Power Lines and Cancer Risk

For years there has been a controversy brewing about whether living near high voltage power lines poses a health risk. Most authorities say it does not, but a new study from Great Britain offers the possibility that there may be more of a risk than previously thought.

Noted epidemiologist, Sir Richard Doll, chairman of the National Radiological Protection Board's (NRPB) Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation (Agnir) says that more research is needed but there is evidence that the leukemia rates for children living near power lines appears to be higher than it is for those who do not live in these areas.

The report indicates that ions which react with oxygen and nitrogen in the air may allow pollutants to enter human cells more easily, and these ions are present around certain common types of power lines in Great Britain. Sir Richard is noted to be the researcher who found the link between smoking and lung cancer during the 1960's and is one of the most respected authorities in his field. In his opinion the risk is slight, but still significant enough that researchers can not ignore it.

Earlier research at Bristol University found similar risks, and a university source stated in a 1999 report that, "The study has serious implications for the electricity industry, which could face huge compensation claims and pressure to move its pylons." The current findings seem to be supportive of this same conclusion, and could have a major impact financially on the electrical power industry in Great Britain.

There are studies dating back over 20 years that substantiate the conclusions of the current report, however in most cases they indicate such slight risk that they have been ignored by the courts and power companies when individuals file damage claims. Originally these reports indicated that living near electromagnetic fields (EMF's) generated by high voltage lines was the culprit, but now the findings are more specific and link the risk instead to the previously mentioned ions.

For those of us living near or especially "under" these lines, the concern is great, regardless of the degree of risk. Individuals in this situation, at the bare minimum, should find out the facts and make an assessment of their situation. Only by knowing the facts can reasonable decisions be made.

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