Extremely low frequency refers to electric and magnetic fields in the 1 hertz (Hz) to 100 kilohertz (kHz) region of the electrometric spectrum. The purpose of the extremely low frequency (ELF) safety program is to educate the Brown community about electric and magnetic fields found near utility power supply lines, large electrical equipment and mains electrical wiring.

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) publication Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric and Magnetic Fields (1 Hz to 100 kHz) sets out limits for exposure to ELF fields. The limits are based on careful review of the research into the health effects of exposure to ELF fields. The Brown University ELF safety program follows these guidelines (limits). Research has been done over the past 30 years to find out if the ELF fields produced by electrical and power lines could be harmful. 

Based on ELF magnetic field surveys, members of Brown University are not exposed to levels that exceed the public reference levels recommended by ICNIRP.  Therefore, no adverse health effects are anticipated from exposure to ELF magnetic fields in areas that Brown University personnel can access. 

To learn more about non-ionizing radiation, click the 'Compliance' and ‘Resources’ tabs to the left.