Pylon risk study adds to fears

The health risk of high-voltage power lines has to be taken seriously now overseas studies have shown an increased miscarriage rate in women living near pylons, says the Green Party.

Health spokeswoman Sue Kedgley called yesterday for an independent review of the safety standard for electromagnetic forces (EMFs).

"This latest report follows a UK study which found a significantly increased risk of leukaemia in children living near big pylons," she said.

"We can't just put our heads in the sand and try to avoid these findings."

Waikato's anti-pylon lobby group New Era Energy presented the report on miscarriage rates at a forum on Saturday.

American researchers said the San Francisco survey showed an 80 per cent increase in the rates of miscarriages in women exposed to more than 1.6 microteslas of magnetic forces.

Health Ministry National Radiation Laboratory scientist Martin Gledhill said he was satisfied with the 100 microtesla standard for EMF transmission.

He said there would be 12 microteslas below a 400kV pylon, falling to 1.5 microteslas at the margins of the proposed 65m easement.

Ms Kedgley said the advisory committee on the health effects of electromagnetic fields had members from the electricity and telecommunications industries.

"Those industries have a vested interest in retaining the current standard," she said.

"We need a review which includes genuinely independent persons who have a public health perspective."

- NZPA