New evidence that power lines do not cause childhood leukaemia

["Fred Dawson" <fd003f0606@blueyonder.co.uk>]

New evidence that power lines do not cause childhood leukaemia 

  

Release date: 10 June 2003 



http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/news/pressreleases/powerlines

  

A STUDY published today (Tuesday) in the British Journal of Cancer 

(Volume 88, Number 12) casts further doubt over claims that magnetic 

fields produced by power lines and electrical appliances can lead to 

childhood leukaemia. 



While most research has yielded no evidence of a link between the 

magnetic fields and childhood cancer, some uncertainty still remains 

over the safety of a minority of homes with very high levels of 

exposure. 



But the new research, from the National Radiological Protection Board 

in Oxfordshire, has found no evidence that exposure, even to very 

strong magnetic fields, could lead to cancer. 



Large-scale studies looking at disease trends have suggested a link 

between extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields - which 

result from everyday sources such as overhead power lines and 

household appliances - and slight increased risk of childhood 

leukaemia, but only in homes with prolonged exposure to unusually 

strong magnetic fields. Such levels are present in only 0.5 per cent 

of UK homes. 



The magnetic fields do not themselves have enough energy to directly 

cause damage to DNA that can lead to cancer. But the new research 

examined a theory that the magnetic fields might somehow prevent 

cells from repairing everyday DNA damage. 



The researchers set up conditions in the lab to see if they could 

create this effect using blood cells from a donor, and found no 

evidence that magnetic fields damage the normal repair process in 

human cells. 



The team was able to create cancer-causing damage to the cells by 

blasting them with radiation. The cells repaired themselves 

naturally, even while subjected to magnetic fields stronger than 

those experienced in British homes. 



Lead researcher Dr David Lloyd says: "Some studies in the past have 

thrown up evidence of a weak link between unusually strong magnetic 

fields experienced in some homes, and leukaemia in children. We tried 

to produce this effect in cells in the lab, but couldn't find it even 

using magnetic fields stronger than people would experience in 

everyday life." 



The new result adds weight to a growing consensus that magnetic 

fields are not a cause of leukaemia in children. 



Dr Lloyd says: "Studies like ours have so far failed to uncover a 

pathway by which magnetic fields could cause childhood leukaemia - 

and it's looking probable that none exists." 



Cancer Research UK's Sir Paul Nurse says: "We know environmental 

factors play a part in cancer, but it can be difficult to pinpoint 

all of them. Where large population studies throw up possible links 

to cancer, such as this, it is very important to investigate the link 

fully to see if it really exists." 



"Many people have been concerned that the electromagnetic fields we 

are exposed to on a daily basis may have an impact on our health. The 

result of this study contributes to allaying those fears."

 



Notes for editors 



Cancer Research UK is Europe's largest cancer charity and owns the 

British Journal of Cancer. 



The scientists used a well-established test as a means of assessing 

DNA damage and repair in cells. The technique involves counting the 

number of abnormal chromosomes present in a cell before it divides to 

form two cells. 



The same technique is used to check people for genetic damage after 

accidents such as Chernobyl - damage that is frequently manifested as 

an unusually high number of chromosomes. It is also used to check for 

potentially dangerous effects of new drugs while they are under 

trial. 



The research was funded by the EMF Biological Research Trust. 

==========================

fwp_dawson@hotmail.com

 





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