Interaction of environmental ELF electromagnetic fields with living bodies

The subject of potential environmental hazard due to the exposure to extrem ely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields produced by electric power installa tions is receiving worldwide attention. This paper is a contribution to the assessment of that hazard by evaluating the induced electric fields and cu rrents due to the nonuniform magnetic fields distribution along the height of a human. The effect of magnetic field orientation relative to the body p osture is examined and the subsequent variation of the induced electric fie ld in the human body is evaluated. Also, the paper accounts for the electri c field coupling of a human in contact with the ground. A comparative study of induced magnetic and electric fields within a grounded human beneath di fferent power lines is made and its results are discussed.