Possible health risks >
Effects on animals and plants
As well as possible effects on humans, possible effects of EMFs
on various animals (for example, cows, sheep, pigs and horses) have
been studied a number of times. No detectable effect of EMFs have
been found on, for example, health, milk production, fertility,
behaviour, and carcass quality.
Most of the research on EMFs and flora and fauna
was conducted in the 1970s and 1980s. Since then little research
on this subject has been performed, reflecting the general agreement
that EMFs have not been shown to have any detectable effects (with
the specific exceptions of honey bees in hives and trees growing
close enough to lines to be subject to corona).
The evidence was reviewed by former Chief Justice
of Australia The Right Honourable Sir Harry Gibbs G.C.M.G., A.C.,
K.B.E. who conducted an inquiry into community needs and high voltage
transmission line development in the State of New South Wales in
1990/1991. Chapter 6 of his Report
deals with animals and plants. His conclusions are contained in
section 6.6.
| 6.6 |
Conclusion
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6.6.1 |
Bees in hives under or near to transmission
lines are adversely affected by shocks created by currents induced
by the lines, but the effect can be mitigated by shielding.
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6.6.2 |
The magnetic fields created by power lines do
not affect the health or reproductive capacity of farm animals
or present a danger to native fauna.
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6.6.3 |
The growth of trees which are close to a transmission
line may be reduced by the effect of corona. In any case, the
height of trees on a transmission line easement will be restricted
when this is necessary in the interest of safety. Any loss which
this causes to the landowner should be included in the compensation
paid for the acquisition of the easement. This matter is further
discussed in Chapter 16.
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6.6.4 |
From a practical point of view, the electric
fields created by transmission lines have no adverse effect
on crops, pasture grasses or native flora, other than trees,
growing under or near to the lines. |
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