Survey of residential power-frequency magnetic fields in Melbourne, Australia.
Pooled analyses of epidemiological studies have reported an association between prolonged residential exposure to power-frequency magnetic fields of >0.4 μT and an increased risk in childhood leukaemia. In order to compare residential magnetic fields in Australia with those in other countries, a survey was conducted in 296 randomly selected homes in Melbourne. Magnetic fields were assessed by performing spot measurements throughout the house and 24-h measurements in rooms where children spend large amounts of time. Children's exposure in Australia was generally comparable with that in other countries with average fields of 0.05-0.06 μT (95 % CI 0.05-0.06 μT). Prolonged exposure of >0.4 μT was shown in ∼2 % of the homes (95 % CI 0.2-3.6 %) mainly being due to close proximity of the house to transmission lines. Based on the results of this survey, the public health impact of a causal association between residential magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia is expected to be small.
Radiation Health Services Branch, Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie VIC 3085, Australia ken.karipidis@arpansa.gov.au.
Ken K
KK
Karipidis
D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000209:etiology; D060526:Magnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010507:Periodicity; D011634:Public Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D014739:Victoria