Electric fields are produced by voltage (electrical pressure) and exist whenever a device is plugged in, even if turned off. They are measured in volts per meter (V/m). Electric fields can be blocked by walls and most materials, but often concentrate near ungrounded wiring and electronics.
Based on Building Biology Institute guidelines (V/m (volts per meter)):
Showing 294 studies with measured electric fields exposure
H. P. Schwan, A. Anne, L. Sher · 1966
This 1966 U.S. Navy technical report examined how microwave energy heats living tissues, using skin simulants to measure temperature rise and energy absorption patterns. The research provided foundational data on how biological tissues respond to microwave radiation exposure. This early military study helped establish the thermal effects that became the basis for modern EMF safety standards.
Stan Neuder · 1979
This 1979 technical report examined radiofrequency radiation exposure levels for workers operating industrial RF sealers, which use electromagnetic energy to heat and seal materials like plastics. The study assessed dose levels to help establish occupational safety guidelines for these high-power industrial devices. This represents early research into workplace EMF exposure from industrial equipment.
Tell R A · 1976
This 1976 technical report measured radiofrequency field intensities directly around an FM broadcast station antenna. The research documented actual RF exposure levels that people might encounter near broadcast facilities. This type of field measurement data helps establish baseline exposure levels from major RF sources in our environment.
Joseph W, Goeminne F, Vermeeren G, Verloock L, Martens L. · 2012
Researchers tested electromagnetic radiation from air traffic control navigation beacons at seven Belgian sites. Electric field levels exceeded international safety guidelines at all locations, with one site reaching 881.6 volts per meter, requiring protective measures for workers and nearby residents.
Richard A. Tell, John C. Nelson · 1974
This 1974 technical report documented radiofrequency pulse measurements near air traffic control radar installations. The researchers measured the electromagnetic field characteristics of radar pulses to understand exposure levels in these environments. This early work helped establish baseline data for RF exposure assessment around aviation radar systems.
E.V. Prokhvatilo
This study investigated how electromagnetic fields from power lines affect heart function in animals. The research focused on industrial frequency EMF (typically 50-60 Hz) and measured changes in cardiac activity using electrocardiogram monitoring. The findings suggest that exposure to power line frequencies can decrease the heart's functional abilities.
Unknown authors
This technical report examined how 60 Hz electric fields from power lines affect the central nervous system of laboratory rats. The study investigated whether the electrical fields surrounding power transmission equipment could influence brain and nervous system function in animal models. The research contributes to understanding potential neurological effects from power frequency electromagnetic field exposure.
Watson J, deHaas W G, Hauser S S · 1975
This 1975 laboratory study examined how electric fields affect the growth rate of developing chicken leg bones (tibiae) in controlled laboratory conditions. The research measured whether electric field exposure could alter normal bone development in embryonic tissue. This early work helped establish the foundation for understanding how electromagnetic fields might influence biological growth processes.
Blanchi, D., L. Cedrini, F. Ceria, E. Meda, G.G. Re · 1972
This 1972 study examined how strong 50 Hz electric fields (the frequency used in European power systems) affected mammalian test subjects, specifically looking at changes in white blood cells and electrical activity in the heart and brain. The research represents early scientific investigation into whether power frequency electromagnetic fields cause biological effects in living organisms.
Robert A. Facey · 1980
This 1980 Ontario Hydro technical report documented electromagnetic field measurements from head-worn communications devices used by utility workers. The research represented early safety assessment work for wireless communication equipment worn close to the head. This type of measurement data helped establish baseline exposure levels for occupational RF safety standards.
Friend AW · 1970
This 1970 technical report examined how alternating current (AC) electric fields and electrical pulses affected the giant amoeba Chaos choas, a single-celled organism. The research represents early scientific investigation into whether electrical fields could produce measurable biological effects in living cells. This work contributed to the foundational understanding of how electromagnetic fields interact with biological systems.
Zhang D, Zhang Y, Zhu B, Zhang H, Sun Y, Sun C · 2017
Researchers studied 186 power plant workers exposed to high-voltage lines for over 20 years and found elevated DNA damage markers in their blood. When workers took resveratrol supplements, these harmful effects significantly improved, suggesting antioxidants may protect against electromagnetic field damage.
Shckorbatov YG et al. · 2002
Researchers exposed human cheek cells to extremely high-frequency microwaves (37.5 and 18.75 GHz) at very low power levels and measured how the cell nuclei responded to electrical fields. They found that microwave exposure changed the electrical properties of cell nuclei and increased cell membrane permeability, with effects varying based on each person's initial cellular characteristics.
Türközer Z, Güler G, Seyhan N. · 2008
Researchers exposed guinea pigs to 50 Hz electric fields at various strengths (from 2,000 to 5,000 volts per meter) for 8 hours daily over three days, then measured markers of oxidative stress in brain tissue. The study found no statistically significant changes in cellular damage markers or antioxidant enzyme activity, though some non-significant trends were observed. This suggests that short-term exposure to these electric field levels may not cause measurable oxidative stress in brain tissue.
Türközer Z, Güler G, Seyhan N · 2008
Researchers exposed guinea pigs to powerful electric fields (the kind found near high-voltage power lines) for 8 hours daily over three days to see if it would damage brain tissue through oxidative stress. They found no statistically significant effects on brain cell damage markers or antioxidant defenses, even at the highest exposure levels tested. While this suggests these particular electric field exposures may not cause measurable brain oxidative damage in the short term, the researchers noted some non-significant trends that warrant further investigation.
Dave Vanas · 1976
This 1976 review by Trapeano examined Soviet research on health effects from ultrahigh voltage power lines, focusing on organ, blood, and nerve damage in workers exposed to electrical fields. The study analyzed occupational exposure data from switchyards and high-voltage installations. This early research helped establish the foundation for understanding power line health risks decades before widespread public concern.
Wu SX, Xu YQ, Di GQ, Jiang JH, Xin L, Wu TY · 2016
Mice exposed to static electric fields (from power lines) for 35 days showed increased superoxide dismutase activity, an enzyme that fights cell damage. This suggests their liver cells were working harder to protect against electrical stress, indicating biological effects from field exposure.
D. H. Shinn · 1958
This 1958 study by Shinn examined health hazards associated with powerful radio transmissions, focusing on safety concerns from high-intensity electromagnetic field exposure. The research addressed potential health risks from strong RF radiation sources, representing early scientific investigation into electromagnetic field safety standards.
M. H. Benedick · 1979
This 1979 technical report documented a workshop focused on how microwave energy affects the blood-brain barrier, the protective boundary that normally prevents harmful substances from entering brain tissue. The workshop brought together researchers to examine evidence that microwave radiation might compromise this critical biological defense system. This research topic remains highly relevant today given widespread exposure to microwave frequencies from cell phones, WiFi, and other wireless devices.
Wayne K. Durfee et al. · 1975
This 1975 technical report examined how extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields affect domestic birds. The study represents early research into ELF field effects on living organisms, focusing on continuous wave exposures. While specific findings aren't available, this work contributed to understanding biological responses to the type of electromagnetic fields generated by power lines and household electrical systems.
Henry S. Ho · 1975
This 1975 research compared how microwave radiation distributes through phantom heads (laboratory models of human heads) using two different exposure methods: aperture irradiation and plane wave exposure. The study examined dosimetry patterns to understand how microwaves penetrate and distribute energy within head-like structures, providing foundational data for understanding microwave exposure effects.
Li L, Xiong DF, Liu JW, Li ZX, Zeng GC, Li HL. · 2014
Chinese researchers tested whether power line workers exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields while inspecting transformers and power lines showed changes in brain function and reaction times. They compared 310 inspection workers to 300 office staff using computerized tests measuring mental arithmetic, visual memory, and reaction speed. Despite many workers being exposed to electric fields above China's occupational safety standards, the study found no differences in cognitive performance between the two groups.
Li L, Xiong DF, Liu JW, Li ZX, Zeng GC, Li HL. · 2013
Researchers tested cognitive and brain function in 310 Chinese electrical workers regularly exposed to power line electromagnetic fields during equipment inspections, comparing them to 300 unexposed office workers. The study found no differences in memory, reaction time, or other brain performance measures between the two groups. This suggests that occupational exposure to power frequency electromagnetic fields may not impair basic cognitive abilities.
Frank M. Greene · 1976
This 1976 technical report documented the development of an RF near-field exposure synthesizer, a specialized device designed to create controlled radiofrequency electromagnetic field environments for research purposes. The work represents early efforts to develop standardized testing equipment for studying how RF radiation affects biological systems. This type of controlled exposure apparatus became essential for conducting reproducible EMF health research.
Frank M. Greene · 1976
This 1976 NIOSH technical report documented the development of specialized equipment to create and measure radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in the 10-40 MHz range for research purposes. The synthesizer was designed to generate controlled near-field RF exposures, which occur very close to the radiation source where field patterns are complex and potentially more intense. This type of instrumentation was essential for early occupational health research into RF radiation effects on workers.