Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs)
Last reviewed 17/09/2008: any recent updates in this colour.
During the course of transmitting electricity from power stations to its place of use electric fields (EF) and magnetic fields (MF) are generated. Electrical equipment also generates these fields. Together they are known as electric and magnetic fields (EMF).
Over the course of the last 30 years there has been a growing understanding of the effects of these fields on people see (World Health Organisation website).
In 2004, the UK adopted new guidelines which set magnetic field levels above which people should not usually be exposed to see (Health Protection Agency website).
That left open the question of what effects the fields have (if any) on people below these levels. These are referred to as extremely low frequency (ELF) fields. Because this is an area of uncertainty there is a question as to whether any precautionary measures should be adopted/taken in case there are effects at levels below the exposure guidelines.
As this is a contentious question and one that, to date, there has been a wide spectrum of opinion on, a process has been set up to involve key stakeholders (including the CML to advise government on what they could do).
This stakeholder advisory group and the process by which it is doing its work has become known as SAGE (stakeholder advisory group ELF EMF).
There has been recent press coverage about SAGE and the work it has been asked to do. SAGE is aiming to finalise its findings and hand its report to government this summer (2007). Further information is available on the SAGE website.
When the report is available the CML will consider its proposals and their potential impact on lending.
