Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields Produced by Distribution Electric Power Installations

The long term effects of electromagnetic fields on the human body are far from being well understood. Special concerns arise if this exposure is relatively prolonged such as in the case of professionals working in electric power installations. In this paper the authors focus on electric power distribution because of the high number of such installations and also their proximity to residential areas. We present the main recommendations and standards regarding the admissible limits and also the procedures applied to assess human exposure in distribution installation workplaces. Theoretical considerations and measured values in typical distribution installations from Romania are presented and discussed. Measurements have shown that, in distribution installations, in terms of limits set by specific regulations, permissible levels are not exceeded for occupational exposure to power frequency fields; only in some points the public exposure limits can be overcome. Medical considerations on short or long term exposure of workers are also discussed, based upon up to date knowledge