The evidence for powerlines increasing the risk of developing cancer, especially childhood leukaemia, continues to grow. We reported on studies showing the evidence for this in August 2009 and May 2010 (see news archive), which confirmed previous research conclusions.
A new study from Iran shows that children have nearly 10 or 11 times the risk of developing acute leukaemia if they live within 600 metres of a 123kV or 230 kV line (the nearest equivalent to these in the UK is 132kV and 275 kV; not much difference to the size of the Iranian powerlines). Interestingly, it was only 3 times higher within 600 metres of a 400kV line. The authors conclude "This study emphasizes that living close to high voltage power lines is a risk for ALL."
EMFields PRO
To measure your field levels, you can hire a meter which will tell you the levels in your house, garden, children's school, etc. If you are thinking of buying a property near a powerline, you may want to check field levels first.
Many opponents of the idea of electromagnetic fields causing ill-health act as if they believe that the stronger the field, the higher the risk is likely to be if there is one. They research the highest exposure levels and find limited evidence to support the hypothesis of harm. This study calls into question the reason for thinking this, as the highest risk was not from living near the highest voltage lines. Cynics might think that the research done by sceptics might be a deliberate attempt to find no link? It would certainly be very expensive to increase the distance from houses to powerlines if a link were firmly established.
As it is, there is international agreement that the incidence of childhood leukaemia at least doubles in the presence of electromagnetic field levels of 0.4 microtesla. Maybe the research should look at UK 132 kV powerlines - much more common near houses than the very big powerlines, and the above study shows that children could be at high risk living near the lower voltage lines. Other research into ill-health as a result of living near powerlines has shown links to clinical depression and miscarriages. It is not just our children who are affected.
» For more information about Powerfrequency EMFs and health risks, see our free article in the article library
EMFields PRO
| © Copyright EMFields 2005 - 2012 |
About Us |
Contact Us |
Terms and Conditions |
Privacy Policy |
Thanks to Javascript Array for sample menu code
» For more information about Powerfrequency EMFs and health risks, see our