The Electricity and Co-Generation Regulatory Authority (ECRA) disclosed today that the electromagnetic field around Electric power transmission lines, have not been proved to cause its damage to humans and environment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Authority also stressed that the levels of intensity of Electro Magnetic Field (EMF), which have been studied at the sites, are far less than the permitted levels according to the standards set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). In a statement issued here this morning, the Authority said that local and international electricity inter-related bodies have conducted scientific studies and researches about the effects of electromagnetic fields generated by electric power transmission lines. It referred to a scientific paper prepared by Dr. Mohammed Azim Al Qadhi of King Saud University, which dealt with risks of exposures to magnetic fields in electrical systems and covered examining the impact of exposure to electromagnetic fields in 5 locations for electric power transmission lines of the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). The KSU study is seconded by a group of researchers from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) who had surveyed a large number of sites for measuring the level of electromagnetic fields near high-voltage lines and power-generating stations. The result of this survey showed that the levels of intensity of electromagnetic fields at the sites studied are far less than the permitted levels according to the standards identified by ICNIRP. King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in its study "The impact of electromagnetic fields generated by 380 kV overhead power lines on public health and devices" concluded that the Aerial cable located approximately 100 meters from facilities, has no effect on human health or on the environment. In another research supported by KACST, the magnetic field of 380 kV electricity power transmission line passing near the Al-Imam University in Riyadh at peak time is equal to only 13 MG (Milligauss) = 1.3 microtesla registered under the direct over head line. It is less than the 100 micro Tesla or 1000 Milligauss exposure limit set by ICNIRP. An official government team comprising of the Ministry of Industry and Electricity and the Ministry of Health was formed in 2010 to study the effects of electromagnetic fields for substantiated and comprehensive results of the medical and engineering point of views. The assigned team has concluded that there was no scientific proof about the existence of a causal relationship between the exposure to electromagnetic fields and cancer in humans. As the Regulatory Authority, ERCA stressed that it is concerned with providing quality and reliable electric service and taking into account the principles of safety worldwide.
