50 Hz - electromagnetic fields. Regulations concerning non-ionizing radiation

As a central supervision authority the National Electrical Safety Board (Elsaekerhetsverket) has the main responsibility for the safety of high voltage power lines and other power electric equipment. It is therefore also responsible for questions concerning the effects of power frequency magnetic fields on the environment. According to the rules it is not allowed to draw overhead power lines with a voltage exceeding 1000 V above buildings. Their minimum distance to buildings must not be below 5 m. For regions comprised by rural development plans the directions prescribe a minimum distance of 10 m between buildings and high voltage transmission lines with a voltage of 55 kV or more. The publication of two large epidemiological studies about exposure to magnetic fields and cancer in Sweden in autumn 1992 has brought magnetic fields problems to general notice again. A statement on health risks form electromagnetic fields was issued by SSI in January 1993. SSI and Elsaekerhetsverket acknowledge the existence of research results supporting the hypothesis that exposure to magnetic fields from high voltage power lines and other electrical equipment can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, among them childhood leukemia. Elsaekerhetsverket has started several working groups to take up a couple of different problems in relation to magnetic field exposure. One of the groups shall calculate the exposure of children to magnetic fields in schools and day nurseries close to high voltage transmission lines in all municipals of Sweden. The object of another group is to find out the possibly technical and economical consequences of an introduction of guidelines for magnetic fields from high voltage power lines and other electrical power equipment in the future