Electricity and leukaemia

Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) surround us in modern life. They have been blamed for a wide range of health problems.

EMFs are created by the presence of electricity. They are produced in varying degrees and strengths by all elements of the electricity supply system – from high-voltage power lines to domestic electrical appliances.

A great deal of research has been carried out, with mixed results. The largest body of evidence relates to childhood leukaemia.

Evidence for a link between EMFs and childhood leukaemia

The authors reported an increased risk of leukaemia in children whose birth address fell within 600 metres of a high voltage overhead powerline.

The first epidemiological study linking childhood leukaemia and exposure to EMFs was published in 1979.

More than 25 further studies have since investigated this association.

In 2005, the ‘Draper study’ was published in the British Medical Journal*. This is the largest single study of childhood cancer and power lines.

The authors reported an increased risk of leukaemia in children whose birth address fell within 600 metres of a high voltage overhead power line.

There is a wide range of opinion within the scientific community as to the meaning of the results of this and other epidemiological studies. Some query whether the results are real or a reflection of problems with study design.

In any event, it is difficult to infer causal relationships based on epidemiological studies alone.

There is a growing body of evidence relating to the biology underlying the effects of EMF exposure. This should help to further our understanding of the relationship between EMFs and childhood leukaemia.

Read more: Our campaigning work on EMFs and childhood leukaemia

A review of the scientific evidence

In 2005, we published the report "Do electric and magnetic fields cause childhood leukaemia?". It reviews the scientific evidence relating to EMFs and their role in the development of childhood leukaemia.

Read our review of the scientific evidence:

Do electric and magnetic fields cause childhood leukaemia? (PDF 870kB)

*Draper G, Vincent T, Kroll ME, Swanson J. 2005. Childhood cancer in relation to distance from high voltage power lines in England and Wales: a case-control study. BMJ; 330 (7503): 1290.

Related Topics power lines, electric and magnetic fields, Draper study, EMF, electricity, epidemiological

Electricity and leukaemia

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