Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are created by the flow of electric current and occur near any device or wire on which electricity is moving. Typical sources of EMF include electrical appliances and equipment, as well as all wiring used to conduct electricity, whether in homes, offices, hospitals, schools or utility facilities.
Safety for all is Pepco's number one value. It is a constant consideration as we design, operate and maintain our power delivery systems. Pepco is aware that some customers and members of the public have concerns about EMF and we take those concerns seriously. We provide information about EMF from credible sources such as the World Health Organization, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and others who have been involved in the large amount of scientific research that has been conducted on EMF and health over the last 40 years. These agencies have concluded that exposure to EMF has not been shown to cause or contribute to any adverse health effects. For example, the World Health Organization currently reports that “despite extensive research, to date there is no evidence to conclude that exposure to low level electromagnetic fields is harmful to human health.”
While national exposure standards for EMF have not been implemented in the United States, including the District of Columbia and Maryland, internationally recognized expert organizations such as the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation (ICNIRP) and the International Committee for Electromagnetic Safety (ICES) have developed guidelines for safe public exposures to EMF. The guidelines for public exposures developed by these organizations range from 2,000 to 9,040 mG, and have been endorsed by the World Health Organization.
Pepco actively works with government bodies, scientific research organizations and industry standards bodies to keep up-to-date on current scientific information about all health aspects of transmission design, siting and construction. As the scientific community continues to study EMF, Pepco will continue to evaluate relevant recommendations from credible sources and will incorporate them into our operations as warranted.
Electric and Magnetic Fields Brochure
EMF 101
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