Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment her Department has made into the existence of any link between child leukaemia and electromagnetic fields;
(2) what research her Department has conducted into any link between electromagnetic fields and health problems;
(3) if she will make a statement on the health implications of living close to major sources of electricity supply with particular reference to overhead power cables and electricity sub-stations.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe National Radiological Protection Board and the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment have considered epidemiological studies and laboratory research and concluded that they do not establish that exposure to electromagnetic fields causes cancer. Some epidemiological studies have reported associations between electromagnetic fields and some types of cancer. However, the significance of an epidemiological study depends, among other things, on the strength of the association, the presence of a dose-response relationship, supporting experimental evidence and a credible biological explanation. These tests for causality are not satisfied for the link between electromagnetic fields and cancer. The two bodies have not recommended the adoption of a policy of prudent avoidance of electromagnetic fields on the basis of present evidence. The position is being kept under review.
1275WThe Department is contributing to the funding of the United Kingdom childhood cancer study organised by the United Kingdom Co-ordinating Committee for Cancer Research. The study, which is well under way, is examining the possible influence of a number of agents, including electromagnetic fields on the incidence of childhood cancer.
The Department also provides funding to the National Radiological Protection Board which undertakes a programme of research into the effects on health of electromagnetic radiation. This includes sources of electromagnetic radiation such as power lines and electrical equipment.