Edition 47, July 2007

ARPANSA releases draft standard on exposure to electric and magnetic fields

The Australian Radiation Protection And Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has released a draft standard on exposure to electric and magnetic fields at extremely low frequencies (ELF).  It is accompanied by a regulatory impact statement assessing the costs and benefits of adoption of the standard compared with other options.

They were prepared by a working group of the Radiation Health Committee, established under the ARPANSA Act to develop national radiation protection standards and guidelines.

To prevent adverse effects on humans, the draft standard specifies limits for public and occupational exposure to ELF electric and magnetic fields in the frequency range 0 Hz to 3 kHz. It applies to fields from powerlines, electrical wiring and electrical appliances in the home, and electrical machinery in the workplace.

According to ARPANSA CEO Dr John Loy, the draft standard sets exposure limits, provides a detailed rationale for the limit, and is designed to protect against established health effects of ELF electric and magnetic fields. It examines studies dealing with the effects of ELF fields, including those that have reported an association between magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia.

Dr Loy encourages people to review the draft standard and regulatory impact statement, and to raise any issues and comments they may have with ARPANSA. The draft standard, regulatory impact statement and supporting documents can be viewed on ARPANSA's website.  Single copies can be requested by phoning 03 9433 2339.

For more information visit www.arpansa.gov.au

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