§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to test the validity of the scientific research underlying recent studies into the link between overhead powerlines and skin cancer. [103600]
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§ Yvette CooperIn research published recently in the International Journal of Radiation Biology, scientists from Bristol University reported observations of increased deposition of natural radionuclides near power lines. The authors suggest that this might lead to an increased risk of skin cancer for people living under high voltage powerlines. This research was financed in part by the Department.
The Department will consider the results of this study in the context of other work in this area and has asked for views from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB). The NRPB's Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation is reviewing the research in this area and will report in the New Year.