Safety

Extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields (EMF) exist wherever electricity is generated, transmitted or distributed in powerlines or cables, or used in electrical appliances.

According to the Commonwealth Government agency responsible for health and safety matters relating to ELF/EMF, the Australian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 

‘The scientific evidence does not establish that exposure to the electric and magnetic fields found around the home, the office or near powerlines causes health effects.’ 

Community members may wish to undertake measurements of ELF / EMF within their homes and can do so by the use of a Gauss meter, which may be hired from ARPANSA. Details can be found on the ARPANSA website.

The Energy Networks Association has also published a fact sheet on EMF which may be accessed here.