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Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs)

Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are found everywhere electricity is used and come from home appliances, computers, office equipment, wiring in our homes and workplaces, and electric power facilities such as substations and transmission & distribution lines. For more than 30 years, research studies have examined questions about EMFs and health. Health agencies and a large number of reputable scientific organizations around the world have concluded that the scientific research does not demonstrate that EMFs cause or contribute to adverse health effects. Some scientific questions remain the subject of ongoing research.

The material and links on this page are provided for convenient access to sources of information about EMFs. Other sources of information are available. By providing these links, Hydro One Networks Inc. is not necessarily endorsing any organization or the content of their material.

• Hydro One View on EMF (Position Statement) (PDF 22 KB, Last Updated April 2008)
• Toll-free EMF Information Line - 1-800-728-9533

Expert Advice

Health Concerns — Contact Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Public Health Division (416-212-3831) or your Local Public Health Unit or 1-866-532-3161

EMF at Work — Contact Ministry of Labour, 416-235-5922

Housing Issues — Contact Local Municipal Planning Department

Scientific Reviews & Additional Information

• Health Canada
• Federal, Provincial, Territorial Radiation Protection Committee (FPTRPC) / Comité de radioprotection fédéral-provincial-territorial (CRFPT):


• Position Statement for the General Public on the Health Effects of Power-Frequency (60 Hz) Electric and Magnetic Fields – Issued on January 20, 2005
• Response Statement to the Issue of Power-Frequency Magnetic Fields and Childhood Leukemia – Issued on January 20, 2005
• Health Effects and Exposure Guidelines Related to Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields - An Overview – Issued January 2005
• Response Statement to Public Concerns Regarding EMFs from Electrical Power Lines – Issued on November 8, 2008
   
• World Health Organization
• Effects of EMF on the Environment
• Extremely Low Frequency Fields - Environmental Health Criteria Monograph No. 238
• International Agency for Research on Cancer - IARC Monograph Vol 80 - Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation (PDF)
   
• Hospital for Sick Children
• About Kids Health - Electromagnetic Radiation & Cancer Fears
   
• US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
  • NIEHS Report on Health Effects From Exposure to Power-Line frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields (PDF)
  • Electric and Magnetic Fields Associated with the Use of Electric Power (PDF)
  • Typical EMF Levels from Transmission Lines (PDF)
     
• Canadian Electricity Association
• Canadian Electricity Association - PERSPECTIVE PAPER - EMF (PDF, English)
• l'Association canadienne de l'électricité - SÉRIE PERSPECTIVES - Champs électriques et magnétiques (PDF, en français)
   
• Other
• Magnetic Field Environment in the Home (PDF 959 KB)

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