The effects of electromagnetic fields is a long-studied topic. A tremendous body of research has produced no conclusive evidence that indicates EMF from transmission and distribution lines are, or can be, hazardous to the health of human beings. Due to an overwhelming preponderance of data that concluded there was no health risk associated with transmission and distribution lines, the Virginia State Corporation Commission ended in 1999 their practice of issuing annual reports on EMF. Extensive research has been conducted on this subject worldwide for more than 25 years and is continuing.

The following Web sites and electronic documents address some of the issues of public interest associated with transmission and distribution lines and describe some of the research being done on the possible health effects associated with transmission and distribution lines:

1. Executive summary of the most recent annual report submitted to the Virginia General Assembly in cooperation with the State Corporation Commission by Khizar Wasti, Ph.D., Virginia Department of Health dated October 31, 2000, titled Monitoring of Ongoing Research on the Health Effects of High Voltage Transmission Lines (Final Report) (PDF file, 109kb).
2. Survey conducted by F.W. Bell, INC. titled A Survey of Magnetic Field Radiation Measurements in Household Appliances. (PDF file, 143kb)
3. Report developed by EPA titled Questions and Answers: Electric and Magnetic Fields Associated with the Use of Electric Power. (PDF file, 501kb)
4. Editorial by Edward W. Campion, M.D., from the New England Journal of Medicine, titled "Powers Lines, Cancer, and Fear" dated July 3, 1997 --Volume 337, No. 1. (To view the full text of this article, you will need to register online with the NEJM.)
5. News Release by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences dated Tuesday, June 15, 1999, titled "Environmental Health Institute Report Concludes Evidence is 'Weak' that EMFs Cause Cancer". (Also available in Spanish)

NOVEC cannot provide an interpretation of the gauss readings that will be taken since there is no conclusive scientific evidence that directly links a certain 60-hertz gauss level or range of 60-hertz magnetic fields to a known health effect.

The strength of a 60-hertz magnetic field depends on two components; the amount of current flowing through the source and the distance away from the source. The current constantly changes with the use of electricity; therefore, 60-hertz magnetic fields change with the use of electricity as well. The 60-hertz magnetic fields emitted from utility lines and equipment is the same 60-hertz magnetic field emitted by household appliances, office equipment, lights, extension cords, etc. The 60-hertz EMF survey can only show which 60-hertz magnetic fields are present at the time and date of the survey.

Dr. Moulder has done a great public service by continually updating his Web site and including results of all the latest EMF studies. NOVEC highly recommends that you visit his Web site and revisit it whenever you hear about results from new EMF studies.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please call NOVEC at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500.

NOVEC welcomes any additional scientific studies that are not addressed in the above literature concerning 60-hertz magnetic fields for our own examination. It is NOVEC’s desire to provide our members with up-to-date scientific information concerning 60-hertz magnetic fields whenever possible. If you have additional information concerning 60-hertz magnetic fields studies not addressed above, please send a copy for our examination.