Evaluation of power line measurements of the link with cancer

One rather widely accepted viewpoint of the possible link of overhead power lines to increased cancer risk was presented by T.S. Perry (see, IEEE Spectrum, p.14-23, 1994). We present measurement data regarding the epidemiology studies to counter this viewpoint. The statistics relating increased childhood cancer risk to living within 20 m of Denver and Los Angeles overhead power lines, within 50 m of 220 and 400 kV overhead power lines in Sweden, are significant and require engineers and other scientists to determine the cause. However, the measured data do not support the hypothesis that magnetic fields cause the increased cancer risk. True electromagnetic fields are insignificant in terms of measurable biological effects. Research since about 1980 has neglected the hypothesis that electric fields might explain the increased cancer risk. The authors agree with the American Physical Society in suggesting research funding for magnetic fields should be terminated.