Update briefing on Powerline Electric and Magnetic fields (EMFs) and ill health Feb 2010

 Update briefing on Powerline Electric and Magnetic fields (EMFs) and ill health Sep 2007

"The BioInitiative Report: A Rationale for a Biologically-based Public Exposure Standard for Electromagnetic Fields" was published on August 31st 2007 by the The BioInitiative Working Group. Read the report online here: www.bioinitiative.org. Chapters 1 and 17 particularly relevant. The Report (from highly acclaimed international scientists) dissents from existing ICNIRP and WHO guidelines, and recommends an interim planning limit of 0.1 microtesla for homes near new lines, which in practical terms would equate with a building moratorium of approximately 200metres for HVOTL.

In July 2007, the Westminster Cross-Party "Inquiry into Childhood Leukaemia and Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields (ELF EMF)" was published and can be veiwed online here: www.epolitix.com/forum/cpielfemf. This publication by a group of Westminster MPs calls on the government to adopt precautionary measures for HVOTL. Its key recommendation is for “a moratorium on the building of new HVOTL within 60m of existing homes and schools”, with the further recommendation that “government consider the case for extending this distance to 200m”. One of the study’s stated aims is to inform devolved governments, including the Scottish Government, of the current state of research in this field. The Beauly to Denny proposals do not comply with these recommendations.

International studies have provided strong evidence that children are at significantly increased risk of developing leukaemia if they live near high voltage power lines. In March 2004 the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) acknowledged the link with childhood leukaemia and recommended further precautionary measures be considered by government. A number of countries have had effective guidelines to protect public health for some years. Further evidence of the link between power lines and childhood leukaemia was published in the British Medical Journal recently. The results of the huge UK government funded study showed a near doubling of childhood leukaemia within 200 metres of high voltage power lines and some increase as far as 600 metres. Leukaemia kills more children in the UK than any other disease and is on the increase. World expert on the health impacts of EMF’s, Prof Dennis Henshaw, recommends 400 metres prudent avoidance distance from new 400kV transmission lines for dwellings. This power line proposal passes very close to many families near Stirling and virtually over the roofs of some. It threatens the lives of children and adults. Among others, the 2002 Californian Health Department’s study, strongly suggested that certain adult cancers, depression, miscarriage, and some neurological conditions are linked to exposure to EMFs from high voltage power lines. We have had strong support from our MSPs including George Reid, Sylvia Jackson, Mark Ruskell, Brian Montieth and Andrew Arbuckle who have all joined us in for calling for tighter planning guidelines to protect public health from power line EMF’s.

In response to a request from the Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee, Professor Denis Henshaw wrote the following letter: Download Professor Denis Henshaw's letter

In October 2005, the power companies submitted their official application to the Scottish Executive. This took the form of a massive 1,600 page Environmenal Statement.

Chapter 32 (Electric and Magnetic Fields) of the Environmental Statement contains out of date, inaccurate and misleading information. A large amount of important and relevant information has been omitted. The overall effect is to give a false assurance that the proposed development poses no threat to the health of children and adults. Many questions have not been addressed and no proper risk assessment has been carried out.

Stirling Before Pylons response to chapter 32 of the Environmental Statement (December 2005)