Pylons

Information

There has been a considerable amount of press coverage and public concern over a possible connection between high voltage cables carried by pylons and sensitivity to electrical field by residents living in proximity to them.

The size of an electrical and magnetic field is in proportion to the line voltage and current. Typically, high voltage transmission lines carry high current and therefore give off both high electric and high magnetic fields. Electric fields are stopped by most building materials, but magnetic fields can penetrate buildings. The only thing that reduces magnetic fields is distance from the source.
The electrical fields of underground power cables are near to zero, as they are screened by earth, concrete, sand etc. They fall off more rapidly than the fields from overhead wires, because the cables are closer together and cancel out each other's effects more quickly.

There were additional lower level concerns expressed by local and national protest groups that general exposure to electrical fields can be more marked in those people more sensitive to them. Symptoms could include especially fatigue and headaches, sleep disruption and inability to concentrate, which vary from person to person. The group includes representatives of the Department of Health, the National Grid, the Health Protection Agency, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Council of Mortgage Lenders. However, while the research found a statistical association, it did not establish a causal link and other scientists were sceptical of the findings.

The Department of Health have stated that there is no new evidence to suggest a link between power lines and childhood cancers but admit that there is more research to be done. Government ministers will consider the group's recommendations going forward.

A number of studies have looked at diagnostic markers for electrical sensitivity but no consistent marker has been found. The published literature does not suggest that sufferers have a particular set of personal characteristics. For existing homeowners near to pylons and high voltage cables the advice is not to panic.

If you are considering a house purchase, you can request the Envirosearch report from your solicitor which will determine the proximity of overhead power lines to your proposed property, allowing you to make an informed decision on this and a range of other environmental issues, such as any potential contamination, flooding and subsidence. Call Homecheck today on 0844 844 9966 or contact your solicitor for more information.