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

Authors: Zagar T, Valic B, Kotnik T, Korat S, Tomsic S, Zadnik V, Gajsek P

Year: 2023 Jan 8

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Radiol Oncol

DOI: 10.2478/raon-2023-0002

URL: https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/raon-2023-0002

Abstract

Overview

Investigates the correlation between exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MF) generated by high-voltage power lines and possible increased cancer risk among Slovenian children and adolescents.

Background

  • Previous research suggests average daily ELF MF exposure exceeding 0.3 or 0.4 μT might elevate childhood leukemia risks.

Materials and Methods

A novel three-dimensional method was developed, integrating precise terrain data, to calculate long-term average ELF MF around high-voltage power lines across Slovenia.

  • Data collected for populations of Slovenian children and adolescents and leukaemia and brain tumor incidents from 2005 to 2016.

Findings

  • Only 0.5% of children and adolescents lived near high-voltage power lines with ELF MF density greater than 0.1 μT.
  • No significant difference in cancer risk between children living in higher ELF MF areas and their peers.

Conclusion

  • The newly developed method allows quick calculations of ELF magnetic field values for various power loads.
  • This enables faster adjustments in power distribution network estimates.
ELF magnetic fields cancer risk children and adolescents high-voltage power lines epidemiological study
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