Some scientists say strong magnetic fields in homes near high-voltage cables may increase the risk of cancer.
They believe electromagnetic fields from power lines or household appliances may impair the body’s ability to fight disease.
But the theory has been dismissed by researchers at the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) in Oxfordshire.
They say they have failed to find evidence to support it in laboratory experiments.
“Some studies in the past have thrown up evidence of a weak link between unusually strong magnetic fields experienced in some homes, and leukaemia in children,” said lead researcher Dr David Lloyd.
“We tried to produce this effect in cells in the lab, but couldn’t find it even using magnetic fields stronger than people would experience in everyday life.”
Large-scale studies looking at disease trends have found that there is no link between magnetic fields given off by overhead power lines or electrical appliances and most cases of childhood leukaemia.
“Studies show very clearly that the vast majority of children in the UK are not exposed to levels of electromagnetic radiation that would constitute any risk at all,” said Dr Lesley Walker, of Cancer Research UK.
However, the NRPB, the UK Government’s radiation watchdog, has admitted in the past that there is a “weak association” between electromagnetic fields and increased risk of childhood leukaemia.
In homes with prolonged exposure to unusually strong magnetic fields - 0.5% of those in the UK - there may be a slight increased risk of the disease. Researchers have been unable to explain why this might be the case.
“Studies like ours have failed to uncover a pathway by which magnetic fields could cause childhood leukaemia - and it’s looking probable that none exists,” said Dr Lloyd.
