What you may have heard
Some people believe that living near high-voltage power lines can cause cancer, especially childhood leukemia. Concerns center on the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that these lines emit.
What science tells us
High-voltage lines emit extremely low-frequency EMFs (ELF-EMFs), a weaker form of radiation. This type of radiation is not strong enough to harm or break DNA, unlike ionizing radiation such as X-rays. Breaking DNA matters because damaged DNA can sometimes lead to uncontrolled cell growth, which is the basis of cancer. Because ELF-EMFs are common in daily life, researchers have examined whether they might influence cancer risk in other ways (NCI)
Epidemiological Evidence
- A 2023 case-control study found that children living within 100 meters of high-voltage power lines had twice the odds of developing leukemia compared to those living more than 400 meters away (PMID: 37271435).
- The American Cancer Society reports that while some studies show a slight increase in childhood leukemia risk with EMF exposure, other studies do not, and no clear cause-and-effect relationship has been established (ACS).
- A large 2013 case-control study in England and Wales found no clear links between living near high-voltage power lines and adult cancers, including leukemia, brain tumors, melanoma, or breast cancer (PMID: 23337237).
Laboratory Evidence / Supporting
Lab studies show that ELF-EMFs do not directly damage DNA. There’s some discussion about whether this radiation could lead to low-level effects, like cell stress or inflammation, but these effects have not been clearly linked to cancer in humans (NCI).
IARC Carcinogen Classification
Group 2B – Possibly carcinogenic to humans
This means there is limited evidence in humans (mainly for childhood leukemia) and inadequate evidence in animals. It does not mean that EMFs definitely cause cancer (NCI).
How to reduce your risk
There’s no strong evidence that living near power lines increases cancer risk. But if you’re concerned, some advice follows.
- Avoid building homes or schools very close (within 50 meters) to high-voltage power lines.
- Workers in utility or electrical jobs should follow safety guidelines, including limiting time near strong EMF sources established (ACS).
Bottom line
Some studies suggest a possible link between EMF exposure from high-voltage power lines and childhood leukemia. But other studies show no association, and no consistent pattern has emerged. Major public health agencies agree that the evidence is limited, and more research is needed.