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INFORMATION SERIES: Air Conditioning

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are natural phenomena consisting of two invisible forces - electric fields and magnetic fields - that surround any wire conducting electricity. Electric fields are created by the presence of an electrical charge in a conductor. Magnetic fields are created by electrical current, which is the flow of electrons through a conductor. In simpler terms, electrical fields exist around energized wire. even when an appliance is turned of. Magnetic fields exist only when the appliance is turned on and current is flowing. Either field by itself is harmless. When current flows through a wire both an electrical and a magnetic field is created - this combination is an electromagnetic field.

Since EMFs fall of rapidly in strength with distance from their source (see charts), location relative to the source is critical. Although no definitive "safe" level of exposure has been determined, according to the HouseMaster Technical Staff, it is generally agreed that exposure levels should be
no greater than three milligauss. To place these levels into perspective, overhead power lines generate EMF levels as high as 50 to 100 milligauss along their right-of-way. On a more personal basis, various appliances can emit levels in the hundreds at distances as close as four inches. Although
this field potential drops of dramatically at distances of one to three feet from the source, use of certain appliances require close proximity to the user by design. Obviously, the concern increases with the length of time that an appliance is used and therefore those which are close to a user for significant periods of time such as power tools, vacuum cleaners, electric blankets, shavers, can openers and microwave ovens are of the most concern.

lines or the relocation of those lines to less populated areas. In terms of the average homeowner, the best approach is to recognize the high energy appliances which are of most concern and to minimize their use accordingly. Some of the high EMF level appliances, like electric blankets, have been redesigned to significantly reduce the EMFs produced. The follow tables list milligauss readings at various distances for interior appliances (home, shop and office) and overhead transmission lines:

EMF LEVELS (MEDIAN) IN MILLIGAUSS (INTERIOR)
APPLIANCES	AT 6"	AT 1'	AT 2'	AT 4'
Hair dryers	300	1	-	-
Shaver	100	20	-	-
Blenders	70	10	2	-
Can Openers	600	150	20	2
Microwave Ovens	200	40	10	2
Mixers	100	10	1	-
Toasters	10	3	-	-
Color TV's	-	7	2	-
Irons	8	1	-	-
Portable Heaters	100	20	4	-
Vacuum Cleaners	300	60	10	1
Power Drills	150	30	4	-
Power Saws	200	40	5	-
Pencil Sharpeners	200	70	20	2
Copy Machines	90	20	7	1
Video Display Terminals	14	5	2	-

EMF LEVELS IN MILLIGAUSS (EXTERIOR)
TRANSMISSION LINES	MAXIMUM ON RIGHT-OF-WAY	DISTANCE FROM LINES
TRANSMISSION LINES	MAXIMUM ON RIGHT-OF-WAY	50'	100'	200'	300'
115 Kilovolts (kv)
Average usage	30	7	2	0.4	0.2
Peak usage	63	14	4	0.9	0.4
230 Kilovolts (kv)
Average usage	58	20	7	1.8	0.8
Peak usage	118	40	15	3.6	1.6
500 Kilovolts (kv)
Average usage	87	29	13	3.2	1.4
Peak usage	183	62	27	6.7	3.0

The question of whether electromagnetic fields may be a factor in human illness has been the subject of scientific research in many parts of the world for several decades. Since the 1970s, researchers have been investigating thepossibility that EMFs, primarily the magnetic field component, might be a factor in human diseases such as leukemia and some other cancers. A number of EMF related epidemiologic studies have been conducted in the U.S. and Europe and their results have been inconsistent. These results reinforce the need for continued, comprehensive research into the possible health efects of EMFs. The Electric Power Research Institute is sponsoring EMF research projects at several leading U.S. laboratories and universities. The U.S.
Energy Policy Act of 1992 included a $65 million 5 year EMF research and development program, which is being co-funded by industry and the federal government.

Testing for exterior EMFs can be performed by using a gauss meter to indicate the field level that is present. Such basic testing is fairly inexpensive. The options that are available at the present time to deal with exterior EMFs include the reduction of power transmission through overhead utility

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ENCO Home Inspection, LLC is a wholly, independently owned and operated franchisee of HMA Franchise Systems, Inc. The information and views provided within these web pages have no reflection on HMA, and HMA is held harmless from any statements, views, comments or otherwise.

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