EMF Information
Electricity transmission, and the majority of mains electricity appliances, produce electric and magnetic fields (EMF) of extremely low frequency.
Since the late 1970s, the science of epidemiology has investigated the possibility of health effects from lower level environmental exposures to EMF. Tentative associations have been found, most have been discounted after further investigation, but some persist and cannot be entirely discounted.
The weight of international scientific opinion is that no causal connection has been confirmed between lower level EMF in the environment and the health effects. This opinion draws on extensive laboratory research together with the absence of a plausible mechanism by which exposure might lead to such adverse effects.
This is Transpower’s understanding of the consensus scientific view, but we do recognise the need to keep abreast of on-going research.
The control of established health effects at much higher EMF exposure levels in close proximity to conductors is guided by the public and occupational guidelines published by the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) in 1998 and recommended by the New Zealand Ministry of Health.
Transpower’s Commitment to the Management of EMF includes a range of measures that we believe are prudent and responsive to current scientific understanding.
We recognise public and community concerns about the perceived health effects of Electric and Magnetic Field exposure. This Commitment outlines the measures that we undertake in response to public concerns about transmission lines.
Transpower promotes a high level of safety, taking all practicable steps to provide its employees and contractor with safe working environments. As such this Commitment also addresses occupational EMF exposures.
