Experts debate power line safety

Experts disagreed whether electromagnetic fields from power lines cause cancer or other health problems, as they testified Monday at the final state Board of Public Utilities hearing on Public Service Electric and Gas Company's proposed line upgrade.  Shortly after the discussion of EMFs, the utility and opponents of the $750 million, 47-mile Susquehanna-Roseland project wrapped up five days of testimony in front of BPU Commissioner Joseph Fioraliso. The entire board is expected to decide Jan. 15 whether PSE&G should be allowed to add 500 kilovolt lines to the corridor, which passes through Morris County.

No studies have proven that EMFs from power lines cause leukemia or other health issues, testified PSE&G's expert William H. Bailey, a scientist, although he did say some studies have found an association between the fields and childhood leukemia.

Martin Blank, an expert for eight municipalities, two school districts, environmentalists and a citizens group opposing the project, said there is much evidence that fields at lower levels than those expected on the new line could lead to leukemia, breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

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