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Symptom prevalence and worry about high voltage transmission lines
1Department of Environmental Health, School of Social Ecology, University of California at Irvine, 92717, USA.
Environmental Research
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Worry, not just proximity, influences health concerns for those living near high voltage transmission lines. Higher worry levels correlated with more reported health problems for residents living directly adjacent to the lines.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Limited research exists on public perception of environmental health risks associated with overhead transmission lines.
- The impact of worry on symptom prevalence among residents near high voltage transmission lines is under-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess symptom prevalence and levels of worry in residents living near overhead transmission lines.
- To investigate the relationship between proximity to transmission lines, worry, and reported health problems.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 152 female residents in Orange County, categorized by proximity to overhead transmission lines (adjacent or one block away).
- Assessed symptom prevalence and levels of worry regarding transmission line exposure.
- Analyzed the correlation between proximity, worry, and reported health issues.
Main Results:
- 45% of respondents expressed significant worry (very or somewhat worried) about transmission lines.
- For residents living adjacent to the lines (on the easement), higher levels of worry were associated with increased prevalence of health problems.
- For residents living one block away, worry level did not significantly affect health problem prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Individual worry levels may be a more significant factor than mere proximity in the disclosure of health problems related to transmission line exposure.
- Environmental health perceptions and symptom reporting are influenced by psychological factors like worry.