Home prices are often lower
when the residence is located near power lines. Unfortunately, there’s a high health cost to pay: a greater risk of Alzheimer's and senile dementia.
A Swiss study
of close to 5 million people looked at how living near power lines affects the
risk of death from certain neurodegenerative diseases. The results were just
released by the American Journal of
Epidemiology.
The research shows
that the closer you live to residential power lines (these lines were 220-380 kV)
and the longer you live there, the greater your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and
senile dementia. The researchers did not find an increase in Parkinson’s
disease or multiple sclerosis.
In particular, they
looked at living 50 meters (54 yards) or less from the power lines compared to 600
meters (about 1/3 mile). Those who lived in close proximity for 15 years had
twice the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia as those who lived far away. Those living close to the lines for
less years had an increased risk, just not as high.
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