Do power lines cause radiation which result in cancer?

Question

When you answer this question it would help if you could give me the source. :)

Answer 1

Power lines can be divided into transmission lines (those high voltage lines mounted on large steel towers) and distribution lines (those like the ones that run in most streets mounted on wooden or concrete poles and connect directly to your home).
Transmission lines generate both strong electric fields and strong magnetic fields. whilst distribution lines generate weak electric fields, but can generate strong magnetic fields.
Human studies have consistently shown that there is no evidence that prolonged exposure to weak electric fields (such as those found in the home, around distribution lines or in most workplaces), results in adverse health effects. Whether chronic exposure to weak magnetic fields is equally harmless remains an open question. There is no evidence that these fields cause immediate, permanent harm.

However, laboratory studies on animals and cell cultures have shown that weak magnetic fields can have effects on several biological processes. For example, they may alter hormone and enzyme levels and the rate of movement of some chemicals through living tissue. By themselves, these changes do not appear to constitute a health hazard. In the long term, they may have an effect on the incidence of cancer or other adverse health effects. While most studies have produced inconclusive results or no increased cancer incidence in laboratory animals following exposure to EMFs, a few studies have indicated an increased incidence of cancer.
Nevertheless, the National Health and Medical Research Council has issued Interim guidelines on limits of exposure to 50/60 Hz electric and magnetic fields. These guidelines are aimed at preventing immediate health effects resulting from acute exposure to these fields. The recommended magnetic field exposure limit for members of the public (24 hour exposure) is 1,000 mG (0.1 milliTesla) and for occupational exposure (whole working day) is 5,000 mG (0.5 milliTesla).

As an indicative comparison, exposure levels to EMFs around the home are typically 0.1 - 2.5 mG. For homes near powerlines, these levels may be as high as 5 - 10 mG. Immediately under the powerline, magnetic field levels of 60 - 100 mG may be found.

Where does that leave one?? Well, personnally you wouldn't be able to pay me enough to live anywhere near HV Transmission lines (typically 220KV to 500KV) and certainly not with young children that are more susceptable to the possible effects of electromagnetic radiation.

Following are some additional sources that may be of interest.

Answer 2

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that supports the theory that power lines are associated with increased risks for certain cancers.

Here are some quotes from the scientific literature:

1) "There is an unexplained association between exposure to the magnetic fields arising from the supply and use of electricity, and increase in risk of childhood leukemia." - Journal of Radiological Protection. Mar. 2007.

2) "Residential power-frequency magnetic fields (MFs) were labeled as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for research on Cancer panel."
"Our results provided additional evidence that high MF exposure was associated with a higher risk of childhood leukemia..." - International Journal of Cancer. Aug.1, 2006.

However, this is a very controversial issue because many scientific studies have found NO association between high MF exposures and childhood cancer risks. Here are the references for 3 studies with these negative findings:

1) British Journal of Cancer. 2000 Dec;83(11):1573-80.

2) American Journal of Epidemiology. 2000 Mar 1;151(5):512-5.

3) Lancet. 1999 Dec 5;354(9194):1925-31.

Hope you find this helpful. Best wishes.

Answer 3

There definitely is a correlation between power line radiation & cancer. The study I have heard most often pertains to children, Leukemia, & electrical lines. There was a study in the U.S. done a few years ago on the east coast that came about because of an inordinate amount of children in a neighborhood living very close to electrical power lines that were diagnosed with Leukemia. I couldn't find that study, but a study in the New Scientist came up when I googled it. It references a study done in the U.K. pertaining to Children & higher Leukemia rates found when living near elec. wires. Very scary isn't it!!

Answer 4

There is a variety of hearsay about the "risks" of residing close vigour strains. However no well-designed, medical learn has ever found proof of a hazard. (except, of course, a tower falls over during a storm and hits your condominium.) If you're building almost the vigor line, it perhaps a excellent proposal to make use of a copper cable loop going totally around the condominium for a floor (earthing) conductor, rather of the traditional single spike. You will have to seek advice with an engineer on-web page for this.

Answer 5

While some experts will say no, some will say yes,
I would say only if your immune system has been challenged to the point where long term exposure has a deleterious effect.

Our body is made up of electrical fields and there is ample science to demonstrate long term exposure to electric fields interfere with the body.
Cancer is nothing more than abnormal growth of normal tissue.
What then causes the abnormal growth? An immune system that can no longer defend, cleanse, feed, or regulate normally.

Answer 6

The same people who believe the electrical/magnetic field from power-lines is "harmful" typically believe the magnetic field from a "magnetic bracelet" is therapeutic...

If you measure the actual field-strengths, they are comparable. Go figure!

The ONLY deleterious effect of power lines over a home are on its resale value!