EMF Guideline:
VLF magnetic and electric fields
Minimize your exposure to VLF 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
VLF MAGNETIC field
Average (AVG)
Maximum (MAX)
VLF ELECTRIC field
Maximum (MAX)
nT
mG
nT
mG
V/m
Sensitive
populations
0.3
0.003
3
0.03
0.003
Daytime exposure
1
0.01
10
0.1
0.1
Nighttime exposure
1
0.01
10
0.1
0.01
Measurement specifications
Basis for evaluation of VLF MAGNETIC fields
Average and maximum values (RMS)
Short-term spot measurements to identify
magnetic field source(s)Long-term measurements in bed or at workplace for duration of sleep or shift to evaluate
Power quality analyzers and oscilloscopes can be used on the actual wiring to trace the source of the dirty power if elevated levels are detected.
Basis for evaluation of VLF ELECTRIC fields
Maximum values (RMS)
Short-term spot measurements to identify
electric field source(s)Long-term measurements in bed or at workplace for duration of sleep or shift to evaluate
Power quality analyzers and oscilloscopes can be used on the actual wiring to trace the source of the dirty power if elevated levels are detected.
Measuring instruments and methods
Back to EUROPAEM EMF Guideline
Last modified on 13 February 2025
Measuring instruments and methods
Magnetic field meter
Isotropic field probe
Magnetic field strength A/m and
calculated flux density in nT or mGVLF frequency range: 3 kHz – 3 MHz
EMF sources:
“Dirty electricity”
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL)
Power line communications (PLC)
RFID transmitters
Electric field meter, spectrum analyzer
Isotropic field probe
Electric field in V/m without ground reference
VLF frequency range: 3 kHz – 3 MHz
EMF sources:
“Dirty electricity”
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL)
Power line communications (PLC)
RFID transmitters