Power Lines and Cancer

["Michael P. Grissom" <MIKEG%SLACVM.bitnet@vmd.cso.uiuc.edu>]

1.  I must say the initial posting on this was quite amazing!  Such
things as discolored TLD crystals, gamma ray detection with a
scintillation detector designed for surface contamination, etc.

2.  Getting back to some detectable level of competance, we recently
had a seminar presented by a researcher from EPRI regarding the data
accumulating regarding the epidemiological effects of power line
exposures.  It was interesting to note that the principal component
of concern was the MAGNETIC field, not the electric!  Also, there
were no individuals doing serious research on x-rays or "gamma"
rays associated with electric power sources (accessible to members
of the general public, anyway).

3.  A recent notice indicated that there was no association of
non-ionizing radiation exposure to power line sources with leukemia
(primarily of concern for children).  The study did find an
association, however, for brain cancer.  All of the studies so far
have had trouble explaining why such an association might occur.
Stimulation of pineal gland/melatonin secretion seems to be the
favored hypothesis of the moment.

4.  I personally will continue to use my electric blanket when cold
enough!
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The opions expressed above are those of the author alone and do not
not represent those of the Stanford University or the US Department
of Energy.
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