The nature of the programme is that almost all of the individual strands take more than a single year to complete, and therefore not all the component strands are expected to report specific milestones in 2017. Among the key expected areas of progress in 2017 are:
- completion of the California Power Line Study with publication of the magnetic-field results, which uses California birth and cancer registry data and innovative GIS techniques to examine childhood leukemia incidence as relates to residential distance from transmission lines (the distance findings were published in 2016)
- analysis of pooled data on childhood leukemia and distance from power lines (will include data from the California Power Line Study as well as UK data). Analysis and drafting of paper expected in 2017.
- progress on reaching international consensus on the best way to progress leukemia mouse model experiments to determine whether exposure to magnetic fields affects disease development using appropriate genetic models
- facilitating in individual countries of large scale, international epidemiologic study (TransExpo) aimed at reducing selection bias and thereby providing an alternative perspective to existing studies which are known to be prone to bias
- assessment of the relationship of magnetic field exposure and personal mobility with miscarriages in subjects treated at an assisted reproductive technology clinic
- further investigation of potential EMF/RF interference with active implanted medical devices (such as, pace makers and defibrillators). Publication of results obtained in program to date and assessment of future needs.
- completion of EMAlert - a personal monitor that informs workers of the presence of fields that may possibly disrupt an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator
- additional research on magnetophosphene thresholds in human subjects
Benefits
As already described, the overall project comprises multiple strands of work. Progress should be expected on each strand during 2017, but not necessarily that each strand would be completed or produce significant publications. The success criteria are that most of the milestones listed under Scope above should be achieved.
Learnings
Outcomes
The project has generated specific knowledge and developments around an important area of EMF research: investigating the link between childhood leukemia and power lines. It involved national and international collaborations with scientific groups to publish high-quality, peer-reviewed papers in this area and the knowledge generated has been invaluable in informing the debate around EMF research in the UK and across the world. Specific project outputs (see ‘Lessons Learnt’) have benefited the utility industry, our stakeholders and the wider public.
This program of research has also identified several opportunities to influence developing scientific understanding in a number of areas. These have either been taken forward within this project or funded via other routes. These include the potential impact of EMF of bees and pollinators, potential marine impacts of interconnectors and neurodegenerative disorders associated with occupational EMF exposure.
Lessons Learnt
Lessons Learnt 2017/18
Several of the strands of work within this program have benefited from active involvement by National Grid scientists. National Grid regards one of the lessons learned as understanding that the maximum benefit from a subscription to a program like this is obtained not just by providing the funding but by active engagement and influence over the conduct of the research and the shaping of the program.
Lessons Learnt 2018/19
A total of four peer reviewed papers have been published in 2018/2019 increasing our understanding of factors influencing the trends observed in childhood leukaemia and overhead lines; and comparative approaches for investigating the association between residential proximity to overhead lines and neurodegenerative disease. National Grid scientist were actively involved in many of the research strands, shaping the program to gain maximum benefit for UK consumers and Network licensees.
Lessons Learnt 2019/20
A further three papers have been published this year all addressing the association of CL and power lines. These papers enhance our understanding of the complex relationship between proximity and increased risk. The specific research, focusing on distance and magnetic field exposure has added further weight to magnetic fields not being the cause of the increased risk, but rather another factor associated with living close to overhead lines. National Grid chair the P60 program and gain significant benefit from the leveraged funds in this program. Without this leverage, much of this research would not have been achievable.
Lessons Learnt in 2020/21
A number of tools, such as calculation software and the occupational exposure database have been developed to aid management of the EMF issue. Further progress has been made to resolve the scientific uncertainty around childhood leukaemia, with a further two papers awaiting publication. The TransExpo study will provide greater clarity on selection bias being a factor, which will require careful consideration and will lead to further research. In addition, another potential cofounding factor has been ruled out, narrowing the possible causes of the increased risk of CL with living close to overhead lines. National Grid sit as the industry chair for the P60 program, and actively participate in shaping the research program to benefit UK stakeholders.
Dissemination
There are three principal methods for disseminating the learning to other network licensees and to consumers and the broader public:
- www.emfs.info
- peer-reviewed scientific publications (which are in turn listed on www.emfs.info)
- the ENA EMF Strategy Committee, where updates on research are a standing item on the agendas for the twice-yearly meetings
In March 2019 EPRI held the ‘Environmental Aspects of Transmission and Distribution International Workshop’ in London where the various research strands were presented, along with additional speakers including National Grid. Network Licensees were invited to attend.
Six peer reviewed papers have been published in publicly accessible journals including:
- Amoon, A. T., Crespi, C. M., Ahlbom, A., Bhatnagar, M., Bray, I., Bunch, K. J., Kheifets, L. 2018. Proximity to overhead power lines and childhood leukaemia: an international pooled analysis. British Journal of Cancer 119(3), 364-373
- Amoon, A; Crespi, C.; Nguyen, A.; Zhao, X.; Vergara, X.P; Kheifets, L. The role of dwelling type in the California Power Line Study of childhood leukemia. Submitted to Environ Res.
- Poulsen, A., Röösli, M., Schüz, J., Johansen, C, Frei, P., Vergara, X.P. Residential distance to power lines and risk for neurodegenerative diseases: an in-depth case-control study using hospital records and death certificates. Submitted to PlosOne.
- Amoon A., Arah, O.A., Kheifets, L 2019. The sensitivity of reported effects of EMF on childhood leukemia to uncontrolled confounding by residential mobility: a hybrid simulation study and an empirical analysis using CAPS data. Cancer Causes Controls, 30(8), 901-908.
- Crespi K., Swanson, J., Vergara, X., Kheifets, L 2019. Childhood leukemia risk in the California Power Line Study: magnetic fields versus distance from power lines. Environmental Research, 171, 530-535
- Swanson, J., Kheifets, L., & Vergara, X. 2019. Changes over time in the reported risk for childhood leukaemia and magnetic fields. Journal of radiological protection 39(2), 470-488.
Additionally, learnings have been disseminated through following channels:
- EPRI, 2019. EMF and Your health: 2019 Update- Information brochure.
- Amoon, A. T., Swanson, J., Vergara, X., & Kheifets, 2020. Relationship between distance to overhead power lines and calculated fields in two studies. Journal of radiological protection 40(2), 431-443.
- Ingle. M. E. et al., 2020. Association of personal exposure to power-frequency magnetic fields with pregnancy outcomes among women seeking fertility treatment in a longitudinal cohort study. Fertility and Sterility 114(5), 1058-1066
- Nguyen A, Crespi CM, Vergara X, Chun N, Kheifets L, "Residential proximity to plant nurseries and risk of childhood leukemia," Environmental Health Perspectives.- Submitted awaiting publication
A number of other papers have been submitted and are awaiting publication.
