EU group links powerlines with childhood leukaemia

Children living close to extremely low-frequency powerlines are more likely to develop leukaemia, according to the independent EU scientific committee on health risks.

While they say they do not know why, and the link has not been comprehensively proven, the Irish-based Grid Link Action Group has warned Environment Minister Alan Kelly to take note.

A report produced by the committee states that research prior to 2000 showed a two-fold increase in the risk of developing childhood leukaemia when living, long term, close to certain pylons.