road
Waltham, MA 02451
www.nationalgridus.com

CM4571 (11/09)
Introduction
For more than 30 years, considerable scientific research
and public discussion have focused on the issue of electric
and magnetic fields, or EMF, and health.
Scientists around the world have conducted many research
studies, and international and domestic government authorities,
blue-ribbon scientific panels, independent health organiza-
tions and other experts in both the regulatory and scientific
communities have reviewed these studies to evaluate the
implications for public health.
National Grid monitors and supports ongoing EMF research
and tracks the conclusions of leading science and health
organizations and government agencies around the world.
We rely on these organizations for assessments of EMF
research and consult with EMF experts to guide our
understanding of this research.
The company advocates open and informed discussion of
issues related to EMF and promotes public access to full
information on the status of scientific research.
From time to time, our customers have inquiries about EMF.
We have prepared this brochure to share information about
EMF and to provide links to Internet sites of respected agencies
and international scientific organizations that also conduct
and monitor EMF research.

1
 What is EMF?

EMF refers to the two types of fields associated with

any kind of electricityelectric fields and magnetic fields.
Electric and magnetic fields are produced by both natural
and man-made sources that surround us in our daily lives.
They occur throughout nature and in our own bodies. The
earth itself produces a magnetic field, which is used for
compass navigation.
Electric fields are related to voltage. Voltage is analogous
to pressure in a water pipe. Higher voltages produce
stronger electric fields.
Magnetic fields are related to the amount of current that
is flowing. Current is analogous to the rate of fluid flow in
a water pipe. Higher currents produce stronger magnetic
fields.
For example, the magnetic field generated by a hair dryer
is higher when the dryer is operated on its high heat
setting than on the low setting because the high setting
draws more current. However, the electric field from the
hair dryer will be the same at both settings because the
voltage does not change.
There are other differences between electric and magnetic
fields. Most buildings and objects block electric fields, but
do not block magnetic fields. However, adjacent power
lines can sometimes be arranged to lower the EMF of the
combined lines.

2
 An important characteristic of both electric and magnetic fields
is that their strength diminishes as one moves away from the
source. This is similar to the way that the heat from a candle
or campfire will diminish as one moves away from it.
This figure of the magnetic field from common sources shows
how the strength of the field drops off with distance.

Field Strength and Distance

6 1 2 4

Hair Dryer 300 1

Refrigerator 2 2 1

Microwave 200 40 10 2
Oven

PC With Color 14 5 2
Monitor

Source: EPA, 1991, EMF In Your Environment

For many years, the focus of most research on the potential

health effects of EMF has been magnetic fields (not electric fields).
In the United States, magnetic fields are measured in units called
milliGauss (mG). In other countries, magnetic fields are measured
in units called microTesla (T). One microTesla equals 10
milliGauss.

3
 Sources and Relative Strength of EMF

EMF is found wherever electricity is generated, delivered or

used. Power lines, wiring in homes, workplace equipment,
computers, appliances and motors all produce EMF. Our
exposure to EMF varies throughout the day depending on
the sources of fields we encounter and how close we are to
them. For example, the diagram below illustrates a persons
exposure to magnetic fields over a 24-hour period. As you

Example of 24-Hour EMF Exposure

20

16

12
milliGauss

0
6PM Midnight 6AM Noon 6PM

Around Sleeping Going to Work Lunch Work Going

House (No Electric Blanket) Out Home

Source: National Institute of Environmental Health and Sciences and US

Department of Energy, 1995, Questions and Answers About EMF

can see, the person was briefly exposed to relatively high

magnetic field levels on numerous occasions while perform-
ing activities around the house, working and traveling. All of
these instantaneous exposures over the 24-hour period are
averaged together to produce a time-weighted average. In
this example, the persons 24-hour time-weighted average
was 0.5 mG. Most persons in the United States have a 24-
hour time-weighted average exposure of less than 1 mG.
4
 Electricity is provided to homes and offices in the United States.
at a frequency of 60 cycles per second, or 60 Hertz (Hz). Many
properties of EMF depend on its frequency. For example,
radio frequency fields interact with materials quite differently than
fields associated with the use of electricity because they have
frequencies much higher than 60 Hz. AM radio operates at a
frequency of about 1 million Hz. Cell phones produce EMF at a
frequency of about 1 billion Hz, and the red laser in a supermarket
scanner operates at almost a quadrillion Hz. We perceive fields
at still higher frequencies as visible light, and x-rays, gamma rays
and cosmic rays are the highest frequencies in the electromagnetic
spectrum. It is important to keep in mind that research on these
very high frequency fields does not apply to the EMF associated
with 60-Hz electricity.

Electromagnetic Frequency Spectrum

Microwave

ht
Cel

le Lig
Infrared
Radar
l Ph

et
Visib
FM

one

iol
rav
Ra

s
TV

1 Trillion Hz
Ult
dio

Hz 1 Qua
illi o n drill
1B
AM

ion
Hz
ys
Ra

Ra

1
Hz Bi
di

X-

lli
o

on
on
i
ill
M

ys
Bi

Ra
llio
1

ma
nH

m
Ga
z
z
0H
100

ys
ic Ra
Cosm
Heating
Power Lines Effects
0 Hz

Direct Current

Extremely Low Ionizing

Frequency (ELF) Radiation

Note: This diagram is intended for illustrative purposes only. Some portions of the elec-
tromagnetic spectrum indicated in this diagram are utilized over frequency ranges or
bands that may overlap.

5
 Evaluating Potential Health Effects

Scientists judge whether an environmental exposure poses

a health risk by evaluating different types of scientific
research. The following three types of studies are
typically evaluated:
Studies of Groups of People Studies in human
populations are called epidemiologic studies. Groups of
people are evaluated to assess whether exposure to a
specific chemical, therapeutic drug or environmental
factor is statistically associated with the presence or
absence of a specific disease. Scientists often look for
evidence that people with a higher exposure to the agent
are more likely to get the disease than those who have
less exposure to the agent.

The strength of epidemiologic studies is that they are

conducted with people in their normal environments,
not animals in laboratory environments, and thus they
are directly relevant to human health. However, unlike
experimental laboratory studies, researchers cannot
control the many factors that may affect health, such as
the amount of individual exposure, how exposure varies
over time from many different sources, or how individual
traits such as dietary differences or genetic factors
modify the impact. These factors may introduce uncer-
tainty into the studies. So, the results of epidemiological
studies are not necessarily indicative of cause and effect
relationships. Given the uncertainty associated with epi-
demiologic studies, it is important to remember that the
results of epidemiologic studies cannot be considered
alone when coming to a conclusion about whether an
exposure causes a biological or health effect. These fac-
tors may limit the ability of an epidemiological study to
identify the causes of disease or a particular health effect.

6
Animal studies Studies conducted on living animals
are examples of in vivo research. Laboratory animals are
exposed to a specific agent under controlled conditions
to look for changes in body function, measures of health
or disease. The exposure levels in the laboratory are
often much higher than those that would be experi-
enced in natural settings. Effects that are observed in
laboratory animals can help predict effects that could
occur in people. The strength of animal studies is that
the animals are bred to have similar physical character-
istics, are exposed to precisely measured quantities of
the agent and are all housed and fed under the same
conditions. Cause-and-effect can be directly observed
and related to a known level of exposure after repeated
experiments. However, there may be some uncertainty
about whether the results are relevant to humans.
Nevertheless, all chemicals and physical agents known
to cause cancer in humans have been shown to cause
cancer in animals as well.
Cell studies In cell, or in vitro, studies, researchers
expose individual cells or groups of cells (tissues) to a
specific agent under controlled conditions. Cell studies
often are used to investigate the mechanisms by which
an exposure could affect biological processes and the
tissues of the body. The strength of cell studies is that
exposure levels are known and effects on the cells or
tissues are observed directly. A weakness of cell studies
is that changes in cells or tissues are difficult to observe
and to relate to specific health outcomes in a whole
organism.

7
 No single study, or type of study, is able to address all
questions about what may affect our health. Epidemiologic,
laboratory and cell/tissue studies must all be considered
together because the strengths of one type of study tend
to balance the limitations of the other types of studies. In
order to conclude that a cause-and-effect relationship
exists, scientists look for consistent and strong associations
in epidemiology studies that are supported by animal and
cell/tissue findings that have been replicated in different lab-
oratories. This is the approach scientists takeconsidering
all studies together to look for patterns that support causality
to get balanced information to develop sound conclusions.
It is important to keep this in mind when the results of any
new EMF health study are announced, especially if publicity
about the study credits it with providing definitive answers
on health-related issues.

8
Reviews of EMF Research

Numerous national and international organizations responsible

for health decisions have convened groups of scientists to
review the EMF research published to date. These panels have
included scientists with diverse skills to reflect the different
research approaches required to answer questions about
health. The following agencies have organized panels of highly
respected scientists to review the research on EMF and health:

The National Academy of Sciences/National Research

Council, 1999
Results of the EMF RAPID program do not support the con-
tention that the use of electricity poses a major unrecognized
public health danger.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 2002

Electricity is a beneficial part of our daily lives, but whenever
electricity is generated, transmitted, or used, electric and magnetic
fields are created. Over the past 25 years, research has addressed
the question of whether exposure to power-frequency EMF might
adversely affect human health. For most health outcomes,
there is no evidence that EMF exposures have adverse effects.
There is some evidence from epidemiology studies that exposure
to power-frequency EMF is associated with an increased risk
for childhood leukemia. This association is difficult to interpret
in the absence of reproducible laboratory evidence or a scientific
explanation that links magnetic fields with childhood leukemia.
EMF exposures are complex and come from multiple sources
in the home and workplace in addition to power lines. Although
scientists are still debating whether EMF is a hazard to health,
the NIEHS recommends continued education on ways of
reducing exposures. This booklet (see Additional Information)
has identified some EMF sources and some simple steps you
can take to limit your exposure. For your own safety, it is
important that any steps you take to reduce your exposures
do not increase other obvious hazards such as those from
electrocution or fire. At the current time in the United States,
there are no federal standards for occupational or residential
exposure to 60-Hz EMF.

9
 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 2002
Since 1972, IARCs Unit of Carcinogen Identification and
Evaluation periodically has assessed the evidence that various
agents are carcinogenic and classified the agents accordingly.
In June 2001, a working group met to consider static and
extremely-low-frequency electric and magnetic fields. Power-
frequency magnetic fields were classified as possibly
carcinogenic, on the basis of limited evidence from humans
concerning childhood leukemia, inadequate evidence from
humans concerning all other cancer types, and inadequate
evidence from animals.
Power-frequency electric fields were judged not classifiable
on the basis of inadequate evidence from both humans
and animals.
IARC has now concluded that ELF magnetic fields are possibly
carcinogenic to humans, based on consistent statistical asso-
ciations of residential magnetic fields over certain strength
with a doubling of risk of childhood leukemia. Children who
are exposed to residential ELF fields less than 0.4 microTesla
[4 mG] have no increased risk for leukemia.

U.K. National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) Report

of an Advisory Group on Non-Ionizing Radiation (AGNIR), 2001
Laboratory experiments have provided no good evidence
that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields are
capable of producing cancer, nor do human epidemiological
studies suggest that they cause cancer in general. There is,
however, some epidemiologic evidence that prolonged expo-
sure to higher levels of power frequency magnetic fields is
associated with a small risk of leukemia in children. In the
absence of clear evidence of a carcinogenic effect in adults,
or of plausible explanation from experiments on animals or
isolated cells, the epidemiological evidence is currently not
strong enough to justify a firm conclusion that such fields
cause leukemia in children. Unless however, further research
indicates that the finding is due to chance or some currently
unrecognized artifact, the possibility remains that intense and
prolonged exposures to magnetic fields can increase the risk
of leukemia in children.

10
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation
Protection (ICNIRP) Standing Committee on Epidemiology, 2002
Review of the Epidemiologic Literature on EMF and Health
In the absence of experimental evidence and given the method-
ological uncertainties in the epidemiologic literature, there is no
chronic disease for which an etiological relation to EMF can be
regarded as established. Among all the outcomes evaluated
in epidemiologic studies of EMF, childhood leukemia in relation
to postnatal exposures above 0.4 T is the one for which there is
most evidence of an association. On the basis of epidemiologic
findings, evidence shows an association of amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis with occupational EMF exposure although confounding
is a potential explanation. Whether there are associations with
breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and suicide, and depression
remain unresolved.
U.K. Health Protection Agency (HPA), 2004
The Health Protection Agency is responsible for protecting public
health in the UK, including a division of the HPA that handles
ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. The HPA stated:
The evidence to date suggests that in general there are no
adverse effects on the health of the population of the UK caused
by exposure to ELF EMFs below the guideline levels. However,
there are a number of epidemiological studies, including studies
from the UK, showing an association between exposure to ELF
EMFs at home and/or living close to high voltage powerlines and
a small excess of childhood leukemia. At present there is no
plausible biological mechanism to explain this excess if real, or
certainty about what aspect of ELF EMF exposure, if any, might
be responsible. (HPA, 2007)
World Health Organization (WHO), June 2007
The World Health Organization released the most recent review in
June 2007 as part of their International EMF Project, which began
in 1996 to address public concerns about EMF. Following more
than 10 years of experience in evaluating research and advising
governments and the public, the Project released a 372-page
review of EMF research and health prepared by a collaborative
panel of scientists. The WHO concluded the following:

11
 Given the weakness of the evidence for a link between
exposure to ELF magnetic fields and childhood leukemia
and the limited potential impact on public health, the ben-
efits of exposure reduction on health are unclear and thus
the cost of reducing exposure should be very low.
Overall, the conclusions of these health review panels
have been similar:
None of the panels concluded that EMF is established as
the cause of any long-term, adverse effect on health.
At very high field levels, EMF can cause nerve and muscle
stimulation. However, the field levels found in our envi-
ronment are far too low to cause these effects.
The strongest evidence for a potential relationship
between EMF and health was from epidemiology studies
of childhood leukemia. Some studies reported statistical
associations between childhood leukemia and magnetic
field exposures, while others did not. The data from
these studies were combined in a pooled analysis so
that the investigators could have a larger sample size
with which to work. The pooled analysis reported a small
association between childhood leukemia and estimates
of long-term, average exposure to magnetic fields above
3-4 mG. However, the panels did not conclude that
magnetic fields were likely to be a cause of childhood
leukemia, because of the lack of support from animal
and cellular studies and the role of other factors could
not be ruled out. In particular, the WHO recommended
conducting further research to understand what could be
causing the small statistical association observed in the
pooled analyses.
No consistent increases in cancer were reported in ani-
mal studies, nor did researchers find a mechanism that
would explain how magnetic fields could initiate disease
at the cellular level.

12
Overview of the Results of EMF Research

No single study can address all questions, so evaluations

must be based on the weight of scientific evidence.
National Grid relies on experts to provide interpretations
of the research and the science. We also rely on the
aforementioned scientific panels that have evaluated the
research on EMF and health effects for the current state
of the science to guide our policies and operations.
In summary, epidemiologic studies of childhood leukemia
have received the most attention because some have
reported an association between estimated exposure to
magnetic fields from power lines and childhood leukemia.
It is important to remember that, in this context, associa-
tion means likely to occur together not that one is
causing the other. In fact, reviews of the extensive animal
and cell studies with electric and magnetic field exposure
do not find support for the idea that these fields might
cause health effects, cellular changes, or diseases. Thus,
the consensus of the international scientific community
after 30 years of research is that the science has not
established a causal link between exposure to EMF and
risks to public health.

13
 More Information and EMF Services
National Grid has personnel who are trained to measure
EMF in customer locations and along our transmission
and distribution lines.
Property owners wishing to have EMF measurements
taken should call National Grids toll-free customer
service line at 1-800-322-3223 in New England, or
1-800-642-4272 in New York.
Information and updates about EMF are available
on the National Grid website, at
http://www.nationalgridus.com/emfs

14
National Grids Position on EMF

National Grid is an international energy delivery business with

principal activities in the regulated electric and gas industries.
National Grids position on EMF can be found on the com-
panys website, http://www.nationalgrid.com/emfs. The key
points follow:

Objective
Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs) can be generated from a
wide variety of sources, including distribution and transmis-
sion power lines and wireless infrastructure. National Grid
recognizes that there is some scientific evidence suggesting
certain adverse health effects are linked to EMFs. There is
also evidence linking an increased risk of certain diseases to
proximity to powerlines, though the cause of this is not clear.
As a consequence, there is public concern; and we take
these issues very seriously.
This public position statement provides a framework for
managing the EMF issues facing National Grid. The public
position statement helps set the framework within which we
will continually assess the scientific evidence in this area,
determine any implications for the way in which we conduct
our business, and explain to society what the science is
telling us.

Scope
This public position statement applies to National Grid and
its Subsidiary Companies focused on electricity transmission,
electricity distribution and wireless infrastructure. For Associate
Companies, National Grid will seek to promote the adoption
of statements consistent with the principles set out in this
document.
This statement covers the EMFs that arise from transmission
or distribution power lines and associated equipment as well
as radio-frequency EMFs that arise from wireless infrastruc-
ture, including from third-party assets.

15
 Framework
Electric and Magnetic Fields can arise from many sources
including household appliances, electrical distribution and
transmission facilities and equipment, mobile telephones
and radio-transmission devices. Research is ongoing to
improve our understanding of the effects of EMFs.
The balance of evidence remains against both power-
frequency and radio-frequency EMFs causing ill health. The
World Health Organization has classified power-frequency
EMFs as possibly carcinogenic. This scientific position is
reflected in the views of the regulatory bodies in the coun-
tries in which we operate.
We also recognize that scientific developments on EMFs
do not depend on international boundaries. This public
position statement establishes the common threads
applicable across all of our operations.
Our public position statement as regards EMF has
seven central principles:
1 We recognize that the societies in which we both operate
and live hold a variety of views on EMFs. In view of the
scientific position and the fact that EMFs are of concern
to some, we take the issue very seriously.
2 In all our operations, as a minimum we comply with EMF
regulations, guidelines or practices in force in the countries
and different jurisdictions in which we operate. Where
other companies (such as telecommunications operators)
use our assets, we expect them similarly to comply with
the relevant regulations, guidelines or practices.
3 We support the view of regulators and governments that
the EMF issue warrants consideration for a precautionary
approach and we look to them to decide on any meas-
ures that may be necessary, as they can evaluate the
science and weigh up costs and benefits on behalf of
society as a whole.

16
4 To mitigate the amenity impact of new overhead transmission
lines, we always endeavor to route them:

along formal Rights of Way in countries where they

exist; or
away from existing buildings where they do not.
In order to ensure safety clearances and to help us
maintain our network, we do not encourage built devel-
opment immediately beneath our lines. We will work
with planning bodies to promote the sustainable use of
land under our lines. These steps will usually result in
EMF exposures being lower than would otherwise be
the case.
5 We recognize that scientific understanding of the effects of
EMFs is improving. We review all relevant scientific devel-
opments in this area from across the world and assess
any implications for the way in which we operate.
6 We support high-quality research into EMFs, and make
the results available for scientific review.
7 We communicate in an open manner with those who have
an interest in EMF matters, and make available information
that will help societys understanding of EMFs. We will
participate openly and constructively in debate on precau-
tionary approaches appropriate to the EMF issue.
In support of this public position statement, each
Subsidiary Company will ensure that:
A plan is put in place to ensure all elements of this public
position statement of relevance to its business are imple-
mented.
All regulatory and legal requirements are met for both new
and existing lines and infrastructure.
All breaches, suspected breaches and areas of vulnerability
to prosecution are investigated and if appropriate prompt
corrective actions taken. Associate Companies will be
encouraged to put similar arrangements in place.

17
 Related Group Policies and Other Documents
Framework for Responsible Business.
Environment policy.
Safety and Occupational Health policy.
Terms of Reference of the Risk and Responsibility
Committee.

Prepared by National Grid with assistance from Exponent

18
Additional Information

Alarge amount of information about EMF and health effects is

available, ranging from stories in the media and on websites to
reports and summaries by health agencies and organizations.
The Internet is a valuable and convenient source of information
on this topic. However, if you decide to research EMF on the
Internet, it is important to consider the background and credentials
of the person or organization that is providing the information.
As with any subject on the Internet, websites may be posted by
individuals who may not have the professional expertise that is
required to evaluate scientific research.
For accurate and up-to-date information, it is best to consult
websites of independent scientific organizations who have the
expertise and mandate to evaluate these issues. We look to
these organizations because their conclusions have undergone
scrutiny by other scientists in the field regarding their accuracy.
The sites listed below were selected because they are produced
and maintained by scientific organizations and provide up-to-date
summaries designed for the general public on the issue of EMF
and health. These sites, sponsored by federal agencies and
professional organizations in the US and elsewhere, provide
information that reflects the work of many experienced scientists.
Scientific Organizations in the US:
National Cancer Institute (NCI) http://www.cancer.gov/
cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/magnetic-fields
National Institute of Environmental Health and Safety (NIEHS)
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/emf

Scientific Organizations Outside of the US:

World Health Organization, International EMF Project
http://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/WhatisEMF/en/
Canada Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
iyh-vsv/environ/magnet_e.html
Australia Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety
Agency (ARPANSA) http://www.arpansa.gov.au/radiation
protection/factsheets/is_emf.cfm
United Kingdom Health Protection Agency (HPA)
http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/faq/emf/index.htm
19
 Notes

20
40 Sylvan Road
Waltham, MA 02451
www.nationalgridus.com

CM4571 (11/09)