Public health and safety effects of high voltage overhead transmission lines -- an analysis for the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board

Technical Report · Sat Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977

OSTI ID:6775645

Banks, R S; Kanniainen, C M; Clark, R D

The potential adverse public health and safety effects of the overhead transmission line electrical environment in Minnesota were explored. Primary emphasis was placed on the electric and magnetic field effects of extra high voltage (EHV) and high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines. Coupling effects and safety were considered in relation to the transmission line field environment, electric shock, alternating current and direct current safety criteria, and regulatory controls. Adverse biological effects resulting from exposure to EHV and HVDC transmission lines were explored There was no evidence to suggest any effect on health or well-being from the intermittent exposure experienced in the transmission line environment. Alternating current electric fields, however, are of more environmental concern than direct current electric fields. These fields are not strong enough to cause tissue heating or nerve stimulation, but the possibility of more insidious effects has prompted research in this area. Various research studies and programs on the effects of electric and magnetic fields are reviewed. Recommendations are made for the State of Minnesota which deal with the application of performance standards in transmission line construction permits, follow-on research monitoring, and research projects that the State may wish to consider sponsoring. A generic public hearing by the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board is not recommended. Appendixes contain a selected bibliography and further information on the study.

• Research Organization: Minnesota Dept. of Health, Minneapolis (USA). Div. of Environmental Health
• OSTI ID: 6775645
• Report Number(s): HRP-0024077
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

200301 -- Power Transmission & Distribution-- AC Systems
EHV & UHV-- (-1989)
200302 -- Power Transmission & Distribution-- DC Systems-- (1989-)
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
560400* -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AC SYSTEMS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
DC SYSTEMS
EHV AC SYSTEMS
EHV DC SYSTEMS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
GREAT LAKES REGION
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
HVAC SYSTEMS
HVDC SYSTEMS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MINNESOTA
NORTH AMERICA
OVERHEAD POWER TRANSMISSION
POPULATIONS
POWER SYSTEMS
POWER TRANSMISSION
POWER TRANSMISSION LINES
PUBLIC HEALTH
SAFETY STANDARDS
STANDARDS
USA