Emission Levels of ELF Magnetic Fields under Medium Voltage Power-lines in Ngodini, Mpumalanga Province

In developing countries like South Africa there is a significant shortage of electrical power in rural communities, and since ELF electromagnetic fields propagate during transmission, electrification could become a health burden amongst the immunocompromised. The health risks associated with exposure to ELF magnetic fields have been investigated in many European countries and little is known in African countries, particularly South Africa. This study aimed to investigate the exposure levels of ELF magnetic fields from medium overhead power lines in one of the rural townships in Mpumalanga province, Ngodini. In attempt to quantify exposure levels, purposive random sampling was used to select 30 residential house that received electrical connection in 2015. TriField model XE100 was used to obtain emission data at 0, 1, 1.5 and 1.8 m above the ground level during summer and winter seasons. The chosen heights were assumed to represent where sensitive organs in humans could be found; such include feet, pelvic region, pleural region and the head. Measurements were collected in front of residential gates where there is induced movement of residents. ANOVA was used to analyze descriptive data and t-test was used find statistical significant difference between the variables. A statistical significant difference was found when measurements from all heights were compared to one another (p<0.001), including measurements taken in summer and winter seasons (p<0.0001). The exposure levels were below the recommended exposure limits by ICNIRP with some levels reaching a peak of 2.87 µT during winter and 2.34 µT in summer seasons. This study necessitates further research in South Africa to investigate exposure-health relationship, since the peak exposure levels could lead to potential health risks as indicated in several studies.