Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: f0baf50b-5bb7-4783-b2f9-9586e09c97e1
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Preparation of Environmental Reports for Nuclear Power Stations + HISTORY - HISTORY 02/2017 – DG-4026 , Proposed Revision 3 09/2014 – Periodic Review of Revision 2 – Revise (Rev. 3)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1611/ML16116A068.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.2
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
wers and intake pumps) • noise-abatement efforts planned for operation of the proposed plant • expected noise levels in relation to local ordinances and/or State and Federal 5.8.3 Acute Effects of Electromagnetic Fields The applicant should describe acute effects of electromagnetic fields associated with transmission lines. The description should include the following: • types of transmission lines (Chapter 3 of this RG) • types of potential exposures to transmission lines (e.g., electric shock from direct contact or induced charge to metal structures) • impact to human health compared to national standards (e.g., National Electric Safety Code) and State and local codes and regulations 5.8.4 Chronic Effects of Electromagnetic Fields Operating power transmission lines in the United States produce EMFs of nonionizing radiation at 60 Hz, which is considered to be an extremely low frequency (ELF)-EMF. NRC has reviewed the available scientific literature on chronic effects on human health from ELF-EMF and concurs with the conclusions of the Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR) as stated in “Power Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, Melatonin and the Risk of Breast Cancer” (Ref. 60); by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) as stated in “NIEHS Report on Health Effects from Exposure to Power-Line Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields” (Ref. 61); and the World Health Organization as stated in “Extremely Low Frequency Fields” (Ref. 62). The NIEHS report contains the following conclusion: The NIEHS concludes that ELF-EMF exposure cannot be recognized as entirely safe because of weak scientific evidence that exposure may pose a leukemia hazard. In our opinion, this finding is insufficient to warrant aggressive regulatory concern. However, because virtually everyone in the United States uses electricity and therefore is routinely exposed to ELF-EMF, passive regulatory action is warranted such as a continued emphasis on