Estimating exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields near high-voltage power lines and assessment of possible increased cancer risk among Slovenian children and adolescents

Abstract

Overview

Recent research raises concerns about the possible health impacts of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields, particularly in relation to childhood leukemia.

Materials and Methods

• A novel three-dimensional method was developed to measure ELF magnetic fields around high-voltage power lines across all of Slovenia. This method includes the use of detailed terrain elevation data.
• Statistical data was collected from the Slovenian Cancer Registry, covering cancers among populations aged from birth to 19 years over a 12-year period.

Findings

Despite large-scale calculations, it was found that only 0.5% of children and adolescents live near high-voltage power lines in areas with ELF magnetic fields above 0.1μT. Importantly, the study found no significant increase in cancer risk for children and adolescents in these areas compared to their peers.

Conclusion

The introduction of this new method allows quicker calculations of ELF magnetic fields for various loads on power distribution networks. This can lead to faster updates and adjustments in health risk assessments and planning.