Health issues explained

The health impacts of overhead powerlines have been extensively reported and have been the subject of many investigations. The evidence for a significant risk from electrical and magnetic fields(EMFs) is now overwhelming, and was presented in detail at the public inquiry.

New studies since the public inquiry continue to strongly support the need for precautionary measures to protect public health from high voltage overhead transmission lines. A 2008 Swiss study shows a clear and quantifiable link between such powerlines and Alzheimer's disease. This evidence is now quantitatively comparable with that for Childhood Leukaemia, for which the UK's 2005 Draper Report showed a doubling of risk for young people living within 200 metres of high voltage powerlines.

Strong pressure is needed to persuade the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to change its position of complete inaction. Their current advice to Government dates from 2004. Westminster Government is expected shortly to pronounce on the 2007 recommendations of SAGE (the Stakeholder's Advisory Group on Electric and Magnetic Fields) but with no change in the HPA's position, meaningful precautionary measures are unlikely

Is anything more important than the health of the Scottish People? In Europe alone, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, the Netherlands and more recently Germany and Austria have all introduced precautionary measures relating to the proximity of homes to high voltage overhead transmission lines. Action in the UK is long overdue.

Additional information with regard to the health effects of powerlines can be found at the following websites :

• Bristol University, Human Radiation Effects Group
• Trentham Environmental Action Campaign