Pylons linked to cancer risk in children

A leading Irish expert on human disease has said there is “reasonable evidence” that high-voltage overhead powerlines increase cancer risk in children — but also warned that car accidents pose a far greater risk.

Exposure to high voltage magnetic fields generated by pylons could lead to an increase of 1% in child deaths from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, according to Dr Anthony Staines, an epidemiologist and chairman of health systems at Dublin City University.

Each year, some 50 to 60 children die from this type of cancer.