This is the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list for the Transmission & Distribution Maintenance Management Association.

This list provides a resource of answers to commonly (and some uncommonly) asked questions regarding electrical transmission and distribution systems, organizations, periodicals, and pointers to numerous other resources on the net.

What is EMF?

EMF is an acronym for Electromagnetic Field.

* What does it do?

In an electromagnetic field there are actually two fields created: an electric field and a magnetic field. The strength of the electric field depends on the voltage being carried, while the magnetic field strength depends on the amount of current being carried (amperage). While it is easy to shield against the electric current, it is much more difficult to shield against magnetic fields.

* Are there health concerns?

For decades, debate has been wide spread in regard to the health factors associated with transmission lines and exposure to EMF. Based on the totality of the evidence available, there seems to be no conclusive evidence that residential exposure to electric and magnetic fields produce cancer. Below are links to highly regarded institutions and their research findings about EMF including the Medical College of Wisconsin, the National Academy of Sciences, and the National Cancer Institute.