EMF Guidelines:
ELF magnetic and electric fields

Minimize your exposure to ELF magnetic and electric fields as much as possible.

In areas where you spend more than 4 hours a day,
keep your exposure at least below the recommended precautionary values.

Precautionary values

ELF MAGNETIC field

Average (AVG)

Maximum (MAX)

ELF ELECTRIC field

Maximum (MAX)

nT

mG

nT

mG

V/m

Sensitive
populations

30

0.3

300

3

0.3

Daytime exposure

100

1

1,000

10

10

Nighttime exposure

100

1

1,000

10

1

Measurement specifications

Basis for evaluation of ELF MAGNETIC fields

  • Average and maximum values (RMS)

  • Short-term spot measurements, also to identify
    magnetic field source(s)

  • Long-term measurements in bed or at workplace,
    at least for 24 h

  • Mains current (50/60 Hz) and railway current (16.7 Hz) should be evaluated separately, if applicable.

  • Distinct harmonics should be evaluated more critically.

Basis for evaluation of ELF ELECTRIC fields

  • Maximum values (RMS)

  • Work areas: 3- to 6-point measurement grid

  • Sleeping areas: 9-point measurement grid

  • Short-term spot measurements, also to identify
    electric field source(s)

  • Long-term measurements not needed

  • Distinct harmonics should be evaluated more critically.

Measuring instruments and methods

The EUROPAEM EMF Guideline for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of EMF-related Health Problems and Illnesses has been published in the journal Reviews on Environmental Health and is available as a free download: EN (original) | DE (translation).

Back to EUROPAEM EMF Guideline

Last modified on 9 February 2025

Measuring instruments and methods

  • Magnetic field meter

  • Isotropic field probe

  • Magnetic flux density in nT or mG

  • Frequency range: 50 Hz – 2 kHz

  • Detector mode: RMS

  • EMF sources:

    50/60 Hz mains power
    16.7 Hz railway networks
    400 Hz on airplanes

  • Electric field meter

  • Isotropic field probe

  • Electric field in V/m without ground reference

  • Frequency range: 50 Hz – 2 kHz

  • Detector mode: RMS

  • EMF sources:

    50/60 Hz mains power
    16.7 Hz railway networks