Living near power lines exposes people to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from electricity transmission. Scientific studies over decades have not found clear evidence of health risks from typical exposures, but some epidemiological research indicates a possible weak association between residing very close—under about 50 meters—to high-voltage lines (over 200 kV) and a slightly elevated risk of childhood leukemia, with odds ratios around 1.4 to 1.7 compared to farther distances. This has led the World Health Organization and International Agency for Research on Cancer to classify ELF EMFs as “possibly carcinogenic” (Group 2B), the third-lowest category, due to limited evidence from population studies but no proven mechanism or consistent lab results. However, the absolute risk remains low, affecting few cases, and no associations hold for distances beyond 200 meters where EMF levels drop to background norms from household appliances. Claims of links to adult cancers, heart disease, or reproductive issues lack substantiation from recent reviews. Experts emphasize that while uncertainty persists for childhood leukemia in extreme proximity, overall evidence does not confirm EMFs as a definite health hazard, and ongoing research aims to clarify any small risks. To minimize exposure, maintain distance from lines, but most homes near them pose no established danger.
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