Overview
Introduction
Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are present whenever and wherever 50/60 Hz electricity is generated, transmitted, and used. Radiofrequency (RF) emissions are prevalent due to the adoption of wireless communication devices, smart meters, and inverters associated with renewable sources, such as photovoltaic cells and power electronics. The electric grid, with its associated technologies, is experiencing a phase of rapid evolution and expansion to meet increasing demands for low carbon electrification.
Environmental health and safety issues related to these EMF and RF exposures are evolving as the need for electrification and grid resiliency increases. Utility EMF professionals must address these concerns as part of managing a robust public health and worker safety program and ensuring timely development and application of a more modern grid.
Objectives
This project set focuses on addressing the potential health effects of EMF and RF on humans and non-human biota. For more than 30 years, EPRI has been systematically evaluating a broad range of health concerns related to EMF and RF exposures. However, scientific gaps still exist for some health outcomes like childhood leukemia and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, new technological innovations and applications often evoke old concerns and new questions about health and safety (e.g., impacts of air ions from high voltage direct current [HVDC] lines on human health).
EMF and RF issue managers rely on timely information and new research to address ongoing public and worker concerns. To address these concerns, the EPRI research in this project set aims to:
- Conduct novel scientific research to help resolve key uncertainties related to residential EMF exposure and health outcomes such as childhood leukemia and neurodegenerative diseases. This may include conducting high-quality epidemiology studies and/or synthesis of health research.
- Conduct research on emerging health and environmental concerns from application of technologies such as HVDC lines and hybrid lines.
- Deliver up-to-date information from EPRI and global EMF research to EMF/RF issue managers from member organizations.
- Integrate at-pace learning for new-to-the-area issue managers and other stakeholders to facilitate knowledge transfer.
- Develop research summaries and information using the latest available science to inform member risk communication plans.
Approach
TransExpo Multi-country Study of Childhood Leukemia and EMF:
TransExpo is an international, multi-year study of childhood leukemia focusing on populations living in apartment buildings with built-in transformers. The study provides the rare opportunity to study highly exposed populations and evaluate selection bias (which is often a challenge in epidemiology studies). The research is aimed at reducing the uncertainties surrounding the association between magnetic fields and childhood leukemia.
Alternative Hypothesis for Childhood Leukemia and Transmission Lines: Pesticides:
This project explores an alternative hypothesis for childhood leukemia that could be associated with transmission line rightsof- way but is not EMF related. The causes of childhood leukemia remain largely unknown. An observation was made from previous EPRI studies that commercial plant nurseries are often co-located on transmission line easements in certain regions. These commercial plant nurseries often apply pesticides during their operation and pesticides are among a few agents that have been identified as a potential risk factor for childhood leukemia. There have not been studies of pesticide exposure that evaluated birth residence proximity to commercial plant nurseries which can potentially be a source of year-round exposure to pesticides. This project may utilize research from both P60 and P51 (T&D Environmental Issues).
Electrohypersensitivity (EHS) Information Sheet:
EHS (also called Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance, or IEI) is a condition in which some people regularly experience symptoms including fatigue, nausea, heart palpitations, cognitive symptoms, itching, and/or eczema and attribute these symptoms to exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) usually well below established exposure limit values. To date, a causal relationship between EMF and symptoms occurrence has not been scientifically proven. As utilities proceed with electrification efforts, EHS concerns by the public may increase. This technical brief will provide information for the most commonly asked questions about EHS that members may use to inform their risk communication strategy with the public.
Potential Health Effects on Humans and Animals from HVDC and Hybrid Overhead Lines (TI Funded):
Current interest in renovating the U.S. power grid for greater capacity and higher reliability (as well as connecting dissimilar systems) has stimulated new interest in implementing HVDC and/or hybrid lines to facilitate transferring bulk power over longer distances. There are potential environmental and human health concerns associated with this type of transmission technology that are different from the more traditional high-voltage alternating-current (HVAC) systems (e.g., profusion of air ions generated by HVDC conductors). This project will provide an overview of the HVDC electrical environment with a focus on what is known about the health impacts from the generation of air ions on humans and animals.
EMF Now:
EMF Now is a monthly publication and summary of curated EMF and RF study results to keep members current on EMF/RF news and research studies being conducted around the world.
Future Work
- Alternative Hypothesis for Childhood Leukemia and Transmission Lines: Population Demographics
- 5G Information Sheet
- EMF Training Modules