Leukaemia and Living Near Power Lines
Author Information
Author(s): M.P. Coleman, C.M.J. Bell, H.-L. Taylor, M. Primic-Zakelj
Primary Institution: International Agency for Research on Cancer
Hypothesis
Does residential proximity to electricity transmission and distribution equipment increase the risk of leukaemia?
Conclusion
The study found no clear evidence of an increased risk of leukaemia associated with living near electricity transmission and distribution equipment.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 0.6% of subjects lived within 100 m of an overhead power-line.
- Over 40% of subjects lived within 100 m of a substation.
- The relative risk of leukaemia for residence within 100 m of a power-line was 1.45.
- Residence within 50 m of a power-line was associated with a risk of 2.0.
- Residence within 25 m of a substation carried a risk of 1.3.
Takeaway
Living close to power lines or substations doesn't seem to make people more likely to get leukaemia.
Methodology
A population-based case-control study was conducted, comparing leukaemia cases with matched cancer and general population controls based on residential proximity to electricity supply equipment.
Potential Biases
Observer bias was minimized, but the lack of direct exposure measurements could introduce bias.
Limitations
Exposure assessment was indirect and may have led to misclassification of exposure levels.
Participant Demographics
Participants included leukaemia cases and matched controls from a densely populated area in south-east England.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.54-3.88
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