Does living nearby electric lines harmful to your health?

Question

I am considering buying a house that has a backyard on which electric lines are located. I am concern that the lines will emit electromagnetic field that can be harmful to our health over the long terms.

Answer 1

No, that's a myth. My dad actually did a study about this about 15-20 years ago and found that living near power lines has zero effect on your health.

"Beginning in the late 1970’s, some research scientists asked whether there might be health effects from EMF associated with electricity generation and use. A period of intensive research followed, but now, much of this effort is winding down because well-funded, worldwide, intensive laboratory investigations have not been able to uncover reliable evidence for an EMF health hazard.

{...}

These “blue-ribbon” panels did not identify EMF from any type of electric-power transmission line as unsafe for nearby residents and public."

Answer 2

This has been argued about for many decades. I think that in the 60s Russia had a lower exposure limit to electric and magnetic fields than anywhere else in the world. And they apparently had done research on it. These days with the press jumping on anything to make a headline , any finding would get blown out of proportion anyway. With the human body having electrolytes in it, I am sure there must be some effect. But whether this a harmful is another question. Personally I would not be concerned, but then I am most likely a lot older than you :D In my opinion he bigger risk would be overhead cable breaking and falling on top of the house. Maintenance being reduced because because bean-counters cutting back on essential expenditure. It has happened here in NZ.

Answer 3

There is a cause for concern but not from Electromagnetic radiation. There have been many studies done on this, that prove EMR is not a problem.(a metal roof or lining gives similar protection to a Faraday cage)

Studies have identified a link between high voltage transmission lines and cancer clusters. It usually associated with an area that has a high level of background pollution and is more likely on downwind side of the lines.

The most likely explanation is that high voltage ionises the air. The ionised air then attracts pollutants which then tend to concentrate in the area down wind of the power lines.

If we can clean up the pollution we should clean up the problem also. More reason to get petroleum out of cars and scrubbers on our power stations.(until we can replace them)


Here is a link to show the research
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/public_health_issues/62803

Answer 4

Depends on the exact details. The voltage on the line is crucial. The exact distance is important.

Note that you're exposed to large electric fields when using hairdryers, electric shavers, etc. But of course this exposure is 24/7.

Many electric companies will send someone out with a "field meter" to check this for you. It's the only way to know what your exposure is. You could call them and ask.

Don't trust the power company? Then how are you going to know if it's a problem or not? Without measuring, you're just guessing.

Answer 5

This is a hotly debated topic in Environmental Health. There is some scant evidence that it might be a problem, but this evidence is inconclusive at best.

So, the answer is: MAYBE.

Current policy for building and planning in cities generally takes a "better safe than sorry" approach, particularly when it comes to children.

Answer 6

I have listened to the sparking (a loud buzz) that occurs when a it is drizzling rain under a high voltage pylon less than forty feet from the back of my in laws house. I would be interested to know what the electromagnetic field strength was under these conditions. My mother in law died a few months ago from myeloma (a cancer of the bone/blood).

Answer 7

Your answer is no. However, I wouldn't buy the house. From a value perspective people think there is a problem and hence the value of the home will be less.

Think about it, you were concerned enough to check on YA.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

we don't know.

"experts" tell us "no, that's a myth," but there is a heavy government/industry interest in towing the party line (can you imagine the compensation payments if a health connection was to be proven?)... and guess who funds all the studies? We like to think the government keeps an eye on big bisuness for us, but the two are actualyl much cosier with each other on the vast majority of issues.

Answer 10

nothing to worry about. can't harm you.