Environmental Health in Israel | 2014

Radio Frequency Radiation The law requires that the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MoEP) define maximum levels of exposure permitted for RF radiation. The levels of permitted exposure are based on World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations regarding the health threshold for non-ionizing radiation (a value below which there is no known negative health impact from thermal effects). The health threshold refers to acute (short-term) exposure only. The environmental threshold, which refers to continuous long-term exposure, takes into account risks other than those defined in the health threshold. In areas such as parks, roofs, and courtyards where exposure is not continuous, permits are not granted for facilities that expose the population to non-ionizing radiation of more than 30% of the health threshold, whereas in areas where people are continuously present and for long periods of time – such as educational institutions, homes, and hospitals – the maximum exposure permitted is only 10% of the health threshold. Magnetic Fields (Power Lines and Electrical Appliances) The Non-Ionizing Radiation Law does not define a threshold for exposure to magnetic field radiation. A threshold value of 1,000 milligauss for acute short-term exposure (momentary exposure) was recommended by an expert committee on public exposure to magnetic field radiation from the electrical grid. While there is no standard for long-term exposure to magnetic fields, the MoEP and the Ministry of Health (MoH) jointly recommend a threshold of two milligauss on an average annual basis when planning an electrical facility or four milligauss on a daily average. At this stage, existing electrical facilities are being targeted for action, with highest priority assigned to facilities that generate an average exposure of over four milligauss. In addition, new building regulations limit electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by the power grid to four milligauss. The MoEP published recommendations for planners and the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) pertaining to the operation of electric facilities, risk assessment and calculation of levels of exposure to EMF. The MoEP has defined minimum distances between electrical facilities and buildings such as homes, educational institutions, hospitals, etc. (Table 1). The IEC website reports results of measurements performed near electrical facilities. Ministry of Environmental Protection Recommendations on Distance between Electrical Facilities and Buildings  Table 1 Environmental Health in Israel 2014  Chapter 10 Low voltage line Medium voltage line (13, 22, 33 kilowatts) High voltage line (161 kilowatts) Extra-high voltage line (400 kilowatts) Distribution transformer 2 meters from nearest phase conductor 3 meters from nearest phase conductor 20 meters from the path of the power line 35 meters from the path of the power line 3 meters from each part of the transformer and extending wires 3 meters from nearest phase conductor 5 meters from nearest phase conductor 30 meters from the path of the power line 50 meters from the path of the power line 5 meters from each part of the transformer and extending wires Type of line Short-term exposure Long-term exposure - 68 -