Electric Power Lines

Electricity surrounds us all the time. Throughout our homes, we have many electric appliances and machines we use daily. Take a moment to think about all of the things we take for granted that are always there when we want them. Television, radio, hair dryers, coffee makers, vacuums, electric blankets, refrigerators, clothes dryers, water heaters, can openers–this list can go on seemingly forever. All of these appliances and daily conveniences that we have come to see as necessities are run by electricity. Very few of us have solar panels on our roofs or windmills in our backyards to make our own electricity to power these things. The vast majority of America is hooked into the enormous grid work of electrical lines that connect virtually every home in America to each other. We are all wired together, for better or worse. 

 

It was back in the mid-1930s when President Roosevelt decided all of the country needed to have access to electricity. The Rural Electrification Agency was established, and, with that, electric power lines began to connect far off rural areas to the grid. Over mountains and through valleys, thousands upon thousands of miles of power lines were run.

 

The EPA tells us the U.S. power grid has 160,000 miles of high voltage power lines crisscrossing the country. In addition to that, there are millions of miles of low voltage lines like the ones we see connecting our houses. The ones we are focused on here are the high voltage lines. Those are the ones carried from one giant metal stand to another, stretching as far as you can see. They look like giant monsters with arms stretched out wide.

 

There are people who see potential risks to their health from various aspects of this electrical grid. Some are looking at research on the effects of exposure to the electromagnetic fields the high voltage line produces and are questioning the effects they have on us. Others study the use of chemicals used to keep all these miles of power lines cleared and accessible and see a problem to the people who live along a right of way. The research is still being done, and conclusive evidence to support those decisions is still forthcoming, but when Tony and I are faced with deciding between raising our concerns or not bringing them up at all, we choose discussion. If in the future it turns out without a doubt that this is harmful, we would feel we were negligent in not including it. However, part, but not all, of what we see as a risk for this particular topic is well-documented.

 

Because the research isn’t completely finished, Tony and I needed to see for ourselves the effect high voltage power lines had on our human bodies. We have been places to stand underneath a vast array of these towers and wires, and we felt our skin tingling. The hair on our arms stood up and moved as the magnetic field passed over and through our body. Honestly, it felt creepy, so we left the area quickly. This brief experience gave us extra reason to question the risks associated with living near these high voltage lines. 

 

1. Exposure to Constant Levels of Electromagnetic Fields 

 

Electric power lines produce electromagnetic fields (EMFs) as electricity passes through them 24 hours a day, every day. Since the 1970s, there has been an ongoing debate about whether these high voltage lines and the EMFs they give off have any effects on the health of people exposed to them. In a handful of studies conducted in the late 1980s, the scientific community demonstrated an increase in children’s leukemia rates in children who were exposed to very high levels of EMFs in their homes. In those 1980s studies, some scientists said the percentage of people who were being exposed to these very high levels of EMFs was only about 1% or less of the population. Even at 1%, that is an awful lot of people exposed. More studies were done as better methods of looking for a direct link to high voltage lines, and scientists were unable to establish a definite link to a large population group. However, these additional studies over the decades up to the present continue to show potential risks in small percentages of people exposed. 

 

In the meantime, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) labeled extreme low frequency magnetic fields as a possible carcinogen in humans. They based this on the results they saw of several childhood leukemia studies and high exposures to EMFs. The National Institute of Environmental Health Studies (NIEHS) weighed in on the subject by stating, “EMF exposures cannot be recognized as entirely safe because of weak scientific evidence that exposure may cause a leukemia hazard.” Cancer.gov says the studies were reviewed, and there is no consistent evidence for an association with the exception of children exposed to high levels, which is, again, 1% of those studied. 

 

While, admittedly, no consistent evidence of a link has been established, there is evidence that stands on its own that has been. High voltage lines are confirmed to emit electromagnetic waves as the electricity passes through them. The risks associated with long-term human exposure to these waves depends on who you ask about them. The overwhelming majority of agencies, studies, and articles support the conclusion that the waves do not cause negative health effects to people living near them. In spite of this, the World Health Organization made the statement that there is a small body of evidence that does suggest negative health effects could possibly result due to exposure. In their own words, “low-frequency electric fields influence the human body just as they influence any other material made up of charged particles. When electric fields act on conductive materials, they influence the distribution of electric charges at their surface. They cause current to flow through the body to the ground.” Therefore, depending on how strong the EMFs are, they do have an effect on the body. Usually, these low frequency magnetic fields send electric signals to the nerves and muscles. If the field is strong enough, they could cause stimulation to the nerves and muscles.

 

After we have carefully sifted through and reviewed all the evidence and studies, there still remain several that do indicate some existence of a relationship between EMFs and increased health risks. Granted, these studies were done on a fairly narrow, focused group of test subjects. However, they were also done by highly respected agencies and groups whose results, however alarming, can’t be simply dismissed as isolated instances. They are in the minority but stand on their own.

 

There have been studies completed that initially pointed to the possible increased risk of a miscarriage if pregnant women were exposed to high levels of EMFs during pregnancy. Based on some of the initial findings of these studies, another study funded by the NIEHS also found additional evidence supporting this correlation. Their study added to the mounting evidence of associating miscarriages with exposure to high EMF levels. In total, there were more than eight studies that looked at EMF levels from several sources and were not done for the purposes of linking a specific source and proving a single-sided view. Ultimately, though, all eight found some level of evidence pointing to negative outcomes to EMF exposure. 

 

There is also some evidence that long-term exposure to EMFs may lower the efficiency of our bodies’ immune systems or even cause cancer. The same situation as the other studies arises here. A small amount of different research shows a possible link to exposure. Again, we have those words such as “possible,” “weak,” “potential,” and “small.” 

 

It must be strongly emphasized that there are no large bodies of conclusive studies yet that positively link EMFs to these problems. Most of this chapter is based on a small group of studies, hypotheses, and possibilities. Some scientists assert that the facts will bear this out in the near future. They are confident that there is a genuine need to be concerned over this now and take measures against potentially harmful exposure.

 

One scientifically accepted fact is that EMFs cause whatever they are passing through to heat up, and EMFs can pass through humans. The amount of heat produced depends on the strength of the waves. Microwave ovens work on this principal. Studies say the levels of EMFs from the high voltage lines is much lower than would be needed to produce large amounts of heat in the body because government standards presently are set to keep the EMF levels below that point, likely to not set off alarms that could result in a public outcry for a real and in-depth study. That said, there still is no good answer if long-term exposure to low levels of EMFs eventually causes a negative health response in the person exposed.

 

2. Chemical Applications Along Power Line Rights of Way 

 

One thing nobody disputes is that these lines and towers are really ugly. Another thing nobody disputes about these really ugly power lines is that every year, thousands of gallons of herbicides are sprayed under them to kill all the vegetation in the area. The utility companies like to use the most powerful herbicide possible as it is much easier and cheaper for them to simply kill everything along a right of way and keep it all dead for as long as possible. Many times no notice is given to the people living along a right of way. Because the power company owns the property under the transmission lines or has the right of way deeded to them, they can do what they like when they want. 

 

Over the years, there have been millions of pounds of herbicides sprayed all across the United States along power lines, gas transmission lines, railroad tracks, highways, and such. Back in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the primary herbicide that was applied was 2,4,5-T, also known as 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid. This was a basic ingredient used in Agent Orange. Yes, the same powerful, highly toxic, and deadly defoliant used in gallons by the thousands during the Vietnam War was also used in similar proportions along every right of way across the country. After many years of freely spraying thousands of tons of this highly toxic chemical along each right of way, many of which bordered people’s backyards, the EPA finally stepped in and slowly looked into banning the use of the substance because of how toxic it was. Much of the push for the ban, as usual, came from the American public. The industry was extremely unwilling to ban this product as they were making considerable amounts of money off it.

 

One of the reasons for the high toxicity of the product was the fact dioxin compounds are one of the by-products contained as a result of the manufacturing process. Nobody disputes the fact that dioxins are one of the most deadly compounds known to people. 

 

Initially, the defoliant was only banned for use in household products. In spite of the evidence the chemical caused birth defects, the EPA continued to allow the power industry to apply the poison in every right of way. Dow Chemical, the maker of the toxic chemical now known to cause birth defects, fought the ban of the substance. When it finally was obvious the EPA had no choice but to submit to public pressure and the furious outcry, Dow stopped trying to keep the product in use. However, after supplying millions of gallons of this toxic chemical for 30 years to kill everything, Dow still insisted it was perfectly safe for use.

 

What is the best thing for the industry to do when they find out they have a problem with a chemical? Usually, their response is to create another one that works as well or better, especially one they can get to market quickly. Once the product is on the market and widely used, it takes years before enough people are affected by the toxic side effects to get any action to regulate or ban the new substance. Over the years, that’s exactly what they have done. The latest example of this is the chemical glyphosate, the active ingredient in products like Roundup and Rodeo. 

 

In a string of towns in western Massachusetts, the power company Eversource maintains its rights of way under the power lines with the herbicide Rodeo concentrate. Glyphosate has recently been called a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Many European countries have already banned its use. This highly toxic product, however, is still widely used and sold in the U.S. The use of this product, which kills all vegetation it comes in contact with, is part of the ongoing spray program Eversource operates. They plan to continue the use of the herbicide in spite of being declared a probable carcinogen and in spite of a court case in which the maker of glyphosate, Monsanto Chemical, was ordered to pay millions of dollars to a person who contracted non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after using Roundup regularly. 

 

In Claiborne and Union Counties in Tennessee, residents along the power line right of way have been subjected to unannounced spraying by the utility company and its contractors. Sometimes, they could be out in their yards enjoying their property only to find people randomly appearing. In several of the towns that were sprayed, people began to note a variety of issues related to the spraying. Crops in some areas were withering away, and a large number of bees were turning up dead. Several residents reported their pets had died. People who came in contact with sprayed plants or ate crops near the sprayed areas reported rashes and high blood pressure issues. Some were hospitalized for kidney issues. One resident who went swimming with his dog in a lake nearby was hospitalized for kidney problems, and his dog needed to be put down due to kidney failure. 

 

Several new chemicals have been used by the power industry, who insists spraying herbicides to keep a right of way cleared of vegetation is necessary and safe. The data, however, on the new group of chemicals they are using doesn’t sound like that is the case. Aqufact, one of the chemicals, is listed as causing birth defects. Another, Garlon 3A. may damage kidneys with prolonged and repeated exposure. Yet, the industry claims they are following the directions for use and they are safe. 

 

The toxic chemicals used to keep the right of way property cleared for the high voltage power lines does present a hazard to people in the area. Luckily, the majority of developments do not have high voltage lines running through their backyard. Unfortunately, though, there is a large enough number that do make this an issue needing to be addressed. Due to the inadequacy of research on effects of EMFs, for now, many people are convinced there isn’t enough proof. But, on the subject of the toxic herbicides being sprayed, there is no reasonable debate. 

 

If you happen to live next to these high voltage power transmission lines, it is best not to get excited and panic about EMFs. Again, this emerging evidence is too limited and inconclusive to draw definite conclusions at this point. The best possible course of action an individual can take would be one of extreme caution. Also, if you are looking at property, you may also choose not to locate next to existing power transmission lines. If you already live next to these lines, as the scientists say, look at the emerging body of research and pay attention to it. 

 

At the same time, the issue of the herbicide applications is something you may have some control over. In some cases, the utility companies or their contractors doing the spraying agreed to give each property owner living along a right of way advance notice when their property would be sprayed. While property owners can’t control what is being sprayed and when, knowing in advance at least gives you an opportunity to avoid the spray days and potential drift and exposure to you, your family, and your pets. Contacting the utility and explaining who you are, where you live, and what your concerns are may get you some cooperation.