UK report Health effects of pollutant particles due to the presenceof power lines

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

UK National Radiation Protection Board (NRPB) Press release





http://www.nrpb.org/press/press_releases/2004/press_release_3_04.htm

http://www.nrpb.org/publications/documents_of_nrpb/pdfs/doc_15_1.pdf

http://www.nrpb.org/press/press_releases/index.htm



The independent Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation has examined

evidence relating to whether there could be health effects caused by

increased charge on pollutant particles in the atmosphere resulting

from the presence of power lines. It has concluded that any effect of

charge is unlikely to have more than a slight influence, if any, on

the health of the general population.



In the late 1990s it was suggested that the strong electric fields

that occur in the vicinity of power lines might increase the adverse

effects of atmospheric pollutants on the health of the general

public. Such pollutants include radon decay products, chemicals,

spores, bacteria and other organisms.



The deposition of pollutant particles present in the atmosphere on

the skin and in the lungs may be increased if they are electrically

charged. High voltage electricity transmission lines may cause corona

discharge, which can increase the charge on pollutant particles.



The effect of charge on the deposition of pollutant particles has

been examined in the report by the Independent Advisory Group on Non-

ionising Radiation. The Advisory Group concluded that:



"..it seems unlikely that corona ions* would have more than a small

effect on the long-term health risks associated with particulate air

pollutants, even in the individuals who are most affected. In public

health terms, the proportionate impact will be even lower because

only a small fraction of the general population live or work close to

sources of corona ions."



The potential implications for the health of the general public of

corona ions generated by power lines do not, therefore, provide a

strong case for further research in this area. The Advisory Group

suggests some possible studies that would provide further information

on the charge distribution on atmospheric particulate materials and

its effect on deposition in the body.



1. Particle Deposition in the Vicinity of Power Lines and Possible

Effects on Health. Report of an independent Advisory Group on Non-

ionising Radiation and its Ad Hoc Group on Corona Ions. Doc. NRPB, 15

(1), 3-62 (2004). Available on NRPB website. Hard copies are

available for sale, £18.00 per copy, from NRPB Information Office,

Chilton, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0RQ (Tel: 01235 822742, fax: 01235

822746, email: information@nrpb.org). Major credit cards are accepted

for payment or cheque with order. Please add 10% postage and packing.



* Note for Editors - Corona ions

These are positive or negative ions produced during (corona)

discharge, which occurs when air is ionised near to high voltage

electric power lines. Electric power transmission lines are designed

to avoid this for reasons of efficiency and economy.





Press enquiries:



E-mail: pressoffice@nrpb.org



P3/04

10 March 2004



Fred Dawson

New Malden

Surrey. KT3 5BP

England



020 8287 2176





************************************************************************

You are currently subscribed to the Radsafe mailing list. To

unsubscribe, send an e-mail to Majordomo@list.vanderbilt.edu  Put the

text "unsubscribe radsafe" (no quote marks) in the body of the e-mail,

with no subject line. You can view the Radsafe archives at

http://www.vanderbilt.edu/radsafe/