While it is impossible to prove that no deleterious health effects occur from exposure to any environmental factor, it is necessary to demonstrate a consistent, significant, and causal relationship before one can conclude that such effects do occur. From this standpoint, the conjectures relating cancer to power line fields have not been scientifically substantiated. These unsubstantiated claims, however, have generated fears of power lines in some communities, leading to expensive mitigation efforts and, in some cases, to lengthy and divisive court proceedings. The diversion of these resources to eliminate a threat which has no persuasive scientific basis is disturbing to us. More serious environmental problems are neglected for lack of funding and public attention, and the burden of cost placed on the American public is incommensurate with risk, if any.
Limited information is provided in the report regarding what passive actions are appropriate.
In contrast, the NRC report was based on the evaluation of a committee of experts in a variety of scientific areas. The results of epidemiological studies of childhood leukemia were inconsistent. This study introduces an interesting hypothesis, but provides little support that there is any relationship between increased deposition of pollutant aerosols and leukemia. In summary, the findings of these studies are inconsistent. The MDH concludes that the current body of evidence does not show that exposure to these fields is a health hazard.