(Updated November 2011)

The concern over electromagnetic fields emitted by power lines has long been a topic of conversation for the real estate industry. New studies and conflicting reports are being published every year. The public's knowledge, perception, and interpretation of this data has a profound effect on the value of properties in proximity to power lines. This page will help guide you through the basics of the EMF controversy. (A. Siudzinski, Senior Library Information Specialist)

EMFs Explained

Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Radiation from Power Lines, (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, July 19, 2010).

Electric and magnetic fields (EMF): health concerns, (Connecticut Department of Public Health, Apr. 2008).

Electromagnetic fields and public health, (World Health Organization, May 2006).

Magnetic Fields Exposure and Cancer: Questions and Answers, (National Cancer Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health, Apr. 12, 2005).

Electromagnetic fields explained, (Arizona Association of REALTORS®, 2003). 

Power Lines and Property Values

Effects of Electric Transmission Lines on Property Values: A Literature Review, (Journal of Real Estate Literature, 2010).

A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Environmental Contamination and Positive Amenities on Residential Real Estate Values , (Journal of Real Estate Research, Jan.-Mar. 2006). Q

Power lines, visual encumbrance and house values: A micro-spatial approach to impact measurement, (Journal of Real Estate Research, May/June 2002). Q

Power lines and property value: The good, the bad, and the ugly, (The Urban Lawyer, Spring 1999).

Power Lines: Health Hazard or Media Hype?

Health risks associated with living near high-voltage power lines, (Health Physics Society, Aug. 27, 2011).

Power lines and your health, (health.msn.com, 2008).

Good news about electromagnetic fields, (Realty Times, July 10, 2003).

NIEHS report on health effects from exposure to power-line frequency electric and magnetic fields, (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, June 1999).

eBooks & Other Resources

Books, Videos, Research Reports & More

The resources below are available for loan through Information Central.  Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10.  Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.

Death and disclosure: legal strategies for dealing with stigmatized properties, (Richfield, OH: October Research Corporation, 2007). HD 1341 R22d

Cell towers: Wireless convenience? Or environmental hazard?, (Markham, Ont.: Safe Goods/New Century Publishing, 2001). HE 9713 B45

EMF and the eighth deadly sin: The literature on property value impacts from proximity to high-voltage transmission lines since 1994, (Storrs, CT: Real Estate Counseling Group of Connecticut, March 1996). SF-1998-043

Cartographies of danger: Mapping hazards in America, (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 1997). GB 5014 M66

Field Guides & More

These field guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:

Field Guide to Dealing with Stigmatized Properties

Field Guide to Effects of Hazardous Waste on Property Values

InfoCentral Blog

Have an Idea for a New Field Guide?

Click here to send us your suggestions.

The inclusion of links on this field guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this field guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.