CitizenELF – Extremely Low Frequency radiation around high‑voltage power lines
Scivil is joining forces with the imec-UGent research group WAVES for CitizenELF. High-voltage power lines generate extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic radiation. The strength of this radiation depends on the amount of electricity being transmitted and the distance from the source. With high-voltage power lines, the radiation is therefore strongest directly beneath the line. And it is this radiation that we now want to measure.
Why this study?
A lot of research has already been carried out into the potential health effects of living near high-voltage power lines. To date, no causal link has been established between ELF radiation and health effects.
This new study has been commissioned by the Flemish Department of Environment and is based on the precautionary principle. Under this principle, we aim to avoid situations involving long-term exposure to elevated ELF radiation as much as possible. With this study, we therefore aim to map out the actual situation in Flanders using concrete figures.
How can I take part?
If you live within 100 metres of a high-voltage power line, you are eligible to take part. Taking part is very simple and takes hardly any time at all. We will send you a sensor that measures radiation, you simply plug it into a socket and leave it there for a week. The measurements are taken automatically, you don’t need to do anything else. Afterwards, there is just a short questionnaire to complete.
Interested? Then please fill in your details using this form. We will then contact you as soon as we launch the project.
