A response to the Stakeholder Advisory Group's report on the effects of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields, by a member of SAGE.
Today sees publication of a report from the Government's Stakeholder Advisory Group on the effects of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields (ELF EMFs) on human health, (SAGE).
SAGE member Denis Henshaw, Professor of Human Radiation Effects at the University of Bristol, has criticised the report for failing to recommend sufficient measures to protect public exposure to EMFs near power.
Professor Henshaw described the report as disappointing in view of the serious omission of meaningful discussion of the scientific evidence, as well as the failure to recommend strong precautionary action for new housing developments and no recommendations for existing powerlines over populated areas.
He said: “The overall weight of scientific evidence strongly supports a favourable cost-benefit analysis for the introduction of precautionary measures against EMF exposures, including a powerline corridor within which the building of new homes would not be permitted.
“While the report discusses a 60-metre avoidance corridor around powerlines, within which new houses would not be built, it falls short of recommending this option. In view of the extensive international evidence of adverse health effects across a wide range of illnesses, from both epidemiological studies and laboratory experiments, this lack of a clear recommendation for even this minimum distance is extremely disappointing.”
There is compelling evidence from laboratory studies that low level magnetic fields enhance the effects of known cancer-causing agents on cells. The evidence supports the established mechanism by which magnetic fields can increase the lifetime of free radicals in the body and hence their ability to damage DNA.