Epidemiologic study of Holstein dairy cow performance and reproduction near a high-voltage direct - current powerline

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · J. Toxicol. Environ. Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15287398609530930· OSTI ID:6599344

Martin, F B; Bender, A; Steuernagel, G; Robinson, R A; Revsbech, R; Sorensen, D K; Williamson, N; Williams, A

The development and operation of a high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission line in rural Minnesota generated public concern over potential adverse effects to nearby residents and their livestock. Electrical parameters near an HVDC line decline rapidly with distance, but effects on ambient space charge have been detected out to 1 mile. To identify potential adverse effects of HVDC line operation on livestock, case-control and cohort study methods were used to examine various indices of Holstein performance in relation to distance from the line and the onset of line operation. It was believed that these indices would reflect changes in physiologic function or overt health effects that might arise from the HVDC environment. High-quality performance data from existing Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) records were obtained for 97% of qualifying herds located within 10 miles of the line. The large number of animals and years of observation provided high statistical power to detect even small systematic changes in performance. No significant differences in milk production or reproductive capacity were associated with presumed exposure to the HVDC environment. The absence of measurable effects in a large sentinel animal population may have implications for the assessment of human health risks related to HVDC transmission lines.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Minnesota, St. Paul
• OSTI ID: 6599344
• Journal Information: J. Toxicol. Environ. Health; (United States), Journal Name: J. Toxicol. Environ. Health; (United States) Vol. 19:3; ISSN JTEHD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560400* -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CATTLE
DOMESTIC ANIMALS
FEDERAL REGION V
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
MAMMALS
MINNESOTA
NORTH AMERICA
POWER TRANSMISSION LINES
RISK ASSESSMENT
RUMINANTS
USA
VERTEBRATES