Energex deny power lines link to cancer

Energex energy company has made a proposal to upgrade power to the Tugun Desalination Plant on the southern end of the Gold Coast and for a predicted 60,000 future homes.
This upgrade will see 110,000 volt overhead power lines built through residential areas from Mudgeeraba to Tugun. There has been concerns from community groups who argue there will be impacts on environment, property values and the health of residents.
The health concerns are in regards to electromagnetic emissions from overhead power lines as there is no conclusive research to prove the power lines are safe. Energex deny there are any serious health effects as a result of their power lines yet due to the lack of conclusive research, the route for the power lines has been altered to avoid a local school.
If Energex are so sure that their overhead power lines are safe then why have they changed the route so that the power lines aren’t near any schools? This appears to be an indication that they are not confident that their power lines are safe, despite their statements that they are.

Australian Oncologist Ray Lowenthal believes there is a connection between high-voltage power lines and serious health issues such as cancer.
is responsible for a study into electromagnetic emissions and their relation to health issues such as leukaemia, depression and suicide. His study shows that children living near high-voltage power lines are more likely to develop cancer. It was found that people who live within 300 metres of power lines when they were children are more likely to suffer from cancer.

Energex should take responsibility for their role in the health of communities and at least have an open mind in regards to the research that is presented to them.

For more information about Ray Lowenthal’s research into the relationship between electromagnetic emissions and cancer visit the following web addresses which may make this a little clearer and understandable.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/science/research-underlines-powerline-cancer-risk/2007/08/21/1187462266196.html

http://www.emfmeter.com.au/electromagneticfield.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/22/2011993.htm

By Natascha Schwartz