Electric and Magnetic Fields

Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) can be generated from a wide variety of sources, including our distribution and transmission power lines and wireless infrastructure.

We recognise there is some scientific evidence suggesting certain adverse health effects may be linked to electric and magnetic fields. There is also evidence linking an increased risk of certain diseases to proximity to power lines, though the cause of this is unclear. As a consequence, there is public concern and we take these issues very seriously. The balance of evidence remains against both power-frequency and radio-frequency electric and magnetic fields causing ill health.

The World Health Organization has classified power-frequency magnetic fields as ‘possibly’ carcinogenic. Our public position statement on electric and magnetic fields, which we review annually, helps set the framework within which we continually assess the scientific evidence in this area, determine any implications for the way in which we conduct our business and explain to society what the science is telling us.

We actively support high-quality research and open communication and we look for more constructive and less confrontational ways of handling issues such as electric and magnetic fields. In the UK we continue to support the Stakeholder Advisory Group on electric and magnetic fields, which we initiated, and which published its first assessment of the issues in April 2007 (available on our EMF website).

In the UK, we have a specialist EMF Unit that responds to people's concerns, and is able to answer questions from individuals and organisations alike. This Unit provides practical information based on both recent scientific findings, and current government guidance. The Unit can be contacted in the UK on 0845 702 3270 or via e-mail .

In the US, we have personnel who are trained to measure EMF in customer locations and along our transmission and distribution lines. Customers wishing to have EMF measurements taken should call National Grid's toll-free customer service line at 1-800-322-3223 in New England, or 1-800-NIAGARA (642-4272) in New York.

For detailed information on EMFs, where they come from and how large they are, the latest scientific evidence and the views of independent experts, visit the EMF website .