Abstract
BackgroundNew high-voltage power transmission lines will be introduced due to increasing demand for reliable and renewable energy supplies. Some residents associate non-specific health complaints with exposure to electromagnetic fields from nearby power lines. This study protocol describes the design and rationale of a prospective study investigating whether the introduction of a new power line triggers health responses in residents living nearby.Methods/DesignThe study is designed as a quasi-experimental field study with two pretests during the construction of a new power line route, and two posttests after it has been put into operation. Key outcomes are self-reported non-specific somatic and cognitive health complaints, and attribution of these health complaints to a power line. The main determinant is proximity to the new power line route. One member of every household (n = 2379) residing in close proximity (0-500 meters) to the overhead parts of a new power line route in the Netherlands is invited to participate, as well as a sample of household members (n = 2382) residing farther away (500-2000 meters). Multilevel analysis will be employed to test whether an increase in key outcome measures is related to proximity to the line. Longitudinal structural equation models will be applied to test to what extent health responses are mediated by psychosocial health mechanisms and moderated by negative oriented personality traits.DiscussionThis is the first study to investigate health responses to a new power line route in a prospective manner. The results will provide theoretical insight into psychosocial mechanisms operating during the introduction of an environmental health risk, and may offer suggestions to policymakers and other stakeholders for minimizing adverse health responses when introducing new high-voltage power lines.
Highlights
Introduction of a new power linePerception of the environmentPerceived proximity to a power linePower line health risk perceptionPerceived saliency of power line health risk informationPsychosocial health mechanisms HealthNon-specific somatic and cognitive health complaintsNeuroticism Lack of masteryDispositional factors to engage residents in the planning process and answer questions from residents about routes and potential health effects of Electromagnetic fields (EMF)
The results will provide theoretical insight into psychosocial mechanisms operating during the introduction of an environmental health risk, and may offer suggestions to policymakers and other stakeholders for minimizing adverse health responses when introducing new high-voltage power lines
We believe our study is an important addition to studies on the health effects of exposure to extremely low frequent electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) from power lines
Summary
Introduction of a new power linePerception of the environmentPerceived proximity to a power linePower line health risk perceptionPerceived saliency of power line health risk informationPsychosocial health mechanisms HealthNon-specific somatic and cognitive health complaintsNeuroticism Lack of masteryDispositional factors to engage residents in the planning process and answer questions from residents about routes and potential health effects of EMF. In the Netherlands, a total of 350 kilometers of 380 kV overhead transmission lines will be introduced in the near future The introduction of such a new power line route may have a considerable impact on residents living nearby. Interviews with residents living in close proximity to overhead power lines reveal that they associate non-specific health complaints such as tiredness, headaches and neurological problems with exposure to ELF-EMF from nearby power lines [9]. These health risks seem more important to them than other burdens such as the aesthetic impact [10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
