Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible energized waves present wherever electricity flows. They span a broad spectrum—from extremely low-frequency (ELF) fields produced by power lines and household wiring to high-energy radiation such as X-rays.

ELF fields and their associated magnetic fields are generated by electrical grid equipment. This type of exposure is often referred to as ELF-EMF, magnetic fields, or simply EMF.

Health Risks Linked to EMF Exposure:

• Childhood leukemia
• Brain and breast cancers
• Miscarriage
• ADHD, asthma, and obesity in prenatally-exposed children
• Cognitive decline and neurological impacts

Jumplinks:

• Sources of Exposure
• The Science on Health Risks of ELF and Magnetic Fields
• Exposure at School
• How to Protect Your Health
• Policy Issues and Expert Recommendations
• Global Policies to Minimize ELF-EMF Exposure in Sensitive Areas
• Scientific Research Studies

Sources of EMF Exposure

ELF magnetic fields are emitted by a wide range of everyday sources, both inside and outside the home.

• Power lines and electrical grid infrastructure: High-voltage transmission lines, transformers, data centers and electrical substations generate continuous exposure. 
• Household electrical wiring: Utility meters, wiring in walls, and circuit breakers can produce fields that affect nearby living spaces, particularly when circuits carry heavy loads.
• Everyday appliances: Many common household devices emit ELF magnetic fields during use, including refrigerators, microwaves, electric ovens, and space heaters.
• Electronics, particularly when charging: Laptops, cell phones, and tablets can create localized magnetic field exposure near the charging cords and device.

Chronic exposure—such as living, attending school, or working near high voltage power lines, or working in industries with high exposures—is considered the greatest concern by many researchers, because it exposes the body continuously, and exposure accumulates over time.

Residential EMF exposure is rising not only because of our increasing use of electronic devices, but also due to the rapid expansion of energy-intensive data centers that demand new high-voltage transmission lines, increasingly being built near homes and schools. This makes EMF exposure an overlooked but significant health risk tied to data center development.

The Science on Health Risks of ELF and Magnetic Fields

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified ELF-EMF magnetic fields as a “possible” human carcinogen in 2001, based largely on evidence linking power line exposure to childhood leukemia. In addition, some studies report associations with adult cancers, miscarriage, sleep disruption, and other health effects. Research is ongoing and many countries have protective policies to reduce power line exposures.

EMF from Powerlines, Childhood Leukemia and Cancer

“This study presents the epidemiological evidence of childhood cancer risk on exposure to ELF-MFs, which implies that we can confirm the risk of childhood leukemia among pediatric cancers followed exposure to ELF-MFs, which is associated with a higher risk than what was previously known.”

-Seomun, Lee and Park in PLOS One ‘Exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and childhood cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis”

• A 2022 systematic review by Brabant et al. in Reviews on Environmental Health found that long-term exposure to magnetic fields above 0.4 µT (4 milligauss) was associated with increased risk of childhood leukemia, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
• A 2021 meta-analysis of 33 studies concluded a significant association between powerline ELF exposure and childhood leukemia, with possible dose-response effects.
• A study of children in Mexico City by Correa‐Correa et al. 2025 found children exposed 4 milligauss (ELF-EMF)  in their homes had a significantly increased risk of central nervous system tumors.  Prolonged tablet use also increased CNST risk, especially in children aged 6–10. Residential ELF-MF exposure was measured over 24 h. 

Industry funding can significantly impact EMF health effect study results, as electric power companies have substantial financial interests

David Carpenter, MD, Director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany, published a review of the research showing that the source of funding affects study findings.

“The evidence that magnetic fields increase the risk of cancer is neither inconsistent nor inconclusive. Furthermore, adults are also at risk, not just children, and there is strong evidence for cancers in addition to leukemia, particularly brain and breast cancer.”

-David Carpenter in Environmental Research “Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and cancer: How source of funding affects results”

EMF, Brain Tumors and Other Cancers

• A 2020 study in Environmental Research linked residential proximity to power lines with an increased risk of brain tumors.
• A 2022 study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine linked childhood ELF-EMF exposure to adult melanoma.  
• Animal studies such as those conducted by the Ramazzini Institute, found that long-term ELF-EMF exposure combined with other carcinogens increased tumor incidence in rats.

EMF, Pregnancy and Developmental Effects

Kaiser Permanente studies reported that prenatal ELF-EMF exposure was associated with increased miscarriage risk and also ADHD, obesity, and asthma. 

A 2020 systematic review concluded that ELF-EMF exposure during early pregnancy is linked to higher first-trimester miscarriage risk.

Watch Dr. De-Kun Li of Kaiser Permanente present his studies in the video below.

EMF and Cognitive Effects

A National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health supported study of high occupational ELF-EMF exposure reported associations with cognitive dysfunction and dementia, likely due to amyloid beta accumulation and reduced melatonin.

“The results of this study indicate that working in an occupation with high or M/H MF exposure may increase the risk of severe cognitive dysfunction. Smoking and older age may increase the deleterious effect of MF exposure.”

-Davanipour et al in Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research “Severe Cognitive Dysfunction and Occupational Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field Exposure among Elderly Mexican Americans”

EMF and Alzheimer’s Disease

Studies have found higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia close to high voltage powerlines.

A large 18-year nationwide cohort study published in Environment International (2026) found effects beginning around 0.5 mG ( milligauss), with stronger associations observed in the 1–3 mG range, a range commonly found in homes close to electrical grid infrastructure.  

EMF Exposure in Electric Cars

Modern cars expose drivers and passengers to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and wireless radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) contain high-voltage electrical systems, batteries, inverters, and motors that generate low-frequency magnetic fields inside the cabin.

In early 2025, Germany’s federal radiation protection authority, Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz (BfS) published the most comprehensive study to date, measuring EMF in fourteen vehicles (11 electric, 2 plug-in hybrids, and 1 gasoline vehicle) and finding that magnetic fields are present in all vehicles and vary by model and driving condition. They found that in addition to the drive system, magnetic fields are also generated by other vehicle components, e.g. heated seats, window winders or vehicle activation systems. In some cases, this exposure was higher than the fields caused by the propulsion system, with the highest values when the car is started.

An independent review by the European Commission concluded that electrified vehicles may show higher magnetic flux density than conventional vehicles under certain conditions.

A 2025 measurement study by Fukui et al., 2025, published in Electronics found plug-in hybrids showed the highest measured values among the vehicles tested.

A 2022 article Complex Electromagnetic Issues Associated with the Use of Electric Vehicles in Urban Transportation, found that the strongest electromagnetic fields are recorded near direct current (DC) fast-charging installations.

While these studies found that car EMF exposures do not exceed ICNIRP limits, those limits are only designed to protect against short-term effects and they do not consider the effects of long-term chronic exposure. Solutions exist to mitigate EMF exposures in cars though low-EMF design, but companies will only prioritize this with consumer pressure.

Want to learn more about EMF in cars? The website CarsRadiation.org publishes information on EMF in cars, and Dr. Joel Moskowitz has a research page on the issue of EMF in cars.

Household Appliances Create EMF Exposures

Studies on induction cookers, computers, and microwaves show mixed effects. Some case-control studies suggest higher risks for congenital heart defects with early pregnancy exposure, while others, like the 2021 Kyushu Okinawa study, found reduced risk of preterm birth with induction heat cooker use.

EMF Exposure at School

While many countries have safeguards in place for schools, the United States has no special federal protections to reduce exposures on school grounds. In California, new schools must maintain minimum distances from transmission line right-of-ways, as nearby power lines can increase ELF‑EMF exposure. 

Even if a school is not near a powerline, the EMF exposure can be significant. A 2020 study found that exposure in classrooms was mainly from electrical appliances, wiring, and electrical equipment, and the scientists concluded that, “it is important to design safe and appropriate environments for digital learning in schools, such as proper seating arrangements, to avoid ELF-MFs exposure to students as much as possible.” 

EMF Impacts to Wildlife and Nature

EMFs have been shown to affect non-human species at levels well below IEEE and ICNIRP limits.

Over 1,200 research studies on wildlife, flora, and fauna impacts summarized by Levitt et al. (2021) in Reviews on Environmental Health report a broad range of impacts, including altered behavior, endocrine disruption, milk production changes, and prolonged estrous cycles in cattle near electrical infrastructure

“ ELF-EMF found contradictory evidence affecting milk production, fat content, hormone imbalances and important changes in other physiological parameters. Cows have also been found sensitive to stray voltage and transient harmonics with problematic milk production, health, reproduction and behavioral effects.”

-Levitt et al 2021, Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 2 impacts: how species interact with natural and man-made EMF.

A 2023 review on non-ionizing EMF impacts to insects, including bees, documented decreased reproductive capacity, altered behavior, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and impaired development as well as navigation and orientation disruption.

Policy Issues and Expert Recommendations on EMF 

In 2019, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) published its Report on the Health Effects of Exposure to Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, reaffirming scientific evidence linking childhood leukemia to exposure and calling for minimizing exposure in sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals, and for pregnant women. ANSES updated its 2010 recommendations, emphasizing that new schools and hospitals should avoid proximity to power lines, occupational exposure should be better controlled (especially for pregnant women), manufacturers should measure and disclose ELF-EMF emissions, and regulations should extend beyond transmission lines to cover all significant sources of exposure.

Failed U.S. Policy on EMF

The U.S. once had a strong EPA research program, but it was defunded. Thus, the U.S. does not have a federal limit for exposure to ELF or magnetic fields. 

A major 2002 California State Health and Human Services report “An Evaluation of the Possible Risks From Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs) From Power Lines, Internal Wiring, Electrical Occupations and Appliances” concluded that EMFs may increase risks of childhood leukemia, brain cancer, ALS, and miscarriage. There have even been out-of-court settlements for EMF exposure, such as one in Massachusetts where high magnetic fields in a child’s bedroom were linked to leukemia. However, on contrast to numerous other countries, the U.S. has no ongoing activities to create federal safety limits or ensure public health protection. 

Global Policies to Minimize ELF-EMF Exposure in Sensitive Areas

Watch a presentation regarding the Netherlands ‘ government’s decision to reduce magnetic field exposure to the public, especially for children, by buying out homes under high voltage powerlines and transformer stations (electrical substations in the USA).

• The Netherlands: Since 2005, policies have been in place to reduce ELF-EMF in homes, schools, and kindergartens. In 2013, houses under 380–220 kV lines were bought out because of the ELF exposure. A 2018 Health Council report reaffirmed links to cancer and recommended reducing ELF-EMF.
• Germany: A 2013 Ordinance requires all feasible measures to minimize ELF-EMF exposure. 220 kV lines cannot be erected over buildings intended for long-term human occupancy.
• Israel: The maximum permissible ELF-EMF exposure in schools and residences is 4 mG per recommendations of the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Health.
• French Polynesia: The government-run public awareness campaign advises maintaining at least 1–1.5 meters from induction stoves and other EMF-generating appliances.
• France: Ministerial guidance discourages new hospitals, maternity wards, and childcare facilities near power lines, cables, and transformers where fields exceed 1 µT. The grid operator must monitor EMF emissions near power lines, and citizens can request measurements via local authorities.
• Slovenia: ELF limits are set at 10% of the EU reference value for new or modified installations near residences, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, playgrounds, parks, and public buildings.
• Denmark: Utilities must measure magnetic fields at new installations; annual averages should not exceed 4 mG, and no kindergartens or new buildings may be built near high-voltage lines.
• Switzerland: The Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Act establishes precautionary EMF exposure limits for new installations.The country also measures, monitors and reports EMF levels.
• Croatia: Reduced ELF-EMF limits apply to sensitive areas, including homes, offices, schools, playgrounds, kindergartens, maternity wards, hospitals, and care facilities.
• Luxembourg: Ministerial recommendation prohibits new living spaces within 20 meters of 65 kV lines and 30 meters of 100–220 kV lines.
• Finland: The radiation authority STUK advises avoiding permanent residences where magnetic flux density continuously exceeds ~0.4 µT.
• Norway: A 0.4 µT “investigation level” applies to new homes, schools, kindergartens, and power lines; if exceeded, exposure-reduction measures are evaluated and implemented if reasonable.
• Italy: The 2017 Environment Ministry Decree recommends minimizing indoor ELF-EMF exposure; a precautionary “attention value” applies to 24-hour median exposure in homes, schools, playgrounds, and other spaces where people spend over 4 hours.
• Belgium: In Flanders, new power lines should be avoided near schools and childcare centers, and exposure over homes should be minimized. Year-averaged exposure near new schools and childcare centers should not exceed 4 mG. In Brussels, transformers near areas where children under 15 may be present must maintain a 24-hour average below 4 mG.

How to Protect Your Health

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) from household electronics and electrical appliances weaken quickly as you move away from the source. At about one foot, the field strength is typically much lower, and by two to three feet, it drops sharply. Experts are most concerned about long-term or nightly exposure while sleeping.

Easy First Steps:

• Charge devices away from where you sleep. Keep phones, tablets, and laptops off the nightstand. Charge them during the day and in another room.
• Unplug after charging. EMFs are strongest when devices are plugged in and charging. Use battery power whenever possible.
• Keep the bedroom clear. Reduce electronic clutter — no routers, TVs, or charging stations near the bed. Swap out corded alarm clocks and radios for battery-powered models.
• Avoid sleeping against walls with wiring or large appliances. Keep beds and cribs away from walls with electrical panels, meters, or major appliances on the other side.

Reducing Long-Term and Nightly EMF Exposure

• Unplug unused devices. Use power strips with switches to easily turn off multiple items when not in use.
• Skip plugged-in heating products. Unplug electric blankets, heating pads, and water beds before sleeping — turning them off isn’t enough to stop EMFs.
• Install a master “kill switch.” A kill switch can safely turn off power to bedroom circuits at night, reducing wiring-related EMFs without daily breaker use.

Check your home’s magnetic fields. Use a simple magnetic field meter to spot high-EMF areas. Unusually high readings may indicate wiring or grounding issues a licensed electrician can fix.

The Importance of Knowing Your EMF Exposure

Measuring ELF-EMF levels is especially important for homes near power lines, substations, or heavy electrical equipment. A simple magnetic field meter can help identify high-exposure areas in your home so you can move beds, cribs, or workspaces farther from wiring, unplug unused devices, and use battery-powered electronics when possible. Testing is particularly valuable for households with children or pregnant women, as even modest reductions in exposure may help lower health risks.

What If I Live Near a Power Line?

Homes close to high-voltage power lines or substations can experience elevated ELF magnetic field levels indoors. The strength of these fields depends on how much electricity the lines carry, their height, their distance from your home, and local wiring conditions.  

If you live near a high voltage power line:

• Measure field levels indoors and outdoors. A simple magnetic field meter can show whether EMF levels in your home are higher than typical background readings.
• Rearrange living spaces. Place beds, play areas, and home offices in rooms farther from the side of the home facing the power line, if possible.

If measurements show persistently high levels, contact your local utility or an EMF specialist for further testing and mitigation advice. Most utility companies will come out for free to measure levels. Even small adjustments—such as relocating sleeping or sitting areas—can meaningfully reduce long-term exposure depending on the source.

Scientific Research Studies 

Click on these drop-down links to access scientific reports and comprehensive scientific research studies on ELF and magnetic fields.