Daniel Goulet

Human perception of electric fields and ion currents associated with high-voltage DC transmission lines

The objective of this study was to assess the ability of humans to detect the presence of DC electric field and ion currents. An exposure chamber simulating conditions present in the vicinity of high-voltage DC (HVDC) lines was designed and built for this purpose. In these experiments, the facility was used to expose observers to DC electric fields up to 50 kV/m and ion current densities up to 120 nA/m2. Forty-eight volunteers (25 women and 23 men) between the ages of 18 and 57 years served as observers. Perception of DC fields was examined by using two psychophysical methods: an adaptive staircase procedure and a rating method derived from signal-detection theory. Subjects completed three different series of observations by using each of these methods; one was conducted without ion currents, and the other two involved various combinations of electric fields and ion currents. Overall, subjects were significantly more likely to detect DC fields as the intensity increased. Observers were able to detect the presence of DC fields alone, but only at high intensities; the average threshold was 45 kV/m. Except in the most sensitive individuals, ion current densities up to 60 nA/m2 did not significantly facilitate the detection of DC fields. However, higher ion current densities were associated with a substantial lowering of sensory thresholds in a large majority of observers. Data analysis also revealed large variations in perceptual thresholds among observers. Normative data indicating DC field and ion current intensities that can be detected by 50% of all observers are provided. In addition, for the most sensitive observers, several other detection proportions were derived from the distribution of individual detection capabilities. These data can form the basis for environmental guidelines relating to the design of HVDC lines.

A statistical model to evaluate the influence of proximity to transmission lines on residential magnetic fields

A statistical model, based on Monte Carlo simulation, is proposed in this paper for evaluating the influence of the proximity of transmission lines on the magnetic field intensities and exposures in the residential environment. The proposed model is validated by comparing the results of calculation using the model with experimental data obtained in a related study.

Study of population exposure to magnetic fields due to secondary utilization of transmission line corridors

A program of secondary utilization of transmission line corridors for recreational, commercial, educational and industrial activities has been in existence at Hydro-Quebec for several years. In the context of studies indicating a possible link between exposure, educational and industrial activities has been in existence at Hydro-Quebec for several years. In the context of studies indicating a possible link between exposure to power frequency magnetic fields and human health, a study has been carried out to determine the exposure of people involved in the different types of secondary-utilization activities in and near transmission line corridors. Results of this study are presented in this paper. >

Human cognitive performance in a 3 mT power‐line frequency magnetic field

Extremely low frequency (ELF, <300 Hz) magnetic fields (MF) have been reported to modulate cognitive performance in humans. However, little research exists with MF exposures comparable to the highest levels experienced in occupations like power line workers and industrial welders. This research aims to evaluate the impact of a 60 Hz, 3 mT MF on human cognitive performance. Ninety-nine participants completed the double-blind protocol, performing a selection of psychometric tests under two consecutive MF exposure conditions dictated by assignment to one of three groups (sham/sham, MF exposure/sham, or sham/MF exposure). Data were analyzed using a 3 × 2 mixed model analysis of variance. Performance between repetitions improved in 11 of 15 psychometric parameters (practice effect). A significant interaction effect on the digit span forward test (F = 5.21, P < 0.05) revealed an absence of practice effects for both exposure groups but not the control group. This memory test indicates MF-induced abolition of the improvement associated with practice. Overall, this study does not establish any clear MF effect on human cognition. It is speculated that an ELF MF may interfere with the neuropsychological processes responsible for this short-term learning effect supported by brain synaptic plasticity.

Magnetophospenes in humans exposed to ELF MF up to 50 mT, a threshold study

Although magnetophosphene perception is the most reliable reported effect on acute human neurophysiological responses to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field (MF) exposure, current knowledge is based on small sample size, non-replicated experiments. In this study, we established MF levels triggering magnetophosphenes at 20, 50, 60 and 100 Hz in humans. Magnetophosphene perception and EEG were collected in 55 magnetic flux density conditions randomly delivered in each frequency group (2 experiments, total n=145). Results indicate that threshold values 1) need to be reported as a function of dB/dt instead of flux density, and 2) are frequency-dependent (higher sensitivity to lower frequencies). No clear trend was found in EEG data.

Impact of electromagnetic fields on human vestibular system and standing balance: pilot results and future developments

Although studies have found that extremely low-frequency (ELF, < 300 Hz) magnetic fields (MF) can modulate human standing balance, the acute effects of electromagnetic fields on standing balance have not been systematically investigated. This work aims to establish the threshold for acute standing balance modulation during ELFMF exposure. One hundred volunteers will be exposed to transcranial electric stimulations (Direct Current - DC and Alternating Current - AC, 1 mA) and ELFMF (0 to 160 Hz, 0 to 100 mT). The displacement of their center of pressure will be collected and analyzed as an indicator of vestibular performance. During pilot testing (n=6), we found increased lateral sway with DC, and to a lesser extent, AC exposure. The ELFMF exposure system still needs to be adapted to allow meaningful results. Future protocol design will test for possible effects due to exposures in the radiofrequency range (i.e. above 3 kHz). These results will contribute to the literature documenting exposure guidelines aiming to protect workers and the general public.

Impact of electromagnetic fields on human vestibular system and standing balance: Pilot results and future developments

Although a few studies have found that extremely low-frequency (ELF, <; 300 Hz) magnetic fields (MF) can modulate human standing balance, the acute effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on standing balance have not been systematically investigated. This work aims to establish the threshold for standing balance modulation during ELF MF exposure. One hundred volunteers will be exposed to an ELF MF (0 to 160 Hz, 0 to 100 mT) and stimulated using transcranial electric stimulation (DC and AC, 1 mA). The displacement of their center of pressure will be collected and analyzed using validated sway characteristics to detect modulations of vestibular function. Future protocols will be designed to test for possible effects due to exposures in the radiofrequency range (i.e. above 3 kHz). These results will contribute to the literature documenting exposure guidelines aiming to protect workers and the general public.

Technical Notes: Evaluation of Potential Effects of Stray Voltage Generated by Alternating Current on Hatchery-Raised Rainbow Trout

Abstract In the province of Quebec, fish farmers have claimed that growth and production of fish are reduced in the presence of very low voltage levels. Stray low voltage at levels of 60 Hz (0–42 mV/m) was confirmed during a survey of nine fish hatcheries in 1990. Because there is a general lack of information on the effects of exposure to stray voltage on hatchery-raised fish, a study was done to evaluate possible effects on the embryonic development, growth rate, and survival of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. The results indicate no effect of electrical fields (5, 50, 500, and 5,000 mV/m) on the appearance and duration of embryonic development or on survival to hatching. Other bioassays conducted on rainbow trout weighing 7 and 116 g that were exposed for 10 and 7.5 weeks, respectively, to electrical fields of 5, 50, and 500 mV/m demonstrate that growth rate and survival are probably not affected by electrical fields.