Measurement and analysis of power-frequency magnetic fields in residences: Results from a pilot study

Aim: Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) are emitted by electrical household appliances, wiring, meter boxes, conductive plumbing, power lines and transformers. Some of the studies investigating the link between ELF-MFs and health problems have not adequately characterized the magnetic field exposure of subjects, as they did not always measure residential magnetic fields or measure in locations where residents are most exposed. Considering this, there is a need for good quality assessments of residential ELF-MFs in different geographical regions to collect general public exposure data and to identify high sources of magnetic fields. Such studies have the potential to add significant scientific knowledge about residential exposure and appropriate precautions to reduce exposure, improve the quality of life and substantially reduce health care costs. Subject and methods: In this work, we analyzed the ELF-MFs from 3163 datasets collected from 100 houses in Australia. Measurements were carried out in different geographical locations and were assessed for compliance with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Guidelines. Then we compared our measurements with another twenty-three peer-reviewed studies, published 1987–2015, reporting magnetic field measurements in residences. Results: The observed average (geometric mean) magnetic field values were; bed 0.85, bedroom 1.39 mG, baby cot 0.39 mG, children's play area 0.47 mG, and family room 0.30 mG. Our results show considerable variation in the fields to which residents are typically exposed, particularly in beds (21.83%) and bedrooms (33.33%) where the percentage of measurements greater than 4 mG was considerable. Some emissions exceeded the general public exposure levels of the ICNIRP Guidelines, with the potential for residents to be exposed above these levels. However, away from electrical appliances, the average field in all rooms was 0.30–1.39 mG. We show that simple p