The term EMF stands for electric and magnetic fields. Electric fields are found wherever there is electricity and are associated with any device or wire that is connected to a source of electricity. Magnetic fields, on the other hand, are created only when there is a flow of current. Any device that uses electric current has a magnetic field, whether it is a toaster or a ceiling fan.

Contradictory and sometimes misunderstood studies have raised questions as to whether electric and magnetic fields from electric transmission lines adversely affect the health of those living near the lines. There is no direct cause-and-effect evidence related to EMF exposure from transmission lines and illness.

Consider the Facts:

• EMFs exist across a wide spectrum of frequencies or strengths. The most powerful fields are produced by gamma rays and X-rays such as those emitted by a medical x-ray machine. At the low end of the frequency spectrum, the fields are much weaker.
• EMFs emitted from transmission lines are in the extremely low frequency range of the electric and magnetic scale. Many variables affect EMF strength: the amount of current, distance from the wires, and how the wires are placed in relation to one another.
• EMF levels get weaker with distance, whether from appliances or power lines.
• At a distance of 150 feet from a 345,000-volt power line, the magnetic field level is 8.3 milligauss. Milligauss is the unit of measurement for magnetic fields.
• At a distance of one foot from a hair dryer, the magnetic field level is 70 milligauss.
• At a distance of one foot from a television, the magnetic field level is 20 milligauss.
• At a distance of one foot from a microwave oven, the magnetic field level is 200 milligauss.
• Since 1989, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has reviewed the science on EMFs and has held hearings to consider the topic. As a result of those hearings, the PSCW has ordered Wisconsin utilities to:
• Contribute to the national EMF research effort.
• Provide information to the public on EMFs, perform EMF measurements for customers upon request, and develop, in coordination with PSCW staff, a uniform EMF measurement protocol.
• Evaluate and include information on how magnetic fields differ for alternative power line configurations.
• Consider the number of persons exposed to EMFs along proposed transmission routes as well as the intensity and duration of exposure.
• Submit a list of homes, workplaces, hospitals, nursing homes, day-care centers and schools near proposed and alternate transmission line routes.
• The study of EMF's has produced very little conclusive data.
• In 1996, scientists at the U.S. National Academy of Science reviewed the research on magnetic fields. They concluded, "The scientific evidence suggesting that [power frequency electromagnetic field] exposure poses any health risk is weak." (National Institute of Environmental Sciences, National Institutes of Health, June 5, 1999, p.1)
• In June 2002, a report published by the California Department of Health Services and funded by the California EMF Program suggested that EMFs - whether from household appliances or power lines - may affect human health. The report's conclusions do not result from new epidemiological studies. They are derived from and evaluation of past epidemiological studies.