Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) & Health: FAQs

EMF exposure is very common, and so are questions about what this exposure may mean. The following sections provide answers to some common questions about EMF and concerns about health.

What Is EMF? Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are areas of energy that surround any electrical device. Power lines, electrical wiring, computers, televisions, hair dryers, household appliances and everything else that uses electricity are sources of EMF. The magnetic field is not blocked by buildings so outdoor sources like power lines can add to the EMF inside your home. However, the field decreases rapidly with distance so that most homes are too far from high voltage lines to matter. 

How Are Electromagnetic Fields Measured? EMF are commonly measured in units of gauss (G) by an instrument known as a gaussmeter. A milligauss (mG) is 1000 times smaller than a gauss. 

What Are Typical EMF Levels Within A Home? In a study that measured EMF in almost 1000 homes in the United States, 50% had average EMF levels of 0.6 mG or less, and 95% had average EMF levels below 3 mG. Keep in mind that these are average EMF levels within a home. EMF levels can be higher (5 mG or more) when you are near a household appliance (or anything else that uses electricity). EMF levels rapidly become weaker as you move away from the source. 

How High Are EMF Levels Near Power Lines? Power lines that send electricity between towns and into neighborhoods generally have the highest voltage. They are bigger and have more wires than the distribution lines that are common on most streets. The high voltage lines can have EMF levels of 30 to 90 mG underneath the wires, depending on the voltage, height, and placement of the lines. EMF levels decrease rapidly with distance from the lines. At 300 feet (a football field), EMF is at background levels. In some cases, even closer distances are at background. The distribution lines that run up and down every street are smaller, contain lower voltage and are of less concern. 

Is EMF Exposure Harmful? Despite extensive research over the past 20 years, the health risk caused by EMF exposure remains an open question. Two national research organizations (the National Research Council and the National Institute of Health) have looked at the studies and have concluded that there is not strong evidence that EMF exposures pose a health risk. However, some studies have shown an association between household EMF exposure and a small increased risk of childhood leukemia at average exposures above 3 mG. For cancers other than childhood leukemia, there is less evidence for an effect. For example, workers that repair power lines and railway workers can be exposed to much higher EMF levels than the general public. The results of cancer studies in these workers is mixed. Some studies have suggested a link between EMF exposure in electrical workers and leukemia and brain cancer. Other similar studies have not found such associations. There is also some evidence that utility workers exposed to high levels of EMF may be at increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Although the current scientific evidence provides no definitive answers as to whether EMF exposure can increase health risks, there is enough uncertainty that some people may want to reduce their exposure to EMF. 

How Can I Reduce My EMF Exposure? EMF exposure depends on what EMF sources are nearby and how much time you spend near them. If you would like to reduce your exposure to EMF, you can take simple steps such as:

• Increase distance: for example, sit at arm's length from your computer or re-position electric alarm clocks farther away from your body while in bed.
• Repair faulty wiring which may be generating higher than usual EMF.
• Turn off electrical devices such as televisions and computers when not in use.
• Use electric blankets to warm the bed, turning them off before getting into bed. 

What Should I Do if a Home I Want To Buy is Near High Voltage Lines? If the power lines are more than 300 feet away, there should be no cause for concern. At this distance EMF from the lines is no different from typical levels around the home. If the power lines are less than 300 feet away from the home, you may want to obtain EMF measurements in the yard. Most electric utilities in Connecticut will take measurements for free. There are also private firms that will charge a fee for measurements. To understand your measurement, consider that typical EMF levels found inside homes range from 0.1 to 4 mG. EMF levels above this range are not necessarily hazardous, but indicate EMF levels above what’s typical background inside a home. Deciding where to live rests upon different considerations for each individual. EMF exposure is just one of many factors in this decision. Other environmental health issues around a home can include: radon, lead paint, asbestos, soil or groundwater contamination, local traffic and noise. All of these factors should be considered when evaluating the home environment. 

 

What are Best Management Practices (BMPs)? When new power lines are constructed, they have the potential to increase EMF levels in an area. The Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) reviews these plans. To ensure that the public’s exposure to EMF is kept to a minimum, the CSC released a set of BMPs to be followed when constructing new lines. The plans for new lines and their adherence to the BMPs will be on file in town offices and are typically discussed at open forums prior to construction. 

 

 

Sun Exposure & Sunscreen

The sun sends us heat and light and is beneficial to our health. Ninety percent of our Vitamin D comes from sunlight hitting our skin but too much sun can cause skin cancer. It is important to balance the benefits and risks of exposure to sunshine and use sunscreen correctly. 

 

4 Steps to Playing It Safe in the Sun

1. Avoid too much sun: Wear protective clothing (shirt, hat, pants, sunglasses) when in the sun for more than 15 minutes; seek shade as much as possible; avoid mid-day sun
2. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin: Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure; apply a generous coat and reapply every 2 hours or more often if getting wet or sweating heavily.
3. Choose sunscreen wisely: Look at the label. Choose a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum (UV-A & UV-B) protection, is rated as SPF 15 or greater, contains zinc oxide as the active ingredient or as a blend with titanium dioxide. These mineral blockers are preferable to chemical absorbers (see next page), and is water resistant.
4. Do get some sun every day: Your body needs a daily dose of Vitamin D from the sun. For most people 15 minutes of sunshine without sunscreen will not damage the skin and will give you enough Vitamin D

Why Does Sunshine Cause Skin Cancer?

The sun’s rays are composed of ultraviolet radiation called UV-A and UV-B. Both UV-A and UV-B radiation can harm the skin. UV-B rays stop at the skin’s surface and cause a tan, but can burn the skin if you stay in the sun too long. UV-A rays penetrate more deeply and can damage the elasticity of the skin, leading to wrinkles and premature aging. Both UV-A and UV-B can contribute to cancer by harming the skin’s DNA. Further, sunburn damages the skin and is an added risk factor for skin cancer. A sunscreen must filter out both UV-A and UV-B to prevent skin cancer.

 

There are two basic types of protection afforded by sunscreens: mineral blockers and chemical absorbers. Mineral blockers form a temporary shield or barrier from sunlight, reflecting harmful rays away from the skin. The main blockers used in sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They are both good at blocking UV-B and thus preventing sunburn. Zinc oxide can also block the UV-A rays and has the broadest spectrum of protection of any single sunscreen ingredient. Titanium dioxide only blocks some of the UV-A rays and so needs to be complemented by the chemical absorbers or zinc oxide. Chemical absorbers actually transfer the sun’s UV energy into their chemical structure, preventing damage to the skin below. Common absorbers in sunscreen are para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), avobenzone, oxybenzone, cinnamates, and salicylates. Any individual absorber offers only partial protection and has to be combined with other chemical absorbers or mineral blockers to obtain broad spectrum coverage. 

Are There Health Concerns With Wearing Sunscreen All Day?

Products that are meant to remain on the skin for hours at a time have the potential to release their ingredients across the skin and into the body. Questions have been raised about certain chemical absorbers (e.g. PABA, oxybenzone,) because they have endocrine disrupting (estrogen-like) activity. While this activity is weak, wearing sunscreen all day may lead to enough absorption to raise a concern. This is still an area of uncertainty that requires more research. In the meantime, it is prudent to use products based upon zinc oxide for most of your skin protection. If you find such products difficult to obtain or use, you can still use a product containing chemical absorbers. In this case, the best choice is a product that does not contain oxybenzone.

 

Vitamin A (retinol) is an ingredient to avoid because it can be absorbed across the skin and be a risk to pregnancy. Therefore, avoid products containing Vitamin A. Some people have raised concerns about nanotechnology used in modern sunscreens. Zinc and titanium come in nanosized particles to make the sunscreen clear rather than a white paste on the skin. The nanotechnology version of zinc/titanium does not get absorbed across the skin to a great extent and its action on the skin is as protective as old-fashioned zinc paste. Therefore, it is a good choice for sun block protection. 

 

Should I Apply Sunscreen To My Infant or Young Child? 

For babies under six months of age, it is best to shelter them from the sun with hats, clothing and shade. If there is sun exposure, use sunscreen sparingly over small areas of exposed skin. Beyond 6 months of age you can use sunscreen normally but avoid the area around the eyes because children may wipe it into their eyes and cause irritation. If you choose to use a spray sunscreen, be careful not to spray near the face. The chemicals from the sunscreen could be inhaled. Instead spray into your hand and then apply to exposed skin. Be sure to spray an adequate amount for complete skin protection. 

 

How Can I Reduce My Exposure To The Sun?

The best way to reduce exposure to the sun’s rays is to avoid them. Stay in the shade as much as possible. If there is no shade available, use a beach umbrella to provide the shade. If you cannot avoid the sun, wear protective clothing such as a shirt, pants, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Be aware of the time of day and try to avoid being in the direct sun at mid-day (between10 am and 2 pm) when the UV rays are the strongest. Early morning or late afternoon is a better choice. Be aware that people with lighter skin are more at risk of sunburn. When in direct sun, apply sunscreen liberally (golf ball size) and often to exposed skin. It is recommended that sunscreen be reapplied every two hours or sooner if you have been swimming or sweating heavily.