Power lines link to leukaemia

Living near power lines could increase the risk of childhood leukaemia, government advisers were forced to admit today.

New research has failed to prove that radiation from power lines does not cause health problems for those living nearby.

In one study, increased radiation levels in homes were linked to an increased risk of leukaemia in children.

As a result of the research, scientists have urged ministers to take seriously the possibility of a link between radiation from electricity power lines and childhood leukaemia.

Dr Alastair McKinlay of the National Radiological Protection Board, which led the research, played down the threat but said: "This evidence should not be ignored. The risks here are very small - we are talking about one in 10,000 rather than one in 20,000 for levels of radiation that only affect half a per cent of the public - but it is up to Government to decide what to do, if anything, about the problem.

"My advice to the public would be not to worry. Science is never conclusive, and we have been very, very cautious in our approach. We are advising the Government to examine the need for further precaution."

The new advice was given as the NRPB issued revised guidelines for electromagnetic radiation safety limits affecting both power lines and mobile phones.

The watchdog recommended that Britain should follow guidelines already issued by the Internat ional Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and adopted by many countries, although these would not result in any practical changes.

The Department of Health said it had already opened talks with interested organisations concerning precautionary measures for power lines. A spokesman said: "Discussions will look at whether measures would be appropriate and what the practical applications might be."