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.