Measurement of urban environmental exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields in several Spanish regions

This is an observational descriptive study carried out in three Spanish regions to identify typical environmental levels of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) in diverse population settings as well as in the proximity to various electrical infrastructures. To achieve this, measurement protocols were previously established considering national and international reference standards. To describe the public exposure to ELF-MF, both immission and emission levels have been quantified in public spaces and close to the main infrastructure related to the transportation and distribution of electricity, but also to those related to electrified transport. Based on the collected data, the average environmental ELF-MF exposure level in public spaces is 0.095 µT, while it is 1.303 µT in the vicinity of emission sources. The observed levels of exposure to ELF-MF in Spain are very similar to those in other European countries, with values significantly below the maximum exposure limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection in 2010, which for the public are set for 50 Hz at 200 µT. This study, as a preliminary step, paves the way for further research that may encompass more Spanish’ regions and provide a data collection for future epidemiological studies, as well as a useful reference for the public. It could provide a foundation for establishing national regulatory frameworks on this matter, given the current absence of specific legislation in Spain.