It has been questioned whether exposure to EMF, in particular magnetic fields, causes adverse health effects. This question has been the subject of hundreds of scientific studies over the last three decades.
The extensive research and scientific knowledge around EMF includes epidemiological studies and experimental studies in animals, tissues and cells. These epidemiological and experimental studies provide pieces of the puzzle but no single study can give us the whole picture.
Epidemiological Studies
In epidemiological studies, researchers try to establish whether there is a statistical association between selected groups of people with certain types of exposures and diseases. Some epidemiological studies have suggested a possible link between exposure to magnetic fields and childhood leukemia. It is unclear however, whether exposure to magnetic fields actually caused the disease. Some studies do not include magnetic field measurements when trying to determine an association, and no epidemiological study has drawn direct conclusions about a link between cancer and EMF.
Experimental Studies
Experimental studies involve exposing cells, tissues and/or animals to magnetic fields under controlled conditions. These studies allow researchers to closely control magnetic field exposure and provide information about any small scale biological changes that magnetic fields may cause. Experimental studies have not found that magnetic fields are the cause of any disease.
Weight-of-evidence review
Many reputable health authorities such as the World Health Organization and Health Canada have conducted thorough reviews of all the different types of studies and research on EMF and health. These health authorities have examined the scientific weight-of-evidence and have determined that when all of the epidemiological and experimental studies are considered together, the consensus is that there is no cause-effect relationship between exposure to magnetic fields and human health.
Addressing public concern
The relationship between EMF and health is the subject of ongoing research and BCTC realizes that people continue to have concerns about the uncertain nature of the scientific findings to date. We take these concerns seriously and therefore will continue to:
- Communicate openly and provide balanced, accurate information about EMF
- Monitor scientific EMF research and keep abreast of relevant scientific, policy and regulatory developments. Links to scientific research sources are available on this site.
- Adhere to all federal and provincial legislation and regulations and all regulatory requirements addressing EMF levels or exposures.
- Take steps to reduce EMF levels in the design of new and upgraded transmission facilities.
BCTC recognizes that there continues to be public concern with the uncertain nature of the scientific findings to date, and therefore BCTC will continue to monitor the scientific developments related to EMF as part of our ongoing commitment to EMF management.
To learn more about electric and magnetic fields, read our booklet Understanding Electric and Magnetic Fields (PDF, 494KB).