Questions have been raised abut the possible health effects of 60-Hertz (power frequency) electric and magnetic fields (EMF), which are found wherever you have electric power.  On this page you will find:

• Southern California Edison's EMF Policy
• A link to our question-and-answer page on EMF
• Links to scientific, government and international agencies concerned with EMF

Southern California Edison's EMF Policy
There are many sources of power-frequency electric and magnetic fields, including internal household or building wiring, electrical appliances and electric power transmission and distribution facilities.

There have been numerous scientific studies about the potential health effects of EMF. Interest in a potential link between long-term exposures to EMF and certain diseases is based on the combination of this scientific research and public concern.

After 30 years of research a health hazard has not been established to exist. Many of the questions about specific diseases have been successfully resolved due to an aggressive international research program.  Potentially important public health questions remain about whether there is a link betwen EMF exposures in homes or work and some diseases, including childhood leukemia and a variety of other adult diseases (e.g., adult cancers and miscarriages).  Because of this research, some health authorities have identified magnetic field exposures as a possible human carcinogen.

While scientific research is continuing on a wide range of questions relating to exposures at both work and in our communities, a quick resolution of the remaining scientifc uncertainties is not expected. 

SCE is aware that there is concern about the potential health effects of power-frequency electric and magnetic fields.  Notwithstanding the health, safety and economic benefits of electricity, SCE recognizes and takes seriously its responsibility to help address these EMF concerns.  In order to better understand EMF and to respond to the current uncertainty, SCE will continue to:

• Assist the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other appropriate local, state, and federal governmental agencies in the development and implementation of reasonable, uniform regulatory guidance.
• Provide balanced, accurate information to our employees, customers and public agencies, including EMF measurements and consultation to our customers upon request.
• Take appropriate no-cost and low-cost steps to minimize field exposures from new facilities and continue to consult and advise our customers with respect to existing facilities, subject to CPUC guidance.
• Support appropriate research programs to resolve the key scientific questions about EMF.
• Research and evaluate occupational health implications and provide employees who work near energized facilities with timely, accurate information about field exposures in their work environment.

• California Public Utilities Commission
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
• California Department of Health Services
• World Health Organization International EMF Project
• WHO Extremely Low Frequency Fields Fact Sheet No. 322 (June 2007)
• International Organization of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
• National Radiological Protection Board of the United Kingdom
• International Agency for Research on Cancer