Investigating Levels of Low Frequency Magnetic Field in the Inhabited Vicinity of Power Transmission Lines of Kuwait

Abstract

According to surveyed literature, there may be a health hazard associated with extremely low frequency magnetic fields. This study aims at presenting a recent survey of this literature. It also aims at measuring magnetic field levels close to power transmission lines at inhabited areas in Kuwait to see if current levels are safe and to establish a database of 50 Hz magnetic field levels at inhabited areas. Measurements were made, according to the international standard procedures in winter, spring, summer and fall, and three times of a day. Four inhabited areas were surveyed. Results provide us with an independent view of the levels in the vicinity of power lines and houses. Results show that the highest level is measured in the summer, reaching 115 mG while the minimum level is measured in the fall. We found that some houses were at less than 50 meters distance from the edge of the transmission lines. Some houses were, as close as 22 meters to the line. We found that levels at the entrance of houses and at outdoor parking areas were mostly higher than 4 mG.