"There are studies (of childhood cancer) that show being close topower lines is dangerous." [FW]

["Franta, Jaroslav" <frantaj@AECL.CA>]

Here's a story I thought might interest some people on Radsafe (I'm thinking

of Bjorn Cadervall in particular)

 

Jaro 

 

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Residents aim to short-circuit power-line proposal

By JOE FRIESEN

Monday, June 7, 2004 - Page A12 

The Globe and Mail

 

The looming shadow cast by proposed hydro transmission lines in York Region

has brought protests in Markham and Aurora over fears of potential health

risks.

 

Hydro One plans to place 230-kilovolt power lines in existing transmission

corridors running north from Vaughan or Markham to Newmarket.

 

Residents of Markham say the power lines, which under the proposal would

carry several times more electricity than those in place, would be too close

to their homes and schools.

 

They are concerned about electromagnetic fields and that exposure to EMFs

may increase the incidence of childhood cancers.

 

"You don't know what this is going to do to your health and the health of

your children," said Philip Soltys, a spokesman for Stop Transmission Lines

Over People, or STOP, a group of about 500 people from Markham and Aurora

trying to prevent the plans from going ahead.

 

"There are studies that show being close to power lines is dangerous."

 

Alan Manchee, a Hydro One spokesman, said he understands the questions

raised by STOP but does not believe power lines present a danger to health.

 

"To date, a health hazard has not been established. We don't feel that

there's a big risk from EMF."

 

Health Canada does not have any guidelines in place for exposure to

electromagnetic fields at extremely low frequencies, such as those created

by computer monitors or power lines. According to its website, Health Canada

does not consider guidelines necessary because the scientific evidence "is

not strong enough to conclude that typical exposures cause health problems.

 

"After a recent evaluation of the scientific data," the website says, "the

International Agency for Research on Cancer classified ELF [extremely low

frequency] magnetic fields as "possibly carcinogenic" to humans based on

studies of childhood cancer. However, the evidence is not strong enough to

conclude that EMFs definitely cause cancer in children. More studies are

needed to draw firm conclusions."

 

Mr. Soltys, whose backyard adjoins the transmission corridor, is not

convinced. If the plan goes ahead, he said, he will sell his house, even if

that means losing thousands of dollars on his investment.

 

Under the proposal, the 24-metre hydro towers in Markham or Vaughan would be

replaced by 41- to 44-metre towers, carrying 12 double circuit lines to

Newmarket.

 

The extra capacity is necessary, Hydro One said, to meet the needs of the

expanding population in York Region. Its forecasts indicate that demand for

electricity there will outstrip supply by the winter of 2005-2006, and power

failures could occur unless the lines are built.

 

Last week, nearly 500 people filled a Markham town-council meeting, where a

motion opposing the construction received unanimous support from

councillors.

 

Susan Fusco, one of STOP's founders, said she was buoyed by the political

support and encouraged that Hydro One said it will allow more time for

environmental assessment and consultation with the public.

 

Hydro One moved the deadline to fall from this month.