The table above is based on a consistent set of measurements undertaken by power authorities in Australia, using similar techniques and protocols to overseas measurements. Because of the difference in appliance design and voltage overseas, there can often be different levels shown in overseas publications. Although some statistical studies suggest an association between exposure to 50 Hz fields and cancer, others do not. Not only is this association not proven, but present data does not provide any basis for health risk assessment useful for the development of exposure limits. For more information on the health debate Other forms of electromagnetic energy Electric and magnetic fields from powerlines are often confused with microwaves and X-rays.
Microwaves are energy waves which cause heating when absorbed into tissue, such as microwave ovens.
For communication purposes, microwaves are concentrated into low power beams, which are directed at a receiver. If a person is exposed to high levels of microwaves for long periods of time, then health effects can occur from heating of the body's tissue. Australian Standards for the limits of exposure to microwaves are designed to avoid this effect. X-rays are another form of electromagnetic energy involving very high energy waves. They produce effects in living systems because the energy they carry is so great it can break molecular bonds.