Electromagnetic Fields

Last updated on June 7, 2017

Electromagnetic fields are a combination of invisible electric and magnetic fields. They occur naturally (e.g., thunderstorms), and also come from artificial sources. Most electrical and electronic devices emit some type of electromagnetic field.

Electromagnetic fields are created by household and industrial products such as:

  • cell phones
  • televisions
  • wireless local area network equipment (Wi-Fi) 
  • microwave ovens
  • x-rays
  • telecommunications towers
  • smart meters
  • radar

Health Canada has developed guidelines for safe human exposure to electromagnetic fields (Safety Code 6). For more information about household sources of electromagnetic fields, see the links below.

Cell Phones

Microwaves

Smart Meters

Televisions

Wi-Fi