Electrosmog - Effects of 50-hertz fields

The question is asked time and again. Do electrical and magnetic fields generated by electricity transmission impact our well-being?

The laws of physics dictate that electrical and magnetic fields arise in the transmission and use of electrical energy, including the 50-Hz alternating field around overhead high-voltage transmission lines and cables, whereby the maximum field strengths arise in the immediate vicinity of the line; with growing distance the field strength drops sharply. Example: If the electrical field strength at ground level directly under the conductors is 5 kilovolt per metre (kV/m), this value drops to less than 1/10 at a distance of 50 metres. The fields generated by electrical appliances are usually confined to their immediate vicinity.

Characteristic cross-section profile of electrical and magnetic fields in the immediate vicinity of overhead transmission lines (Source: IZE)

Since the early 70's, Amprion has been intensively dealing with the issue of whether such fields also affect the human organism. Since then, we have carefully monitored the results of research work in the field of low-frequency 50-Hz fields, and have promoted further research by appropriate institutions in this field.

According to the present state of knowledge and the results of studies carried out on this topic up to now, there is no evidence of a potential health risk to people from low-frequency fields of high-voltage power systems or resulting from the use of electrical appliances in the home.

This was also confirmed by the most recent recommendations of the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) in April 1998, which called for limits of 100 microtesla for magnetic and 5kV/m for electric fields for people permanently exposed to 50-Hz fields. These values have been established in Germany by way of the 26th Ordinance for the Implementation of the Federal Ambient Pollution Control Act (26. BlmSchV) for our extra-high, high and medium-voltage systems.

Following appropriate remedial work, all electrical energy supply installations now meet the requirements of the above-mentioned act.