Radiofrequency exposure near high-voltage lines.

Environmental health perspectives · 1997 · Unclear · Insufficient evidence

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UnclearInsufficient evidencePaper 4136

Study snapshot

PublicationEnvironmental health perspectives · 1997

Study typereview

Reported directionUnclear

Evidence ratingInsufficient

Abstract

Many epidemiologic studies suggest a relationship between incidence of diseases like cancer and leukemia and exposure to 50/60 Hz magnetic fields. Some studies suggest a relationship between leukemia incidence in populations residing near high-voltage lines and the distance to these lines. Other epidemiologic studies suggest a relationship between leukemia incidence and exposure to 50/60 Hz magnetic fields (measured or estimated) and distance from the main system (220 or 120 V). The present work does not question these results but is intended to draw attention to a possible concurrent cause that might also increase the incidence of this disease; the presence on an electric grid of radiofrequency currents used for communications and remote control. These currents have been detected on high- and medium-voltage lines. In some cases they are even used on the main system for remote reading of electric meters. This implies that radiofrequency (RF) magnetic fields are present near the electric network in addition to the 50/60 Hz fields. This intensity of these RF fields is low but the intensity of currents induced in the human body by exposure to magnetic fields increases with frequency. Because scientific research has not yet clarified whether the risk is related to the value of magnetic induction or to the currents this kind of exposure produces in the human body, it is reasonable to suggest that the presence of the RF magnetic fields must be considered in the context of epidemiologic studies.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typereview

Effect directionunclear

PopulationNot supplied

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF

Evidence strengthInsufficientConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

The article argues that radiofrequency currents used for communications/remote control can be present on high- and medium-voltage power lines (and sometimes on the main system for remote meter reading), implying concurrent RF magnetic-field exposure near electric networks in addition to 50/60 Hz fields. It suggests RF magnetic fields should be considered as a potential concurrent exposure in epidemiologic studies of leukemia/cancer near power lines, noting uncertainty about whether risk relates to magnetic induction levels or induced currents in the body.

Outcomes measured

Leukemia incidence
Cancer incidence

Limitations

Appears to be a commentary/review without original epidemiologic data or quantified exposure measurements in the abstract
No specific RF frequencies, field strengths, or exposure metrics are provided
Does not report health-effect estimates; focuses on a potential confounder/concurrent exposure

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "review",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "high-voltage lines",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": null,
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Leukemia incidence",
    "Cancer incidence"
  ],
  "main_findings": "The article argues that radiofrequency currents used for communications/remote control can be present on high- and medium-voltage power lines (and sometimes on the main system for remote meter reading), implying concurrent RF magnetic-field exposure near electric networks in addition to 50/60 Hz fields. It suggests RF magnetic fields should be considered as a potential concurrent exposure in epidemiologic studies of leukemia/cancer near power lines, noting uncertainty about whether risk relates to magnetic induction levels or induced currents in the body.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "Appears to be a commentary/review without original epidemiologic data or quantified exposure measurements in the abstract",
    "No specific RF frequencies, field strengths, or exposure metrics are provided",
    "Does not report health-effect estimates; focuses on a potential confounder/concurrent exposure"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "radiofrequency currents",
    "RF magnetic fields",
    "high-voltage lines",
    "power lines",
    "50/60 Hz",
    "magnetic fields",
    "leukemia",
    "cancer",
    "remote control",
    "communications",
    "remote meter reading"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "smart-meters",
      "weight": 0.55,
      "reason": "Mentions RF currents on the main system used for remote reading of electric meters."
    },
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.2,
      "reason": "Discusses RF/ELF fields near electric networks/high- and medium-voltage lines, potentially relevant to utility environments (population not specified)."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1289/ehp.97105s61569
PubMed: 9467084

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