National Grid - Electric and Magnetic Fields

Electric and Magnetic Fields
Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are produced by anything that carries electricity, such as overhead power lines and underground cables, or by anything that uses electricity, such as household appliances and many transport systems. They also occur naturally. Currents in the earth's core create a magnetic field, and electric fields are caused by electrical activity in the upper atmosphere. Fields are also present in our bodies.

Over the last 20 years, major research programs throughout the world have explored whether EMFs have an adverse impact on health. Although the balance of the evidence is against a link between ill health and EMFs, there is some scientific evidence suggesting that exposure to EMFs may be harmful to health. International bodies such as the World Health Organization, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and, in the United Kingdom, the National Radiological Protection Board have investigated this issue and have concluded that there is no established cause and effect link between EMFs and ill health. They have, however, recognized that the possibility cannot be ruled out. We believe that any suggestions of a health risk must be taken seriously and for that reason, and as part of our policy on EMFs, we support high-quality independent research into this issue, in the U.K., the U.S., and internationally.

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