Power line leukaemia - new doubts
Scientists said laboratory tests showed even very strong magnetic fields from electricity pylons had no effect on blood cells.
Large scale studies have suggested a link between extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields and a slightly increased risk of childhood leukaemia.
The risk was only said to affect the 0.5% of homes subjected to unusually strong magnetic fields for long periods of time.
But new research from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) in Didcot, Oxfordshire, found no evidence that strong magnetic fields can lead to cancer.
Magnetic fields do not themselves have enough energy to cause cancer-inducing damage to DNA.
Experts believe if they are linked to cancer it must be because they interfere with the ability of cells to repair their DNA.
To test the theory NRPB scientists deliberately inflicted cancer-causing DNA damage on donated cells by blasting them with radiation.
Similar tests were carried out to check people for genetic damage after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
The scientists found the cells repaired themselves naturally, even when subjected to magnetic fields more powerful than those experienced in any British homes.
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