Yes, you can live next to a substation. From an electromagnetic field (EMF) perspective, homes located directly adjacent to a substation typically experience magnetic field levels that are well within established public safety limits.
Understanding Magnetic Fields and Safety Standards
Organizations worldwide set guidelines for safe public exposure to electromagnetic fields, particularly from power infrastructure. For power frequency (50 Hz) magnetic fields, the public exposure limit set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) is 360 microteslas (µT).
- Low Exposure at Home: Even if your home is situated directly next to a substation, the magnetic fields measured within your living space will generally be a small fraction of this 360 µT exposure limit. This indicates that the levels encountered in a residential setting near a substation are far below the thresholds considered safe for public health.
Important Safety Considerations
While living next to a substation is considered safe in terms of magnetic field exposure within your home, it is critical to be aware of the significant hazards associated with the substation itself:
- Risk of Electrocution: Substations contain high-voltage electrical equipment that is extremely dangerous. It is imperative that you never enter a substation under any circumstances, as there is a severe and immediate risk of electrocution, which can be fatal. These facilities are strictly for authorized personnel only.
