The electromagnetic field at all points near a high‐voltage transmission line is determined in analytical form. Account is taken of the presence of the earth below the three‐wire, three‐phase power line. The electric and magnetic fields, the total axial current, and the current and power densities in the interior of a human body are determined when the body is standing on the ground under or near the line, is in an elevated basket under the line, or is reclining in bed near the height of the line. The fields are very weak and the current and power densities so small that thermal effects are ignorable, but not necessarily possible effects on nerve action, the functioning of cells, or on certain secretions. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.