A LEADING physicist has expressed scepticism about new research linking high voltage power lines and radon gas, which is the subject of a Channel 4 documentary to be screened tomorrow night.
Prof Philip Walton, of the physics department at University College, Galway, said that the jury was "still out" on the electromagnetic radiation risk, if any, from high voltage power lines. To date, there was no consensus on the adverse health effects of non ionising radiation, and there was more short term exposure from a mobile phone.
The study by scientists at Bristol University suggests that the combination of power lines and radon gas in certain areas increases exposure to radon particles. The research, which is to be published in the International Journal of Radiation Biology and publicised in the Channel 4 Dispatches programme tomorrow night, claims that the electrical field created by power lines adds charge to radon particles in a room. Occupants are more likely to inhale the particles, thus contaminating the bloodstream. The British National Radiological Protection Board has rejected the findings and argues that electric fields would lower any exposure to radon.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which has been identified in high concentration in 1,078 Irish homes to date and is known to cause lung cancer. The initial detection is carried out by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) and the Department of the Environment advises building designers and householders about alleviating measures which can be taken.
"There is no doubt about the link between childhood cancers and ionising radiation", Prof Walton said, "but there is insufficient information on non ionising radiation to set lower standards." The ESB, which also points to lack of evidence, is contributing to a £3.8 million study on the causes of childhood cancer which began last year and is due to be published in 1998.
The Minister for the Environment, Mr Howlin, said yesterday that he would look at any new data which became available, while the RPII has also said that it will study the findings. The Department of Health said that there was no conclusive evidence to date of a causal relationship between electromagnetic radiation and ill health. "Medical officers in the Department keep themselves informed of developments in this area and the results of any new studies published will be assessed", a spokesman said.
In spite of the lack of conclusive evidence on health risks, proximity to high voltage power lines does affect property prices, according to estate agents contacted yesterday. Mr Charles Smith, of Gunne estate agents, Navan, Co Meath, said that it could materially affect values. Radon was not an issue, he said, as people did not know enough about it.
Mr Martin O'Mahoney, of O'Mahoney auctioneers, said that power lines did have an impact, while Mr Robert Ganly, of Ganly Walters, said that it was very difficult to assess the effect on house values, although proximity to power lines did affect sales.
Radon was a factor in some cases, but it was "not the first question on most people's lips".
