Does living near power lines really pose a health threat?

Question

I have a tower within 10 feet of my house and I have had several people tell me that it can cause health problems. Is this true or just a wives tale?

Answer 1

The only health hazard (aside of coming in direct contact with a downed line) related to high voltage power lines are applicable to those in the general popluation with pace makers (ie heart ailments). Plently of studies have been done on the relavence of location, voltage carried on the lines, empage, etc; No evidence has been found that directly effects our health or our environment except via the emissions of green house gases from electical generation. I am a degreed engineer, and I have been involved in studies both in Wisconsin and California. It doesn't matter if the line is 1kV or 345kV, the only factor that plays a role is the electromagnetic field. There are other issues from high voltage lines that affect radio frequency delivery/reception, etc....nothing involving adverse health affects know, nor provable at this point in time.

Hope this helps clear up any confusion you may have on this topic.

Answer 2

The conclusion that living near powerlines causes health problems came from a very faulty scientific article in the 1980s. It was a case study when I was in grad school. There were numerous errors in the article. Power lines have not been shown to have any health effects.

Answer 3

It's a speculative theory that electromagnetic feilds can cause certain ailments and birth defects....there's no hard evidence that it can cause harm....but it was enough for the state of Calif. to require a disclosure with home sales and has banned any business and homes to be built within certain limits of electrical towers...just in case.

Answer 4

i have lived underpower lines for 7 years now, and i am healthy as can be !

Answer 5

Leukemia is the disease which visits people under 110 kV power lines. see more damages of a,c, energy fields at:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ayurvedaonline/message/6794

Answer 6

some say no but others say yes it does cause health problems but not all the time

Answer 7

I don't know if it does. there is a lot of controversy about this topic.

Answer 8

nothing to fear
http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/emf.html