Measurement of electromagnetic fields from high voltage transmission power lines in Evbotubu Area of Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

For over three decades there has been a growing understanding of the effects of electric and magnetic fields along High voltage Transmission Power lines (HVTPLs). These fields are higher close to the HVTPLs and fall with distance. Magnetic fields vary as the load on the HVTPLs changes whereas electric fields stay roughly constant.HVTPLs generate large values of Extremely Low frequency (ELF) Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs). This research gives an analysis of EMFs emitted by 330kv HVTPLs in Evbotubu Area of Edo State, Nigeria and compare measurements of these EMFs with the international standard threshold values. The magnetic field shows health effect as its exceeds the threshold value at some point while the electric field at all points is still below the limit as recommended by International Commission of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).The research also identifies the implications for a precautionary approach to ELF EMFs and makes practical recommendations for precautionary measures.