The national Italian EMF limits currently in force were set by Decree of the Prime Minister in August 2003, replacing a previous decree of 1992.
For the general public, the limits are:
- Electric fields: 5 kV/m
- Magnetic fields: 100 µT
In addition, for magnetic fields, and applying to overhead power lines only, there are two further values:
- The attention value: 10 µT. Applies where exposure is for more than 4 hours per day.
- The quality target: 3 µT. Applies to new lines and to new homes only.
(both these values are limits on the daily averages, values at times during the day can be higher)
Three Italian Regions - Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Toscana - set exposure limits in 1999 and 2000 for power lines at 0.2 µT for new installations near nurseries, schools, hospitals, houses and places where people spend more than four hours per day. Veneto also has a similar limit of 0.5 kV/m. These regional laws remain in force, but the national Decree prevents any other Regions doing likewise.
