Consumers are bombarded by quasi-scientific reports, many of which are more confusing than accurate. This fact sheet will examine current scientific evidence and offer some insight into the various claims.
Electrical currents cause electromagnetic fields.
For example, if a hair dryer operates at 60 Hz, its current changes direction 60 times per second. This cycle creates electric and magnetic fields at the same frequency. The fields created by power lines that distribute power throughout the country are power frequency fields. Electrical fields, magnetic fields, and power frequency fields can be high or low in intensity, continuous or brief in duration. None of them linger in the environment.