Impact of Electro-magnetic Waves on Residents Living near Power Sub-stations

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the number of power sub-stations that are built near to residential estates; (b) whether studies have been conducted to assess the impact of electro-magnetic fields emitted from the sub-stations on the health of human bodies; and (c) what measures are in place to minimise potential health hazards to residents living near these sub-stations.

Mr Lawrence Wong: Currently, there are 33 electrical transmission sub-stations located near housing estates. The main function of these sub-stations is to step down high voltage electricity to low voltage suitable for usage by households.

The electromagnetic field radiation from these electrical sub-stations is extremely low, at about 100 times below the exposure guidelines recommended by the World Health Organisation for the general public.

The Energy Market Authority and National Environment Agency have been monitoring, and will continue to closely monitor developments in this area, and work with the Ministry of Health and other relevant authorities to evaluate any new findings from scientific studies on this matter.