[ithos]

When one allows for bias reflected in source of funding, the evidence that magnetic fields increase risk of cancer is neither inconsistent nor inconclusive. Furthermore adults are also at risk, not just children, and there is strong evidence for cancers in addition to leukemia, particularly brain and breast cancer.
ScienceDirect

It wouldn't have been the first time the public have been misled due to corporate interests.

1. Tobacco and Lung Cancer
Hazard: Cigarette smoking causing cancer and heart disease.
Downplayed by: Tobacco companies.
How: For decades, internal studies confirmed health risks, but companies publicly denied the dangers, funded biased research, and lobbied governments.
Government role: Delayed regulations and warning labels due to industry pressure.
Exposure: 1950s–1990s.
Result: Massive public health crisis; eventually led to lawsuits and large settlements.
2. Lead in Gasoline and Paint
Hazard: Lead poisoning, especially in children.
Downplayed by: Lead industries (e.g., Ethyl Corporation, Sherwin-Williams).
How: Promoted lead as safe despite known neurotoxic effects.
Government role: Delayed regulations due to industry-funded research and lobbying.
Exposure: 1920s–1970s.
Result: IQ deficits, behavioral disorders, and lifelong health issues; eventual bans.
3. Asbestos
Hazard: Causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Downplayed by: Asbestos manufacturers.
How: Suppressed data on health risks; continued use despite knowledge of dangers.
Government role: Lag in regulation enforcement.
Exposure: 1900s–1980s (still in some products today).
Result: Hundreds of thousands of deaths; widespread litigation.
4. PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")
Hazard: Linked to cancer, hormone disruption, liver damage.
Downplayed by: DuPont, 3M.
How: Internal memos revealed knowledge of toxicity since the 1970s.
Government role: Slow regulation despite mounting evidence.
Exposure: 1940s–present.
Result: Global contamination of water supplies; active lawsuits and regulation underway.
5. Agent Orange
Hazard: Dioxin contamination, causing cancer and birth defects.
Downplayed by: Chemical companies (Dow, Monsanto).
How: Concealed risks from U.S. military and public.
Government role: Approved its use during Vietnam War; long delay in recognizing veterans' llnesses.
Exposure: 1960s–1970s.
Result: Ongoing health issues in veterans and Vietnamese civilians.

[LoisR]

Wrong. Very wrong. Stay at least 700-1,000 feet from any power line due to their electromagnetic fields.

[Retiredsteve]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

L would guess you are referring to High Power lines. Regarding health issues there is some concern (Not definitive) regarding EMFs (Electric and Magnetic fields). While health issues may not be an issue, you don't see houses built under the lines. The following link discusses that issue.

High Voltage Overhead Line Side Effects: Health Risks and Safety Tips

I personally would shy away from the site because despite whether there is a health or safety issue, there is a perception of risk. If the issue is a concern for you, it will be to others.

You don't see houses built under the lines is a property ownership issue. The power company has the right of way and I know from a maintenance standpoint they don't want houses underneath

[MarshBendLover]

I had an uncle that worked on those lines for years. When we would go to visit him, he had soaked up so much electricity that he could put a bulb in his mouth and make it light up. I think the electricity was just festering in him.

[nhtexasrn]

Originally Posted by azcindy

Would you consider buying a house you like a lot with a great view plus in a location you desire, except it is close to the power lines? The power lines don't obstruct the view, but they are close to the house. I just don't know how safe it is to be near the large power lines so wondering what others think. Thanks.

Cindy

We have lived near power lines for 8 years now and we are still alive and kicking! We have a great view of the preserve and love watching the Ospreys that nest in the powerlines. I wouldn't trade our house for one just like it on an inside lot away from the power lines.

[Sandabern]

I have ZERO scientific proof of this other than discussions with the people who lived there, but when I lived in Ohio, there were power lines about two miles from my house. Out of about 25 houses that lived within 50 yards or so of the power lines, two of those families had children with cancer. It might have been a coincidence, but I always thought it was a strange coincidence. Both families tried to take legal action and nothing ever came of those legal actions.The families in both cases, said the oncologists told them it was due to the power lines. Again, I have zero science to back up the claims, but I always thought it can’t be good.

Originally Posted by azcindy

Would you consider buying a house you like a lot with a great view plus in a location you desire, except it is close to the power lines? The power lines don't obstruct the view, but they are close to the house. I just don't know how safe it is to be near the large power lines so wondering what others think. Thanks.

Cindy

[Angelhug52]

I would wonder about mobile phone service and internet service being adequate? Do the lines interfere with reception?

[jimmy o]

Originally Posted by azcindy

Would you consider buying a house you like a lot with a great view plus in a location you desire, except it is close to the power lines? The power lines don't obstruct the view, but they are close to the house. I just don't know how safe it is to be near the large power lines so wondering what others think. Thanks.

Cindy

I spent my career in the high voltage electric industry and speak from experience: it is totally 100% safe to live near power lines. Radio Frequency Fields scare is hogwash, you get more of that wearing headsets and using laptops and notepads. In fact using blue tooth and wireless wi-fi surrounds you in RFs. Also if you’re really close to power lines you also get total protection from lighting strikes. But pros and cons to consider… con: resale and aesthetics. Pro: open views and discount on purchase. Discounted purchase price gets offset by discounted sales price when you sell, so that washes out.

[kendi]

Originally Posted by ithos

Could you please provide a reference to substanitate your claim?

Or do your own research.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Sandabern

I have ZERO scientific proof of this other than discussions with the people who lived there, but when I lived in Ohio, there were power lines about two miles from my house. Out of about 25 houses that lived within 50 yards or so of the power lines, two of those families had children with cancer. It might have been a coincidence, but I always thought it was a strange coincidence. Both families tried to take legal action and nothing ever came of those legal actions.The families in both cases, said the oncologists told them it was due to the power lines. Again, I have zero science to back up the claims, but I always thought it can’t be good.

Agreed, why would you ever take a chance. I would never buy a home near powerlines.

[MrLonzo]

Why even consider it? Think ahead about the resale value. Whether true or not, a large proportion of prospective buyers believe there are safety issues near the power lines and wouldn't consider buying there.

Equally important, consider the 'view'. Do you really want to look out your window every day and look at power lines? And even if you're ok with it, it knocks out another big proportion of prospective buyers on resale.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by MrLonzo

Why even consider it? Think ahead about the resale value. Whether true or not, a large proportion of prospective buyers believe there are safety issues near the power lines and wouldn't consider buying there.

Equally important, consider the 'view'. Do you really want to look out your window every day and look at power lines? And even if you're ok with it, it knocks out another big proportion of prospective buyers on resale.

I think this sums it up.

[azcindy]

Originally Posted by SoCalGal

I'm surprised the TV developers haven't buried the power lines like in Irvine, CA, a planned unit development (PUD), probably due to cost. Southern California Edison has a program to bury power lines in Irvine and other high-fire-risk areas in Orange County to reduce wildfire risk. This is part of a larger initiative to underground distribution lines in targeted areas. SCE estimates it costs between $3 million and $5 million per mile to take a power line underground. To compare, it costs around $900,000 per mile to cover lines with fire-resistant material through Edison's “covered conductor” program. I love the landscape in Irvine.

Yep. I lived in California most of my life and they buried the high power lines where I lived so this is a new "concern" for me. Arizona (west of Phoenix where I just moved from) also buried the lines. My concern is #1) whether it will effect my health since the lines are 100-200 ft from the house, and #2) how much would it effect resale value - ideally I wouldn't have to think about this one for a long time.

Cindy

[Risuli]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

Power lines are good neighbors. They never complain or back stab you by reporting some frivolous violation…

Yeah, they also never hang wind chimes...

[bgonzen]

The Villages doesn’t own the power transmission lines. Some utility company like Duke Energy own them. The Villages has no say where high voltage transmission lines are located.