EMF and Schools
After some 30 years of research, a definitive finding has not been established whether a health hazard exists with human exposure to AC magnetic fields or EMF, from power lines, building electrical systems, etc. Potentially important public health questions remain about EMF exposures in schools, homes, work causing some diseases, including childhood leukemia. Scientific research is continuing on a wide range of questions relating to exposures at both work and in our communities.
Absent a definitive resolution to possible health risks from EMF and while research continues, several states have or are considering adoption of "precautionary measures" to minimize student exposure to elevated levels of AC magnetic fields in schools. California for example, is presently considering a policy that will require new schools be sited in locations that do not exceed a background level of 1 mG. The policy also calls for school districts to develop a "Magnetic Field Management Plan" as an integral component of a new school's design process to insure that EMF levels are minimized throughout occupied areas of the school from internal electrical systems as well as external sources such as passing transmission and distribution lines.
 FMS has assisted numerous school districts in addressing EMF concerns in both new and existing school buildings. FMS is often engaged to provide professional guidance to new school project's design teams to address potential problems from elevated AC magnetic field levels and assists school administrations with developing Magnetic Field Management Plans. For existing school buildings, FMS regularly conducts site EMF surveys to identify classrooms and other occupied areas with existing elevated AC magnetic field levels and then develops and implements field mitigation measures to lower EMF levels.
|
