Is It Dangerous to Live Near a Substation?

Living near a substation in Australia does not pose significant health risks. EMF levels near substations remain well below international safety standards and decrease rapidly with distance, according to ARPANSA. Read on to learn more about the scientific evidence, Australian health authority positions, and practical considerations regarding proximity to substations.

Substations are essential components of our electrical grid that transform voltage levels for distribution to homes and businesses. These facilities generate electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which are invisible fields of energy that occur whenever electricity flows.

Substations are designed to emit extremely low frequency (ELF) EMFs that operate at 50 Hertz in Australia, occupying the lower part of the electromagnetic spectrum in the frequency range of 0-3000 Hertz. These low frequency EMFs are fundamentally different from high-frequency electromagnetic radiation such as X-rays or radioactive materials, which can cause cellular and DNA damage [1].

Different types of substations exist throughout Australia, ranging from large transmission substations to smaller distribution substations commonly found in residential areas. The EMF levels emitted vary based on:

1. The type and size of the substation
2. The amount of current flowing through equipment
3. The distance from the substation

For most distribution substations, magnetic fields decrease rapidly with distance, typically reaching background levels within a few meters. A small survey of padmount substations in Sydney showed average magnetic field levels of approximately 5.3µT (25cm away), 0.2µT (3m away), and 0.06µT (5m away) [2]. These measurements demonstrate how quickly EMF levels diminish with increasing distance.

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), the federal government’s primary authority on radiation protection, explicitly states: “There is no established evidence that exposure to magnetic fields from powerlines, substations, transformers or other electrical sources, regardless of the proximity, causes any health effects” [3].

ARPANSA also notes that “For substations and transformers, the magnetic fields at distances of 5-10m away are generally indistinguishable from typical background levels in the home”.

Leading global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have evaluated research into potential health effects associated with EMFs. The scientific consensus does not establish that exposure to EMFs found around the home, office, or near electrical infrastructure poses a hazard to human health.

While some epidemiological studies have suggested an association between prolonged exposure to higher-than-normal ELF magnetic fields and increased rates of childhood leukemia, this evidence is weakened by methodological problems such as potential selection bias and confounding factors. Furthermore, this association is not supported by laboratory or animal studies, and no credible theoretical mechanism has been proposed.

The current international standard for human exposure limit to magnetic field levels is 2000 milligauss (mG) set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) [1]. This standard is recommended by ARPANSA for Australia.

Actual EMF measurements around substations and other electrical infrastructure in Australia show levels well below these international guidelines. The figure published by ARPANSA showing a range of magnetic field levels measured around powerlines and in Australian homes demonstrates that these are well below the exposure limit of 200 µT (2000 mG).

The Energy Networks Association (ENA), Australia’s peak national body representing electricity distribution and transmission businesses, has adopted a position on EMF that includes:

1. Recommending that members design and operate electrical systems in compliance with recognized international EMF exposure guidelines
2. Following an approach consistent with “prudent avoidance”
3. Monitoring scientific research and policy developments
4. Communicating with stakeholders and providing education

Beyond health concerns, there are practical considerations for those living near substations:

• Noise: Depending on the transformer size and distance from residential properties, there could be a slight noise issue, though this is generally minimal for modern substations.
• Property Values: Some forum participants have expressed concerns about potential impacts on property resale values. However, this may be partially offset by lower purchase prices.
• Safety Considerations: While underground substation rooms can present dangers related to toxic atmospheres, these risks primarily affect maintenance workers rather than nearby residents.

Based on the comprehensive evidence reviewed, living near a substation in Australia does not appear to present significant dangers to human health. The scientific consensus, supported by Australia’s radiation safety authority ARPANSA, indicates that EMF levels typically found near substations fall well below international safety guidelines and diminish rapidly with distance.

For those concerned about potential risks, the following considerations may provide reassurance:

1. EMF levels from substations typically reach background levels within 5-10 meters
2. Australian authorities maintain ongoing oversight of potential health effects
3. The electrical industry follows “prudent avoidance” principles in managing EMF exposure

While some individuals may have concerns about property values or noise, the scientific evidence does not support health-related concerns about living near substations. As with any residential decision, individuals should weigh all factors according to their personal circumstances and priorities.

Sources:

[1] https://www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/cwo-rez-fact-sheet-electric-magnetic.pdf

[2] https://www.energynetworks.com.au/resources/fact-sheets/emf-management-handbook/

[3] https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/electricity