Today Tonight - Leukaemia and power lines

There is new scientific evidence that living near power lines can trigger or cause a deadly disease. Scientists at the Jiao Tong Uni of Medicine in China have released a study saying childhood leukaemia is 4.3 times more likely among some children living within 100 metres of power lines.

A particular gene variant was identified in the study. Prof Ray Lowenthal from the University of Tasmania says their research published last year showed the link between living close to power lines as a child and developing leukaemia, lymphoma and other disorders in adult life. Integral Energy declined to be interviewed. Energy Aust also refused to comment.

Dr Lesley Ashton from the Children's Cancer Institute of Australia says there is yet to be any conclusive results from studies to show there is a strong association between the risk of childhood cancer and living under a power line. Ashton says the latest Chinese study is based on a small group of patients.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Dr Lesley Ashton
• CCIA
• Leukaemia
• Power line

[MegaFactMan]

Hundreds of studies indicate that many diseases and other health problems are conclusively linked to above ground high voltage power lines. Burying these lines reduces the magnetic field due to phase cancellation, and thereby significantly reduces health risks.