Do you live near an electricity distribution point, such as a final distribution substation or a pylon? Do you know what a final distribution substation or pylons are? If you’ve asked these questions, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll take a look at final distribution substations & pylons, and how they can possibly affect your health.

The Electrical Grid

Before diving in further, we need to have a basic understanding of how the electric grid works. As you know, electricity is generated by various types of powerplants, which then move the electric power from the plant out to an electrical grid. The electrical grid is comprised of multiple layers to help electricity reach homes and businesses.

The grid is a quite complex system made up of pylons, electrical substations, transformers, and powerlines that all work to move electricity to where it’s needed—including into your home.

Have you noticed power lines overhead when you’re out and about? Or maybe you’ve seen pedestals or small buildings that have a hazard notice that shows something that looks like a lightening bolt, with the words “Hazardous.” This is to alert the public and workers that powerlines are running underground or within that structure.

These pedestals, substations, pylons and the overhead power lines are all part of the grid that works to bring electricity to your home or business.

What is a Pylon?

Electric pylons are part of the grid. They’re called “pylons” due to their shape and are usually a tower made of a steel lattice that works to support overhead powerlines. These towers are often considered a form of “visual pollution” and some people have concerns about the safety of these pylons when placed near to homes and businesses—or anywhere people stay for long periods of time.

What is a Final Distribution Substation?

A final distribution substation works to change and/or even the power’s current, so it matches your home’s voltage. For instance, if the power coming from the grid to your home is too high (high voltage), it could cause a power surge and shut down electricity in your home.

The final distribution substation also works to keep the flow of electricity even and steady, so your home or business will maintain power 24/7.

Final distribution substations are generally the end of the line—just before the power reaches a home or business. They are comprised of transformers, control equipment for switching and protection for the system to transfer power.

Dangers of Electrical Substation Near House & Living Near Pylons

There is some concern that pylons and substations near homes (or businesses) can pose potential health problems for people nearby. The reason for this concern has to do with EMFs (electromagnetic fields), which are a form of radiation that’s put off by powerlines and substations.

EMFs can travel through solid bricks, rocks, the human body, etc. Some EMFs naturally occur in the environment and we’re exposed to these every day. However, EMFs emitted by pylons and substations can raise the risk of developing health problems when placed close to people and buildings. Health issues may include:

  • Different types of cancer (or an increased risk of cancer)
  • Frequent illnesses (with no determined cause)
  • Adrenal fatigue
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Brain fog
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

This is not an exhaustive list of potential health concerns, but it gives you an idea of the potential health risks posed by EMFs. Even so, it’s important to understand that EMF exposure diminishes with distance. This means that the farther away you are from an EMF source, the lower your risk of being affected by this form of radiation.

Effects of Living Near Pylons & Substations

There’s some concern that living near pylons can also cause health problems. Again, the issue is EMFs. As we said earlier, the dangers of living near pylons lowers with distance. In other words, the farther the distance you are from pylons and substations, the lower the risk for potential health risks.

The electricity pylons health risks are similar to those of substations—please see the list of health issues in the previous section or here.

Electrical Substation Safety Distance

EMF protection UK–remember that exposure to EMF radiation decreases with distance—so the farther away you are, the safer you are in terms of health risks. In the UK, the safety distance from substations varies due to installation, actual voltage and location of the underground cables.

 

 

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EMF Survey

If you live in a home or own a business in an area with pylons or substations nearby, and are concerned about the possible health risks, then what can you do? You can hire a consulting company to do an EMF survey of your property.

A professional EMF consulting company will come to your home or business. They’ll conduct a survey, searching for significant sources of EMFs both inside and outside. They may also look for stray currents, “dirty electricity” and more. They may test for low-frequency electric and magnetic fields, and also radio frequency radiation. Consultants will use specialized tools such as EMF monitors, meters and analyzers.

Why Have an EMF Survey?

If you have any concerns or worries about living near substations or pylons, you can have a survey done to ease your fear. With reliable information, you can take steps to keep your family safe.

If you’re buying or selling property near substations or pylons, it’s a good idea to have an EMF survey done. This way you’ll be sure the property you’re buying is safe and free of EMF health risks. Or you’ll be aware of the issue and avoid buying the property.

We hope this article has helped you to understand the parts played by pylons and substations on the electrical grid. We’ve taken a look at some of the health risks involved when living or working near these structures and why it’s a good idea to have an EMF survey of your property.

If you have any concerns about these issues, be sure to call a professional company that performs EMF surveys. You’ll be informed of the facts and can then determine what steps to take to protect your family from EMF levels that may be too high.

 


 

Have any questions?

EMF detection can be a confusing subject. Get in touch with one of our advisors for a friendly, no pressure conversation. We'll be happy to answer your queries!

 

0113 262 0953 info@substation-health-risks.co.uk