RIYADH: The Saudi Commission for Organizing Electricity and Dual Production says studies show that electromagnetic fields around power transmission lines in the Kingdom are not harmful to humans or the environment. It emphasized that studies conducted in some areas show that the electromagnetic fields are below the danger levels determined by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The commission said in a statement that several bodies involved in the power industry in the Kingdom carried out international and local studies on the effect of electromagnetic fields resulting from power transmission lines. It said Dr. Abdul Azeem Al-Qadi from King Saud University in Riyadh had presented a paper on exposure to the dangers of electromagnetic fields at five sites of the Saudi Electricity Company. Additionally, a group of researchers from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Mineral Resources conducted survey studies at several sites. All the studies showed that the intensity of the electromagnetic fields at these sites was far below the levels defined by the ICNIPR. Also, studies and surveys conducted by King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) showed that overhead transmission lines which are 100 meters away from buildings have no negative effect on human beings and the environment. It said that in 2001 a work team was formed by the ministries of health and water and electricity to study the impact of electromagnetic fields. The team found that there was no relationship between exposure to these fields and cancer. The commission said that as an oversight body it was keen to protect public health and ensure the application of international safety standards.
