The Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulates electric and magnetic fields from electrical transmission lines.

• Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are force fields created when electricity moves through a conductor such as wire.


• Electric and magnetic fields are associated with high-voltage transmission lines, secondary power lines and home wiring and lighting.


• Electric and magnetic fields also arise from motors and heating coils in electronic equipment and appliances.

EMF Health Studies:

• EMF in the transmission line frequency range (60 Hertz) is classified as "non-ionizing radiation." Examples of this kind of radiation are sound waves, visible light and microwaves. Common uses for non-ionizing radiation include microwave radiation for telecommunications and heating food, and radio waves for broadcasting.

  The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulates electric and magnetic fields from electrical transmission lines, under the provisions of ss. 403.061(30) and 403.523(14), F.S. The pertinent rule is 62-814, F.A.C.. No permit is issued; therefore, this is a monitoring function under which companies (primarily utilities) demonstrate compliance with the regulations.

• The Florida Department of Health also regulates various sources of non-ionizing radiation, such as that from laser equipment, scanners used for bar code readers, lasers for medicine, as well as ionizing radiation such as x-rays.
   
• Because the use of electric power is so widespread, humans are constantly exposed to electric and magnetic fields. A report by the National Institute of Environmental Health Services provides additional information about EMF and health.