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The location is convenient. The neighbors are great.
But your dream home is located near some high voltage power lines, and now you’re wondering if that “dream” is more like a nightmare…
Should you move? Should you buy? Does it even really matter?
I hope to answer your questions today as we analyze the minimum safe distance your home (or any building) should be from power lines.
Why Distance Matters: Leukemia & Power Lines
If your home is located near power lines, there are some health risks you should be aware of. Several studies have proven that living in close proximity to power lines exposes you to dangerous electromagnetic radiation (EMR).
This radiation affects bodily functions such as your immune system, sleeping cycles, hormonal production, and stress levels.
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More than that, you become prone to various conditions like constant headaches, body fatigue, skin diseases, and increases anxiety.
In the worst cases, exposure can cause complex, life-threatening illnesses like breast cancer, blood disease, and even birth defects.
Apart from these, research has also found there may be a link to leukemia and being near power lines. This argument has long been debated, and the results have been varying ever since.
And to be honest, findings are still inconsistent.
(But don’t confuse that with my personal belief…I’m 110% confident in the connection…but I’m here to present the facts, not just my opinion).
However, scientists can confirm that STAYING in close proximity to power lines (meaning not just the occasional visit nearby) can increase your risk of developing leukemia.
One of the most significant studies was conducted by Gerald Draper, the director of Oxford University’s childhood cancer research group.
He led research on children whose homes were near power grids to see if the location had an effect on their health.
Findings revealed that the kids who lived 200 meters from power lines had a 69% higher risk of leukemia. On the other hand, those who were at least 600 meters away only had a 23% risk.
That’s a roughly 10% drop per 100 meters…pretty significant if you ask me and indicates that distance DOES matter.
Because of this possibility, some scientists warn people to stay out of areas with power lines that emit strong EMFs.
So if it’s too late to move to another location, then you might want safe proof your home as a precaution.
The Problem with Government’s Maximum Exposure Standards
The government is responsible for setting exposure standards to ensure citizens are safe from strong EMFs associated with power lines.
Most of the countries have set their standard for safe exposure at 1000 milligauss.
However, this regulation was put into effect before technological advancements occurred.
Modern technology has changed the way electromagnetic radiation acts, which means safety levels have changed.
The problem is the government has not updated the maximum safe exposure standards despite rising concerns about its effect on people’s health.
In fact, despite the limit of 1000 milligauss, regulations have been very slack regarding companies who don’t observe this standard.
For decades, the government has allowed regular power lines to be placed close to residential areas because they are following the results of outdated research, which doesn’t consider recent links of power lines to newfound diseases.
Even though many people want the government to take the blame, the truth is they probably won’t.
Admitting this mistake would not only reveal their carelessness, but a chain reaction of consequences would follow.
Lawsuits that would stem from such an admission would cripple the economy due to the number of uninhabitable houses it would result in.
Overhead Power Lines: Distance Guidelines
The difficulty with assessing your safety from power lines is that you can’t determine the danger by just a look.
To measure the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) that is affecting your home, you will need a gaussmeter. This device is used to test the strength of the magnetic field around your residential area.
But how do you know if your area needs EMR testing?
Simple, just refer to these guidelines to check if your home is:
- Attached with solar panels
- 500 feet away from a transformer box
- 500 feet away from an electrical substation
- Within a mile from power lines that are connected to high metal towers
- On the side of the street where power lines are located (both under and above ground)
Living Near Power Lines: Property Value
Health concerns are one thing to worry about, but it’s not the only problem you may face.
Having your home in close proximity to power lines can cause complications related to your property value.
Knowing you’re facing high risk, you might want to sell your house and move somewhere safer.
This is an option, of course, but it won’t be so easy. That’s because a property’s value can lower by 30% if it’s located near power lines.
The worst part is, this financial problem comes with a moral dilemma, too.
Apart from being forced to reduce the price of your house just so you can sell it, you also have to think about how you are putting someone else’s family in a risky situation.
If your potential buyers are unaware of the dangers that come with power lines nearby, your situation becomes even more stressful.
Sure, you can get away with it because of the government’s outdated exposure safety standards. But can you really live with the fact that you are passing the problem to someone else?
What About Transformers?
Transformers are electrical machines that are responsible for transferring electricity among circuits with different voltage levels while ensuring no change in frequency.
They also help boost efficiency and maintain the safety of power systems.
However, despite their function, they can actually pose as much danger as power lines.
Living near a transformer can also make you vulnerable to being exposed to high EMR levels.
The reason behind this is that wires from transformers carry out more electricity. More than that, transformers also tend to boost power, making the radiation stronger.
Being in close proximity to transformers, especially during long periods, can expose you to low-frequency magnetic fields.
When looking at a home that you plan to purchase, I would definitely take into account whether or not it’s located near electrical transformers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a safe distance to live from power lines?
Power lines from big metal towers emit the highest voltage creating the strongest magnetic fields. The safe distance from these power lines would be at least 700 feet. If you are using a gaussmeter, make sure that the reading shows 0.5 milligauss or less.
Is living near high tension wires dangerous?
Yes. Residing near high tension wires exposes you to dangerous EMFs which can cause several health conditions especially after a long time.
Do large power lines give off radiation?
Yes. Power lines can give off artificial and strong electromagnetic radiation. This type of radiation is identified as low frequency and non-ionizing.
Side Note: I just want to quickly address the times we’re living in. Many people are feeling hopeless, depressed, confused, isolated…just overwhelmed. Can you relate? If you need a dose of hope right now, please click here to read my personal note to you.
Certified EMF Expert, Chief Editor & Researcher at Beat EMF. I’m in charge of testing all the products and sorting through the duds to deliver effective EMF solutions for your family. Learn more about me here.
How far do you have to be from the high voltage power line your house to be safe. is 580 ft far enough with a 0.1 to 0.2 on the electronagentic field meter. I am buying a house want to make sure no health issue being done to my body for buying a house.
The distance is just a means of estimating exposure levels, so it’s the actual measurements inside the home that are more important as they tell you what you’re dealing with.
By 0.1 to 0.2, do you mean mG (milligauss, which measures the magnetic field level)?
Need gauss meter test 7059 n.lecanto hwy Hernando FL 34442
Hello – we are looking to buy a house that has everything we are looking for but there is a high voltage power tower right behind the house. The reading on the tower is 7-7 130-31. Do you know what does it mean? It’s about 35 yard from the house. Can you tell me if it’s safe to live there?
Hi Ruby,
This is more in-depth than I go in public comments, and the kind of thing I reserve for my consults. I do offer a power line consult if you’re interested. You can learn more here – https://beatemf.com/emf-consultant/
Engie has installed a tall metal pole with 6 power lines less than 200 ft from my home. When the Wind Turbines are all complete this Transmission line will be used to transport electricity. I’m hoping the EMF’s won’t be high.
Hi Jordan I was wondering if you could help me out. My sister has a beautiful home they have fixed up over the years in the Texas hill country. Now they are trying to put in the very big high voltage power lines right on her property line. Is there anyway this could be stopped, or who she could contact in order to somehow get them moved to another locations? I know it’s a long shot but any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi David,
That’s a tough one. I think your best bet would be to look on Facebook for any EMF advocacy groups in Texas and reach out to them for resources. You could also start a petition, get signatures from members in your community, and submit it to the local power association.
Hi Jordan,
Thank you for sharing this valuable information!
Id like to clarify the voltage of the power line you’re referring to with the 700ft suggested safe distance please? The property I am considering moving to has a 110kv power line near by.
Many thanks!
Hi Shelly,
That’s a fairly high voltage line, and that 700 ft is just a (very) general rule of thumb for a medium voltage line. I highly recommend getting a meter that can measure both electric and magnetic fields, then go to the house and measure.
Where does the 700 ft distance originate from?
We are moving into a townhome for one year to save for our dream home. It’s $500 cheaper rent then what we’re paying now, so that it super helpful. Annoyingly, it has one of those green pad mounted transformers in the back yard area. It’s not a big one thankfully. I would say it’s maybe (maybe more) 35 feet away from our sons bedroom that is on the 2nd floor. Is that okay? I have pictures of that would help too. We move in this week. It’s the one thing holding me back. But we don’t have another choice
The only way to know your exposure is to measure with a meter. I recommend the Trifield TF2. If the transformer is fully encased in a metal box (and most are), it’s probably not that big of an issue as that metal box is “containing” the magnetic fields.
Hello Jordan,
Could you please clarify the voltage of the power line you’re referring to with the 700ft suggested safe distance? The property I am considering buying has a 500kV power line located within 469 meters (1538 feet) from the house. Could I assume its a safe distance?
We found a home near high voltage power lines (230-500k) along the north and west of the subdivision but not directly near our property. It’s maybe 0.5 miles from the subdivision but a bit feather from our homesite. Should we have our homesite tested? Is that far enough ? We are going to be living in a newly developed area so those power lines are servicing the homes there . There is also a substation at least 3 miles away. Thanks
Hi Jordan, do you have any scientific articles that back this? We are trying to bring forth a case to our power company as we have high voltage power lines (7.0 on gauss meter in kids bedroom) that do not have the proper easements. We re in beginning stages but seeking any additional scientific articles. Many thanks!
Hey,
Thank you so much for your valuable advance. My question is if there are 3 overhead power lines measuring 115 , 220 and again 115. Do i count this as being 440 power line? And is living 550 meters away from this considered safe? Because very usually those big overhead lines have 2 towers going along each other. And if it says it’s 500 that means there are 2 towers at 500 so I would count it as 1000? Thank you for your clarification
550 meters away is generally a safe distance regardless if there are two towers but always measure to be sure. When you say 115, 220, 115 – what unit of measurement are you using?
Hi Jordan,
We booked a new construction we were told there were power lines behind our Lot. When they finished building the road and started building a house we found out 2 powerlines running parallel to each other. When I inquired with power company they turn out to be 230 kv each we are about 50 meters from the lines is it safe to move there? The home is really good, however the reading using a gauss meter inside the home (still under construction is 15mG with 38v/m electric filed). Is there a way we can get it down? Any advice?
What would be the best device to use to test property before building a house?
HI Jordan,
Thank you for all your research. When you refer to transformers do you mean both the green boxes on ground, and the transformer drums up on power lines (not high voltage lines, but regular power lines) near homes? Say if there is a transformer drum on the power line about 100 feet from house, can that be a hazard?
Thank you ~
Just asking; Is an older home aluminum sided be ,more safe from this (EMF) than a wood sided home?How far way away should a power pole-meter pole ,be from a home?I live in the country. Have a barb wire fence .Not next to my home .Yet around the property 40 ac.There are no high volt power lines .The nearest ,is more than 60 miles in any direction.Does 220 cause health problems.As with a 220 clothes drier.Sunshine ,I think is best.Thanks for the info.
Hello, I love your article and that you’re educating the community regarding EMF! There needs to be more awareness.
I’m looking for reassurance. We are supposed to close on a new home next week. During the frame stages, we measured on standard mag settings (trifield TF2) at 0.2. However, now that there is electricity and the home is ready, this week I measured the inside of the home at 0.6 and up to 0.8 🥴. There is a transmission line about 700 ft away (not the high powered ones). The front yard measures 0.3 and backyard 0.8-0.9.
Do you think these readings are too high? Or do you think they’re relatively safe being they are less than 1?
Is .9 of a mile a safe distance from a electrical substation?
How far from a substation is a safe distance to live? i am interested in an apartment and it shows .9 of a mile away distance from a substation.
Hi Jordan!
Thanks so much for this well written post. I’m potentially signing a lease on a house tomorrow that is almost perfect… aside from the power lines!
I’m getting a 2.7 – 3.3mg reading when I stand on the drive way or back yard, but in the house is only 0.7mg
Any advice?
Thanks!
Daniel
What is the minimum safe distance from lines at less than 600?
Another factor to consider is that cell phone antennas are often put on high voltage cross country electric transmission towers. Even if nearby cross country lines don’t currently have cell phone or other antennas, they’re a likely location to put one.
How far should we live from 69Kv power line? The house is about 80 feet away from the 69kv power line. Wondering whether we should buy or not.
Hello,
We are interested in a home but that has a power line of 115kv at a distance of 400ft from the home.
Is it a fine distance or not close.
We just closed on a new home. Just realized we have a substation behind our neighborhood. (so discouraging). Using google my home is around 0.5 mile (around 2600 feet). How safe is that distance?