Vol. 461 No. 7
282 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his attention has been drawn to recent newspaper reports (details supplied) that a team of radiation experts at Bristol University, England, have obtained evidence that high voltage power cables might cause certain types of cancer; and the research results, if any, available on the matter. [3577/96]
I am aware of the recent newspaper reports in relation to a possible link between high voltage overhead transmission lines, radon and lung cancer. The study referred to in these reports by Professor Henshaw of Bristol University was only published for the first time on 14 February 1996 in the International Journal of Radiation Biology. As a consequence the scientific community has not had the opportunity to review these research results.
I should point out however that the UK National Radiological Protection Board, which advises on both electromagnetic fields (EMF) and radon, has described the results of this study as "implausible and purely speculative". They add that no biological mechanism has been established to indicate that electromagnetic fields can influence any of the accepted stages in the development of cancer and Professor Henshaw's report does not alter the position. The NRPB recommends no change in the electricity industry's practices. The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland has also cast considerable doubt on the conclusions of the study in question.
To date over 11,000 studies and reports have been published in relation to EMF and health. The consensus among all authoritative international and national review panels of scientific experts who have studied this body of literature, is that there is no convincing evidence that the electric and magnetic fields generated by overhead power lines or electrical apparatus are harmful to health.
