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Long-Term Risks of Living Close to High-Voltage Power Lines

Concerns about the health hazards of high-voltage power lines are ever-present. The concern isn't surprising as the presence of high-voltage lines can be seen, heard and felt. Multiple 500-kilovolt lines, for example, make a distinct and audible buzzing noise. They may have similar effects as static electricity, which can be felt on the skin. While the presence can be sensed, there is no conclusive evidence that living near high-voltage lines pose any risk.

  1. Claimed Risks

    • Many people claim a correlation and/or causation between living near high-voltage lines and a host of medical problems. These medical problems include: children born with leukemia and other diseases, miscarriages, birth defects, cancer and arrhythmia. Stress and fatigue have also been suspected as being caused by electromagnetic fields.

    Electromagnetic Fields and Radiation

    • High-voltage lines create an electromagnetic field. The EMF creates electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation also is produced by cell phones, microwave ovens, computers and other electronics. Specifically, it is the presence of the EMF and electromagnetic radiation that cause health concerns among some experts, such as Dr. David Carpenter, Dean of the School of Public Health at New York State University. According to Mercola.com, Dr. Carpenter believes, in spite of many contradicting studies, that EMF causes cancer in children.

    Studies and Conclusions

    • The effects of electromagnetic fields and radiation have been studied widely by reputable scientists with varying results. To date, no study conclusively links health hazards to electromagnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. However, concerns persist. Studies such as California's 2002 Health Department study give credibility to the concerns in spite of being inconclusive.

    Continued Controversy

    • It should be noted that it is much more difficult to disprove the existence of causation than it is to prove causation. It should also be noted that failing to prove causation and disproving or affirming causation are quite different. It's more accurate to say the understanding of electromagnetic fields and radiation is incomplete than to say scientists have not proven it is dangerous, therefore it is safe. Research continues on the topic and health officials continue to demonstrate concern about a potential link.

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