HEALTH RISKS AND POWER LINES
Introduction
Electromagnetic radiation from high voltage power lines is something that can affect your health. Thousands of peer reviewed medical studies worldwide have shown that living next to high voltage power lines and other parts of the power transmission network increases your risk of cancer and other health problems.
Introduction
Electromagnetic radiation from high voltage power lines is something that can affect your health. Thousands of peer reviewed medical studies worldwide have shown that living next to high voltage power lines and other parts of the power transmission network increases your risk of cancer and other health problems.
Living by Power Lines
Image source: https://www.ukessays.com/essays/physics/dangers-living-close-proximity-power-3010.php
The closer you are, the more you are bombarded with dangerous EMFs.
Both the high-voltage transmission lines and the vicinity of the power lines constitute a radiation hazard. It’s not the size of the power line that is the issue; it is the strength of the electromagnetic field (especially the magnetic component) where you live that is important. The configuration of wires and the amount of current they carry affects the electromagnetic field (EMF) bio-effects.
Research shows that it is common for high-voltage, high-current-carrying power transmission lines to generate a magnetic field whose strength is well above normal household ambient levels at distances up to 400 meters.
But it is also common for a neighborhood power line to create a similar EMF at a distance of 30 meters, and for the wiring inside the walls of your house to create a dangerous EMF at 1.0 meters. In each case, much depends on the configuration of the wires and the amount of current they carry.
Effects of the Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) on Human Health
The following health outcomes have been conclusively linked with EMF exposure:
- a variety of cancers, leukemia, tumor growth, skin damage, abnormal cell activity
- sleep and daily rhythm disturbances, perception and memory changes
- genetic defects and impairment of hormone regulation and production
- gland deficiencies, mental and behavioral problems, immune system deficiencies, nervous system disorders
- fetal development problems, miscarriages, birth defects, and blood and circulatory problems (Wagner 2006)
How to protect yourself and your family
Determine the strength of the field. Ensure your exposure to EMF complies with acceptable safe levels. An exposure level of less than 1 mG is known to be safe.
References
UKEssays. (November 2018). Dangers With Living in Close Proximity to Power Lines. Retrieved from https://www.ukessays.com/essays/physics/dangers-living-close-proximity-power-3010.php?vref=1
Wagner P, Röschke J, Mann K, Hiller W, Frank C . Human sleep under the influence of pulsed radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: a polysomnographic study using standardized conditions. Bioelectromagnetics, 1998. 19(3), 199-202
