Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Feb 1996

Vol. 146 No. 9

Adjournment Matters. - ESB Overhead Power Lines.

Mr. Hayes

I thank the Cathaoirleach for choosing to take this important matter on the Adjournment and welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Austin Currie.

Notwithstanding the environmental blight of the ESB overhead pylons on the modern urban landscape, the latest study which has made a connection between health and radioactivity from ESB overhead powerlines in residential areas is worrying. Members will be aware that recent research carried out by Dr. Denis Henshaw of Bristol University has caused considerable public anxiety at the potential risk that may occur from overhead electricity lines.

The study points to the prevalence of certain types of cancer arising from outdoor exposure to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas which would seem to be attracted to electricity pylons and the immediate vicinity that surrounds such pylons. The difference in this study from others — and there have been close to 12,000 separate research studies in this area over the past 25 years — is that a link between electromagnetic fields given off by the presence of power lines is attributable to certain risks to the health and safety of residents who live under electricity pylons.

In the past electromagnetic fields or EMFs have been linked to the increasing percentage of people who have either leukaemia or brain tumours. While the case is well made for adults there is particular prevalence of both forms of cancer among children. The latest research in this area would seem to suggest that where families are exposed to EMFs risks to their health can occur.

Members may be aware that public concern of EMFs in Sweden has led its Government to take a proactive stance on this issue. In 1993 Swedish Government sponsored research compared two groups of people, one consisting of cancer sufferers and the other not, and showed clearly that cancer suffers had experienced much greater levels of EMF than those who had not contracted cancer. The research highlighted that where people were exposed to EMFs there was a greater risk of contracting cancer. Other Swedish research in this area has highlighted the risk to children from the presence of EMFs and has shown that where children are in close proximity to power lines the risk of cancer is greater.

It is important to stress, however, that while the risk is still small, there seems to be a pattern, however small, which needs to be recognised. I note that the Swedish Government has passed regulations to the effect that no new building construction should take place within 50 metres of overhead powerlines.

While it is important not to sensationalise the latest research in this area and not to fuel public concern with regard to overhead powerlines, it is important that Government and its agencies give due regard to the debate which is on going at present. In particular, I ask the Government to take full consideration of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland which has already conceded that the amount of radon found in some Irish homes is above the acceptable level. Indeed, it might be worthwhile extending the powers of the Radiological Protection Institute to look in greater detail at this matter. I am confident that where our Government believes it necessary to initiate new measures in this matter they will do so as speedily as possible.

The reason I brought this issue before the Seanad is that as a resident of and public representative for the south-west of this city, I am fully aware of public concern and anxiety which exists in some parts of my community regarding ESB pylons. Those who live beneath the mammoth powerlines that straddle our community want simple answers to the complex questions which surround this debate. I hope the research in this area, which is ongoing, will be concluded at some point in the very near future and will provide a definite response to the relevant concerns of ordinary people.

Finally, I note the comments of Dr. James McLoughlin of UCD in The Irish Times of 17 February. Dr. McLoughlin, a renowned expert in this field, said “The jury is still out and the best thing to do is not to put overhead powerlines near houses.” At the very least, we should take his advice on board and ensure that any new planned residential developments would be quite some distance from ESB pylons.

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Mr. Currie)

I thank Senator Hayes for raising this matter on the Adjournment. The report to which he referred suggests there may be a link between the incidence of certain types of cancer and increased exposure to radon gas particles caused by electromagnetic radiation from power lines. It has attracted considerable attention and, in particular, has attracted critical comment from a wide range of authoritative scientific experts, including the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. These experts have cast considerable doubt on the conclusions of the study.

Indeed, scientists researching the effects of radon have gone so far as to argue that the effects of electromagnetic fields appear to be less than the risks associated with radon — in other words, the opposite conclusion to that of the study. For example, I would draw the attention of the House to a letter in The Irish Times yesterday by Dr. James P. McLaughlin of the radon research group in the Department of Experimental Physics in University College Dublin. He refers to research carried out in UCD which supports other well established evidence that the presence of electric fields in a house helps to deposit radon decay products onto surfaces, thereby reducing the probability that these substances will be inhaled. He also describes ongoing research in this area which UCD is co-ordinating with support from the EU Commission. Professor Henshaw's study is specifically about the effect of power lines on radon and, thus, indirectly on health. There is also, of course, an ongoing scientific debate as to whether electromagnetic fields have a direct impact on health.

All significant research in this area is monitored here by the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications and the Electricity Supply Board and, where ionising radiation is involved, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. The medical officers in my Department keep themselves informed of developments in this area and my Department liaises with these agencies in relation to the human health aspects.

The Department of Transport, Energy and Communications has pointed out that power line voltages and concentrations of power line in Ireland are well below those in most industrialised countries. In 1988 and 1992 that Department published major reports on this issue covering the latest research developments and the assessments of this research by recognised international health advisory organisations. A considerable volume of research has been carried out internationally over the years into possible adverse health effects from electromagnetic fields surrounding power lines. The general body of scientific evidence has not conclusively established a definite link between this form of radiation and ill health.

Nevertheless, while it has not been possible to determine a definite link, neither has it been possible to discount any such relationship. For this reason it is, in my view, extremely prudent that we should take all such reports very seriously and continue to carefully examine them. I am advised that this latest study will be incorporated into the existing body of scientific literature and will be assessed by the broad scientific community. Furthermore, research and studies in this area are carried out on an ongoing basis.

In relation to research within the Department of Health, I would point out that the National Cancer Registry began full registration of cancer incidence and mortality in Ireland in January 1994. Its first national report will be published later this year. This data will be of immense importance to research into the epidemiology of the disease in Ireland and crossreferencing with any available data on relevant risk factors will, of course, be a significant aspect of such research.

Should conclusive evidence emerge that electromagnetic radiation is causing an unacceptable public health risk, then appropriate remedial measures will be put in place. Primarily, this is a matter for Departments and agencies with direct responsibility in the area. However, I would be seeking to ensure that there was an appropriate response if any health risk was established.