Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are present wherever electrical power flows. EMFs are invisible lines of force that surround all electric devices. The sources of most EMFs are home and workplace appliances and local power lines.

LCRA's electric system includes substations and transmission lines that carry electricity from generating stations to wholesale customers. LCRA is concerned about furnishing safe, reliable and low-cost electricity to customers.

During the past 20 years, public health agencies, independent research institutes and electric utilities throughout the world have conducted scientific research on the possible health effects of EMFs. So far, scientific research has neither proven a health risk from EMFs nor ruled it out. No laboratory studies to date have shown a cause-and-effect relationship between exposure to power-frequency EMF and cancer.

While some concerns have been raised about the potential health effects of EMFs, extensive scientific research has established no direct link between exposure to power lines and adverse health effects. Neither Texas nor the federal government has established any health standards relating to EMFs.

LCRA can provide more information about EMFs. Contact supervising engineer Charles DeWitt at (512) 369-4199, or e-mail Transmission.