Safety is always our priority. This includes designing our infrastructure so that it meets or exceed the high industry and regulatory safety codes and standards we operate under, including the Canadian Electrical Code and Canadian Standards Association.


Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs) are found everywhere electricity is used, including home appliances, computers, office equipment, wiring in our homes and workplaces and electric power facilities such as substations and transmission or distribution lines.

Based on global studies which continue to be regularly monitored, these organizations indicate that members of the public do not need to take precautions to protect from fields produced by extremely low frequencies such as transmission lines.


Key facts

  • Electricity produces fields which are referred to as EMFs. EMFs are invisible forces found everywhere electricity is used including household appliances, power cords, and wires.

  • They are strongest when close to their source. As you move away from the source, the strength of the fields fades rapidly.

  • In North America, all electricity including transmission lines, operate at 60 hertz, which is considered to be extremely low frequency.

  • World Health Organization (WHO) states that “despite extensive research, to date there is no evidence to conclude that exposure to low level electromagnetic fields is harmful to human health.

  • Health Canada states that members of the public do not need to take precautions to protect from fields produced by electricity (extremely low frequency) because exposures are far below the limits recommended by the ICNIRP guidelines.

  • ICNIRP's guidelines indicate that general exposure at low frequency, such as transmission lines, should not exceed a level of 2000 milligauss (mG).

  • To help further put this into context, household appliances such as a vacuum operates at 300 mG, a microwave at 200 mG and a washing machine at 20 mG.

 

Common Household Sources of Magnetic Fields

Appliance Median mG
Electric Ovens 9 mG at 6 inches
Coffee Makers 7 mG at 6 inches
Refrigerators 2 mG at 6 inches
Vacuum Cleaner 300 mG at 6 inches
Microwave 200 mG at 6 inches
Portable Heater 100 mG at 6 inches
Washing Machines 20 mG at 6 inches

 

Additional Resources

 

We are committed to understanding and addressing any health concerns individuals may have. If you have any questions, please contact our toll-free customer follow up line at 1.800.728.9533​​