Electric and Magnetic Fields From morning to “lights out,” electricity makes our lives more comfortable and safe. Eight million people in the Northwest get their electricity from the transmission grid owned and operated by BPA. With electric power, however come certain precautions that are also well known. Electric power lines, household wiring, and appliances can cause serious injury from electric shock if handled improperly. Some studies have suggested that a link may exist between exposure to power-frequency and electric magnetic fields (EMFs) and certain types of cancer, primarily leukemia and brain cancer. Others have found no such link. Laboratory researchers are studying how such an association is biologically possible. At this point, there is no scientific consensus about the EMF issues – except general agreement that better information is needed. A national EMF research effort is underway, and major study results are expected in the next few years.