What is extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation and what are the suspected health effects?

ELF radiation includes fields of alternating current (AC) and non-ionizing radiation from 1 Hz to 300 Hz. Exposure to ELF fields is common near power lines as well as electrical equipment.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the health risks associated with this type of field is a controversial topic. Research has not indicated significant effects, but there are still some gaps in knowledge. Exposure is largely dependent on the source strength, a person’s distance to the source, and how long they are exposed to the ELF field. Some research suggests that ELF exposure is associated with some cancers, reproductive effects, and some neurological effects.