Do power lines, electric and magnetic fields impact health?

There are people who believe that power lines are a health hazard. They are not referring to electrical shock hazards resulting from damaged wires - rather, they fear an increased incidence of leukemia caused by electric and magnetic fields radiating from the high voltage cables that conduct the electric current. This fear is a result of a 1979 study, that was widely publicized, and preys on people's fears. Since then, there have been numerous studies, and no significant adverse health effects, related to the power lines, have been found.

In 1991, Congress tasked the National Academy of Sciences, the most prestigious body of scientists in the United States, to look into this issue. They published a report in 1997 with their conclusions. They examined more than 500 studies over 17 years of research, and stated that there is "no conclusive evidence that electromagnetic fields play a role in the development of cancer, reproductive and developmental abnormalities, or learning and behavioral problems".

However - they did find one weak but significant correlation: the incidence of childhood leukemia is indeed 50% higher (Risk Ratio of 1.5) when living in homes classified in the "high wire-code category". The "wire code classification" (not related to building or electrical wiring codes) includes out-door factors relating to the distribution of electrical power to residences - the distance of the home from power lines, and the size of the wires close to the home.

The crucial question that needs to be answered is, whether the "high wire-code" implies increased electric and magnetic fields from the power line, or is it indicative of (correlated with) some totally different leukemia inducing factor?

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