Report discounts cancer risk from pylons

The latest study of health risks from living near overhead power cables and from the electrical wiring in homes has concluded these do not present a cancer risk. It acknowledged, however, that some research pointed to a small possible risk of childhood leukaemia from exposure to strong magnetic fields.

The UK National Radiological Protection Board yesterday published its report on electromagnetic fields and the risk of cancer. An independent advisory group chaired by the leading epidemiologist, Sir Richard Doll, was asked to review international research on the issue published since 1992.

The group found there was still no evidence of a causal link between living near pylons and cancers, Sir Richard said. "However, some epidemiological studies do indicate a possible small risk of childhood leukaemia associated with exposure to unusually high levels of power frequency magnetic fields."

Research indicated that 80 per cent of the homes found to have strong electromagnetic fields were located away from power lines. The assumption was that the fields were caused by house wiring or by the local electricity network.

"The results of nine studies we looked at showed an increased risk of childhood leukaemia but only in very high doses. There are very few people with an average exposure that high - our estimate is about five in 1,000 children may have such exposure in [the UK]."

He called for more detailed research into any possible link with childhood leukaemia and also with the effects of electromagnetic fields received by workers in industry.

The ESB last night welcomed the report's findings, saying it confirmed people "are not at any risk" from power lines. "We take the issue of health very seriously and are committed to following all national and international standards on the issue."

Mr Willie Cunningham of the Cork Anti-Pylon Representative Association disputed interpretations of the study which suggested there was no link to cancers. He claimed the study vindicated their position, which said there was a definite link to childhood leukaemia.