RF Safe

The contribution of local distribution substations and associated area distribution system to personal exposure to power frequency magnetic fields.

International journal of environmental health research · 2000 · Unclear · Low evidence

← Research stream
UnclearLow evidencePaper 3963

Measurements in four area types near domestic housing found mean magnetic field intensities typically ≤20 nT at 2 m from substations, rising to ≤0.98 µT at the closest public access point. Mean sampled exposure around the four test areas ranged from 0.012 to …

Study snapshot

PublicationInternational journal of environmental health research · 2000
Study typeexposure_assessment
Reported directionUnclear
Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

A number of epidemiological studies has shown a significant correlation between wire coding, magnetic fields and childhood cancer, although a more recent study has not [McBride et al. (1999) Am. J. Epidemiol. 149 (9), 831-842]. In the UK there is currently no equivalent to wire-codes and there is some uncertainty about the extent to which the UK medium-voltage electricity distribution systems contribute to personal exposure and how this compares with US overhead supply systems. Studies on four different area types were carried out to measure magnetic field intensities from typical electricity supply utility substations and cabling in the vicinity of domestic housing. Typically at distances of two metres from the substations mean magnetic field intensities were 20 nano teslas (nT) or less, increasing to 0.98 microT or less at the closest public access point. The mean magnetic field exposure level sampled around the four main test areas varied between 0.012 and 0.27 microT increasing to 0.30-0.80 microT at road junctions.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeexposure_assessment
Effect directionunclear
PopulationNot supplied
Sample sizeNot supplied
ExposureELF
Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Measurements in four area types near domestic housing found mean magnetic field intensities typically ≤20 nT at 2 m from substations, rising to ≤0.98 µT at the closest public access point. Mean sampled exposure around the four test areas ranged from 0.012 to 0.27 µT, increasing to 0.30–0.80 µT at road junctions.

Outcomes measured

  • Magnetic field intensity levels (power frequency) in residential vicinity
  • Area magnetic field exposure levels around test areas

Limitations

  • No sample size or detailed measurement protocol provided in the abstract
  • Frequency (e.g., 50 Hz) not explicitly stated in the abstract
  • Population/personal monitoring details not described; results appear to be area measurements rather than individual dosimetry
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": "local distribution substations and area distribution system (medium-voltage distribution; cabling near domestic housing)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": null,
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Magnetic field intensity levels (power frequency) in residential vicinity",
    "Area magnetic field exposure levels around test areas"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Measurements in four area types near domestic housing found mean magnetic field intensities typically ≤20 nT at 2 m from substations, rising to ≤0.98 µT at the closest public access point. Mean sampled exposure around the four test areas ranged from 0.012 to 0.27 µT, increasing to 0.30–0.80 µT at road junctions.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "No sample size or detailed measurement protocol provided in the abstract",
    "Frequency (e.g., 50 Hz) not explicitly stated in the abstract",
    "Population/personal monitoring details not described; results appear to be area measurements rather than individual dosimetry"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "power frequency",
    "ELF magnetic fields",
    "distribution substations",
    "medium-voltage distribution",
    "cabling",
    "residential exposure",
    "UK"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.1,
      "reason": "Focus is on utility distribution infrastructure; however measurements are described near domestic housing rather than workplaces."
    }
  ]
}
AI can be wrong. Always verify against the paper.

AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1080/09603120020011474
PubMed: 11260777

Read the original paper →

Related papers

← Back to the Research Library