Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., M.S.

Scientists have found convincing evidence that children exposed to high voltage power lines are at a higher risk of developing leukemia.

The study was done by Childhood Cancer Research Group at Oxford and the National Grid Transco and reported in the British Medical Journal.

The team collected data on childhood cancers between 1962 and 1995 and compared it with records of houses where the children were born.

9,700 Case of Leukemia

The study found that 9,700 cases of leukemia were reported during this period.

The study also concluded that there was a 70 per cent increase of leukemia in people living ...

Living within 600 meters there was a 23 per cent increase.

There is an association between childhood leukemia and proximity of home address at birth to high voltage power lines, --Childhood Cancer Research Group at Oxford

The power lines involved are described as major transmission lines on steel pylons, often carrying 275,000 volts power.

"There is an association between childhood leukemia and proximity of home address at birth to high voltage power lines," the scientists said.

People associated with the charity "Children with Leukemia" say that there is now a clear case for government action. They are calling for planning controls to stop houses and schools being built too close to high voltage power lines.

Despite such convincing evidence, the Oxford University scientists say there is still insufficient evidence to establish with certainty whether the magnetic fields around the cables cause some cases of the cancer.