Living near high voltage power lines has been associated with potential health risks due to the exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While some studies have shown mixed results, several research articles suggest that long-term exposure to EMFs from high voltage power lines may have adverse effects on human health. Here are some of the studies highlighting the dangers of living near high voltage power lines:
- Childhood leukemia: A significant body of research has found an association between living near high voltage power lines and an increased risk of childhood leukemia. A study by Draper et al. (2005) analyzed the incidence of childhood cancer in relation to the distance from the residence to the nearest high voltage power line. The results showed that children living within 200 meters of high voltage power lines had a 70% higher risk of developing leukemia than those living more than 600 meters away.
Draper, G., Vincent, T., Kroll, M. E., & Swanson, J. (2005). Childhood cancer in relation to distance from high voltage power lines in England and Wales: a case-control study. BMJ, 330(7503), 1290. doi:10.1136/bmj.330.7503.1290
- Alzheimer’s disease: Some research has suggested a link between long-term exposure to EMFs from high voltage power lines and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A study by Huss et al. (2009) found that individuals living within 50 meters of a high voltage power line had a 24% increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those living more than 600 meters away.
Huss, A., Spoerri, A., Egger, M., & Röösli, M. (2009). Residence near power lines and mortality from neurodegenerative diseases: longitudinal study of the Swiss population. American Journal of Epidemiology, 169(2), 167-175. doi:10.1093/aje/kwn297
- Miscarriages: A study by Li et al. (2002) investigated the association between EMF exposure and the risk of miscarriage. The results showed that women with higher magnetic field exposure from sources such as high voltage power lines had a higher risk of miscarriage than those with lower exposure.
Li, D. K., Odouli, R., Wi, S., Janevic, T., Golditch, I., Bracken, T. D., … & Eskenazi, B. (2002). A population-based prospective cohort study of personal exposure to magnetic fields during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage. Epidemiology, 13(1), 9-20. doi:10.1097/00001648-200201000-00005
- Depression and suicide: A study conducted by Perry et al. (1981) found a statistically significant increase in the suicide rate among individuals living near high voltage power lines. This has led to concerns that EMF exposure may be associated with mood disorders, such as depression.
Perry, F. S., Reichmanis, M., Marino, A. A., & Becker, R. O. (1981). Environmental power-frequency magnetic fields and suicide. Health Physics, 41(2), 267-277. doi:10.1097/00004032-198108000-00011