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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The study of indoor magnetic fields due to mains current is crucial for understanding the electromagnetic environment within buildings, particularly in educational institutions where sensitive equipment and experiments are conducted. The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), known for its emphasis on engineering and technological advancement, houses several laboratories within the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SEET). These laboratories, including the Engineering Laboratory and the Electrical Laboratory Complexes, are integral to the training and research activities of the university. However, the presence of mains current can generate magnetic fields that may affect the precision of experiments, the functionality of sensitive equipment, and potentially the health of individuals exposed to these fields. Therefore, measuring and analyzing these indoor magnetic fields is essential for ensuring a safe and conducive environment for both learning and research.

Magnetic fields are found everywhere on the Earth’s surface. They originate from natural and artificial sources.  The main natural source is the Magnetic Field of the Earth itself, while human technological development has led to an increase in the presence of additional Magnetic Fields in the Earth’s environment. Power distribution systems among so many others are just a few of many examples of technologies producing Magnetic Fields. The most widespread artificial Magnetic Fields are those generated by the production, distribution and use of electric current, which are usually called Power-Line Frequency Magnetic Fields.

Electromagnetic fields are created whenever electricity passes through a conductor. Actually, two interdependent fields are created; an electric field and a magnetic field. (Ali & Hardiman, 2005) The strength of the electric field depends on the voltage being carried, while the magnetic field strength depends on the amount of current being carried (amperage). Magnetic fields due to mains current are typically represented as sinusoidal in shape, alternating at the frequencies of 50 Hz in Europe and 60 Hz in North America and fall within the very low frequency (VLF) and Extremely Low frequency (ELF) ranges (Corbacio, 2013). In fact, because of the individual’s proximity to household appliances powered by ac (mains current), magnetic fields produced by the use of mains current is often more pronounced than those produced by transmission lines strung on high towers. (Ali & Hardiman, 2005).

Due to the ubiquitous usage of electric power, human beings are highly exposed to magnetic fields by a great magnitude. For a long time, the possibility of an influence of weak magnetic fields on the well-being of human beings has simply being ignored. However, the ever increasing knowledge of the biological effects of not just Electromagnetic Radiations but also low frequency electromagnetic fields as well as numerous epidemiological studies with focus on a possible increase in the risk of cancer through Electromagnetic field exposure has also led to researches on other health issues caused by over exposure to Electromagnetic fields (Adey, 1993).