Re: Power Lines and Magnetic Fields

[JMUCKERHEIDE@delphi.com]

> One wonders how power lines became suspect of health hazards given that the prep
> onderance of data suports the contrary.  I put this question to a power authorit
> y official at an AIHA meeting, and she answered that the concern over the safety
>  of power lines grew out of lawsuits related to the devaluation of real estate d
> ue to the unsightly towers and cables.  I'm not sure if it is true, but why woul
> d so many people spend so much money on investigating a health risk without supp
> orting epidemiological data?
> 
> David Korpan
> Purchase College
>   
Because utilities have deep pockets, various interests can create a "cause"
and "public concern" that can fund a gravy train (financially and
politically). Researchers can get funds, lawyers can use people near power
lines to bring cases, people who own property can get "compensation", local
politicians can be "heros", etc., etc. 

Regards, Jim Muckerheide