Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
Cancer & Tumors112 citations
Childhood cancer and overhead powerlines: a case-control study
No Effects Found
Authors not listed · 1990
Yorkshire study found no childhood cancer link to power lines, but limited statistical power due to few high-exposure cases.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
This 1990 case-control study examined 374 childhood cancer cases in Yorkshire, England, comparing them to 588 healthy controls to determine if living near overhead power lines increased cancer risk. Researchers calculated magnetic field strengths at children's birth addresses and found no association between childhood cancer and either proximity to power lines or magnetic field exposure.
Cite This Study
Unknown (1990). Childhood cancer and overhead powerlines: a case-control study.
Show BibTeX
@article{childhood_cancer_and_overhead_powerlines_a_case_control_study_ce1620,
author = {Unknown},
title = {Childhood cancer and overhead powerlines: a case-control study},
year = {1990},
doi = {10.1038/bjc.1990.428},
}Quick Questions About This Study
No, the 1990 Yorkshire study found no association between childhood cancer and living near overhead power lines. However, the researchers noted their statistical power was limited by having few children who actually lived close to power lines.
The Yorkshire researchers used line-network maps and actual load records to calculate magnetic field strengths at children's birth addresses, rather than simply measuring distance from power lines. This provided more accurate exposure estimates.
The study included 374 childhood cancer cases diagnosed in Yorkshire Health Region between 1970-1979, compared against 588 matched healthy controls. All cases were analyzed for power line proximity and magnetic field exposure.
Statistical power was limited because very few children in the study actually lived close enough to overhead power lines to receive significant magnetic field exposure, making it difficult to detect associations even if they existed.
The study examined childhood cancer cases diagnosed between 1970 and 1979 in Yorkshire Health Region, England. Researchers looked at magnetic field exposure at the children's birth addresses during this decade-long period.