Vol. 427 No. 7
65 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that recent studies in Sweden suggest that radiation from overhead power lines can cause childhood leukaemia, that such a link could have serious implications for the siting of housing including housing (details supplied) in County Dublin; whether there is evidence in this country to support such a claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications, is aware of public concern regarding the possible adverse health effects of electro-magnetic radiation emanating from overhead power lines. The Swedish study referred to has been noted. However, research in this area is on-going internationally and the general body of evidence to date has not established a casual relationship between this form of radiation and cancer. The Department of Transport, Energy and Communications, has also pointed out that power line voltages and concentrations of power lines in Ireland are well below those in most industrialised countries.
