§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he plans to make of the research and conclusions of Professor Denis Henshaw's study on the potential cancer risks of high voltage power lines; [15973]
§ Mr. MarlowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the report of Professor Denis Henshaw on the relationship between electromagnetic fields and cancers. [15844]
§ Mr. HoramThe National Radiological Protection Board—NRPB—considers that the suggested mechanism put forward in the report by which electromagnetic fields96W in interaction with radon leads to an increased risk of cancer is implausible. The board advises that the weight of the evidence would suggest that the presence of such fields would, if anything, slightly reduce human exposure to radon daughters. In addition, the board has advised that there is no convincing evidence that electromagnetic fields are a cause of cancer and that no biological mechanism has been established in support of this hypothesis.
The NRPB currently has an active programme on the possible effects of electromagnetic fields and health and is funding experimental work in United Kingdom universities and supporting the UK childhood cancer study, which is examining a range of factors that may be implicated in childhood cancer, including the possible effect of electromagnetic fields. The Department will continue to monitor the results of emerging research closely, and to maintain its support for research in these areas, consulting NRPB and the committee on medical aspects of radiation in the environment as necessary.