Answer to Question #4755 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Microwaves, Radar, and Radiofrequency — Microwaves and Radiofrequency

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

My wife and I are considering buying a house which has an electrical substation adjacent to it. (The substation is on the other side of the wall of the house's sitting room.) The substation is housed inside of a room made from bricks which measures 18" x 15".

We have a five-year-old child and have been concerned that there is a potential risk that this substation may be emitting radiation which may eventually cause some types of cancer or other illnesses.

We would be grateful if you can shed some light on the potential risks that may be caused by nearby electrical substations.

In general, the strongest electromagnetic frequency (EMF) produced by the equipment within the substation as measured around the outside of the wall of the substation is typically indistinguishable from background levels. You may want to visit the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Web site.

The EMF Rapid Program produced an excellent summary of this subject. The question is addressed on page 36 of this document.
Dave Sliney, PhD

Answer posted on February 1, 2006. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.