Hazards at power frequencies

This paper surveys the effects of electric and magnetic fields at power frequencies. The NRPB Guidance on the exposure of people to power-frequency magnetic fields is that people should not be exposed to fields greater than 1600 /spl mu/T or 12 kVm/sup -1/ at 50 Hz. This guidance is based largely on avoiding effects of induced currents in the body. The generation, transmission, distribution and use of electricity involves a number of stages which produce electric and magnetic fields. The highest fields the general public are generally exposed to from various power-frequency sources are summarised in this paper.