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associated with the voltage of the transmission line and is measured in kilovolts per meter (kV/m). <br />Some typical electric field strengths measured near common household appliances are presented in <br />Table 9. <br />Table 9: Typical Electric Fields (kWm) from Common Home and Business Appliances <br />Source <br />Electric Field Strength (at a distance of 30 cm) <br />Iron <br />0.12 <br />Refrigerator <br />0.12 <br />Toaster <br />0.08 <br />Coffee machine <br />0.06 <br />Vacuum cleaner <br />0.05 <br />Source: WHO, 1999. <br />Transmission line electric field levels are typically greatest near the center of the line right-of-way <br />with levels decreasing as one moves away from the central alignment. The electric field associated <br />with a high-voltage transmission line may extend from the energized conductors to other nearby <br />objects such as the ground, towers, vegetation, buildings, and vehicles. These objects are commonly <br />referred to as "screeners". The screening effect associated with these and other objects reduce the <br />strength of transmission line electric fields. <br />On the whole, scientific evidence indicates that chronic exposure to electric fields at or below levels <br />traditionally established for safety does not cause adverse health effects. Safety concerns related to <br />electric fields are sufficiently addressed by adherence to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics <br />Engineers (IEEE) and NESC standards. <br />There are currently no federal guidelines on the strength of electrical fields beneath high-voltage <br />transmission lines. However, six states have established their own regulations or guidelines with <br />regard to transmission line electric fields (Table 10). <br />Environmental Assessment <br />PUC Docket E002/TL-11-223 Page 31 <br />