INTERVIEW
Friday, the National Agency for Health Security (ANSES) warns that low-frequency magnetic fields emitted by high-voltage lines present a "possible" risk of childhood leukemia. An observation that comes with a precaution: "do not implant new schools or hospitals near the very high voltage lines". At Matthieu Belliard Friday, Olivier Merckel, head of the physical agents risk assessment unit at ANSES, comments on this recommendation.
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40,000 children under 15 exposed
"Low-frequency magnetic fields are found everywhere in our environment, and in some cases, when children live near high-voltage power lines, there is an increased risk of childhood leukemia," says the specialist. In total, about 40,000 children under the age of 15 are thus exposed to a level of magnetic fields at low frequencies slightly above average.
"It's an association of statistics that can not be explained"
However, ANSES does not want to be alarmist and reminds us that "no link of cause and effect has been demonstrated between living near a high-voltage line and increasing risk. of childhood leukemia ". "It's an association of statistics that can not be explained," says Olivier Merckel. What pushes ANSES to make recommendations, without calling to leave the places concerned.