What effects do stray electromagnetic fields from our electrical networks have on our health? It is a controversial subject if ever there was one. As a result of a federal project, Professor Lilien and his team published a document that deals with the question in detail. The direct influence of high-voltage power lines is negligible, but another theory merits our attention.

We are constantly being exposed to electromagnetic fields emanating from our electrical installations. They are the source of currents which pass through us every day. We are not aware of them because they are below our sensory threshold. However, calculus and digital simulation make it possible to study the biological effects of these currents.

The Belgian Bio Electromagnetic Group is made up of doctors and engineers from the University of Liège and also doctors from the universities of Gent and Brussels as well as from VITO (Flemish Institute for Technology Research). Created in 1995, this group set itself the objective of carrying out research aimed at gaining a better understanding of the interaction between magnetic and electric fields and biological activity, but also to contribute to the dissemination of scientific knowledge on the subject. Having gone through the relevant literature on the subject with a fine-tooth comb, and itself taken measurements in situ in Belgium, the BBEMG has just published a paper which can be accessed on its website, which also includes a more detailed article. (1)

How do these electromagnetic fields of 50 Hertz (Hz) affect our health? The subject is clearly a very controversial one, as controversial as that of gsm phones which have a high frequency (900million Hz). Some thirty years ago, vain attempts were made to establish a causal link between an electrical phenomenon and certain cancers affecting children. The research was inspired by epidemiological studies which drew attention to a factor 2 increase in the risk of child leukaemia in places where high-voltage power lines are present. Studies carried out by the BBEMG with the participation of engineers from the University of Liège found that the effects were negligible. High-voltage power lines were not the cause!

(1) J.L. Lilien, P. Dular, R. Sabariego, V. Beauvois, P.P. Barbier, R. Lorphèvre. 2008. Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF) on human beings. An electrical engineer viewpoint. Article Invité. Revue E Tijdscrift. 14ème année, N°3-2008 (Septembre 2008), pp 34-50.