FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Electromagnetic Fields Policy OKd

In response to concerns raised in the last year over electromagnetic fields produced by power lines near some schools, Fountain Valley School District trustees on Thursday night unanimously approved a formal policy called “prudent avoidance.”

The goal of the policy is to provide information to all individuals and groups about electromagnetic fields so that they can make reasoned decisions about living and working near sources of the fields.

The policy covers all 19 district sites, although only two schools were involved in a 1990 controversy over whether electromagnetic fields--dubbed EMF by experts--are harmful. All of the district’s sites were then tested by Southern California Edison and determined to be safe.

A report released earlier this year by the district based on research by state health officials and scientists determined that there is no proof that the levels of EMF in the area cause harm.

“Until there is scientific basis for making a determination (that it is safe or harmful), individuals should make their own judgment,” said Supt. Ruben L. Ingram, “just as they would about using an electric blanket.”

The policy has been in effect informally since the issue first arose last year. Actions have included moving outside lunch tables to another location and testing computer laboratories for safety. Under the formal policy, the district will conduct annual reviews to review any measures enacted during the previous year and consider if any new modifications should be adopted.

“We basically just formalized a policy we’ve already had in practice,” Board of Trustees president Ann Galas said. “There are times in bureaucracy when you need to see a practice in print.”