Vol. 438 No. 4
275 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to studies in Nordic countries as outlined in the "Panorama" programme on BBC of 31 January 1994 indicating that electro-magnetic fields, associated with high voltage power lines carried on pylons, may promote cancer; 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 studies referred to have been noted. However, research in this area is on-going internationally, and the general body of evidence to date has not established a causal 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.
