Electrical and Biological Effects of Transmission Lines: A Review.

Lee, Jack M.

doi:10.2172/5712107

Cited by 23 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 90 publications

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“…Compared to the described yield differences, the variations, which were observed perpendicular to the transmission line (6-10% for both crops), appear to be small. These comparisons show that under field conditions, the influence of climatic and site specific parameters may surpass the potential effects of the vicinity of a high voltage transmission line by nearly an order of magnitude, as also could be observed by Lee et al [1993].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 55%

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Growth and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) near a high voltage transmission line

Soja

Kunsch

Gerzabek

et al. 2003

Bioelectromagnetics

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The objective of this study was to determine the effects of an electromagnetic field from a high voltage transmission line on the yield of agricultural crops cultivated underneath and near the transmission line. For 5 years, experiments with winter wheat and corn were carried out near the 380 kV transmission line Dürnrohr (Austria)-Slavetice (Czech Republic). Different field strengths were tested by planting the crops at different distances from the transmission line. The plants were grown in experimental plots (1.77 m2), aligned to equal electric field strengths, and were cultivated according to standard agricultural practice. The soil for all plots was homogenized layer-specifically to a depth of 0.5 m to guarantee uniform soil conditions in the plant root environment. The soil was sampled annually for determinations of carbon content and the behavior of microbial biomass. During development of the vegetation, samples were collected at regular intervals for growth rate analyses. At physiological maturity, the plots (n = 8) were harvested for grain and straw yield determinations. The average electric and magnetic field strengths at four distances from the transmission line (nominal distances: 40, 14, 8, and 2 m) were between 0.2 and 4.0 kV/m and between 0.4 and 4.5 micro T, respectively. No effect of the field exposures on soil microbial biomass could be detected. The wheat grain yields were 7% higher (average of 5 years) in the plots with the lowest field exposure than in the plots nearer to the transmission line (P <.10). The responses of the plants were more pronounced in years with drought episodes during grain filling than in humid years. No significant yield differences were found for corn yields. The extent of the yield variations attributed to the distance from the transmission line was small compared to the observed annual variations in climatic or soil specific site characteristics.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 55%

“…The line dates back to 1983, so any residual effects of construction such as soil compaction [Lee et al, 1993] had disappeared before our experiments started, because of continuous agricultural use and regular tillage. The soil type was a calcareous Luvisol (FAO classification) derived from river sediments.…”

Section: Experimental Sitementioning

confidence: 99%

Growth and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) near a high voltage transmission line

Soja

Kunsch

Gerzabek

et al. 2003

Bioelectromagnetics

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“…A magnetic flux density of 40 μT is well above the levels that have been associated with childhood leukemia in residential exposure (0.2 to 0.4 μT) and levels that have been associated with brain cancer, breast cancer, and leukemia in occupationally exposed adults (1 to 1.2 μT) [20].…”

Section: Electric and Magnetic Fields Distributionsmentioning

confidence: 81%

Electric and magnetic field of different transpositions of overhead power line

Deltuva

Lukočius

2017

Archives of Electrical Engineering

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In Lithuanian and Polish electric power supply systems, the power transmission lines of 400 kV voltage represent one of the most potential sources of electric and magnetic fields generation. The 400 kV double-circuit overhead power transmission line and its surrounding environment were herby described and simulated through Finite Element Method using COMSOL Multiphysic software package. This study includes magnetic and electric field calculations. The study shows that the values of magnetic field strength and electric field strength present in the vicinity of a 400 kV overhead power transmission line tend to exceed limit values established in the Normative. Measurements are suggested to be taken for the purpose of finding maximum values of magnetic and electric field strength. To reduce these values, it is recommended to increase the height of supports, and restrict human personal and economic activities.

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“…This demonstrates that there was a large difference between the exposures received by lambs in the line and control groups. The field levels measured in the control pen are on the low end of the ambient range of levels typically measured in homes and offices (Lee et al, 1989). …”

mentioning

confidence: 96%

“…To date, these programs have found no consistent evidence that power frequency (50-and 60-Hz) electric fields cause pathological effects in people or animals (see review by Lee et al, 1989). However, a number of biological effects of electric fields have been reported.…”

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confidence: 99%

Seasonal Patterns of Melatonin, Cortisol, and Progesterone Secretion in Female Lambs Raised Beneath a 500-kV Transmission Line

Lee¹

2000

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There is ongoing controversy about the possibility of adverse biological effects from environmental exposures to electric and magnetic fields. These fields are produced by all electrical equipment and appliances including electrical transmission lines. The objective of this environmental science study was to investigate the possible effects of a high voltage transmission line on domestic sheep (Ovis aries L,), a species that can often be found near such lines.The study was primarily designed to determine whether a specific effect of electric and magnetic fields found in laboratory animals also occurs in livestock under natural environmental conditions. The effect is the ability of fields, at levels found in the environment, to significantly depress the normally high nocturnal concentrations of the pineal hormone melatonin.Melatonin mediates the reproductive response to changes in photoperiod in seasonal breeders such as sheep. Factors which modify the production of nocturnal melatonin in sheep can have important effects on the timing of seasonal reproduction including the onset of puberty in this species.Ten female Suffolk lambs were penned for 10 months directly beneath a 500-kV transmission line near Estacada, Oregon. Ten other lambs of the same type were penned in a control area away from the transmission line where electric and magnetic fields were at ambient levels.Serum melatonin was analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA) from 6618 blood samples collected at 0.5 to 3-hour intervals over eight 48-hour periods. Serum progesterone was analyzed by RIA from blood samples 3 collected twice weekly beginning when the lambs were 23 weeks old. This hormone was used to measure the onset of puberty.Serum cortisol was also assayed by RIA from the blood samples collected during the 48-hour samples. This was done to assess whether exposure to the transmission line produced stress in the growing lambs.Other supplemental biological data collected included body weight gain, wool growth, and behavior.1 extensive study was conducted by engineers from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to measure electric and magnetic fields and noise to which the lambs were exposed. Tnis was accomplished by installing permanent monitors near both the control and line pens.Results showed that lambs in both the control and line groups had the typical pattern of melatonin secretion consisting of low daytime and high nighttime serum concentrations. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in melatonin levels, or in the phase or duration of the nighttime melatonin elevation. Age at puberty and number of reproductive cycles also did not differ between groups.Serum cortisol showed a circadian rhythm with highest concentrations during the day. Cortisol concentrations also seemed to reflect effects of known stressors on livestock, e.g., weaning, introduction to new housing, and vehicle transport. There were, however, no differences in cortisol concentrations between groups.Statistical analyses on other biological parameter...

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Electrical and Biological Effects of Transmission Lines: A Review.

Cited by 23 publications

References 90 publications

Growth and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) near a high voltage transmission line

Growth and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) near a high voltage transmission line

Electric and magnetic field of different transpositions of overhead power line

Seasonal Patterns of Melatonin, Cortisol, and Progesterone Secretion in Female Lambs Raised Beneath a 500-kV Transmission Line

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