Deflection of cosmic radiation near power lines--a theoretical approach

The purpose of this work is to determine if, and to what extent, cosmic radiation can be deflected by power lines. As an alternative to experimental measurements, a computer program was developed to simulate particle trajectories. Starting from given initial values, the cosmic particles' trajectories through the electromagnetic field surrounding power lines are simulated. Particular efforts have been made to choose initial values that represent the actual physical condition of the cosmic radiation at ground level. The results show an average decrease in the particle flux density in an area below a power line and a corresponding increased flux between 12 m and 35 m on either side of the center of the power line. The average shift in flux density is, however, extremely small (less than 0.15% for low energy electrons alone, and less than 0.01% for total particle flux density) and probably not measurable with existing detector technology. The calculated particle deflection is far too small to be of any possible health significance.