RISK REDUCTION FOR PEOPLE LIVING NEAR AND UNDER HIGH VOLTAGE POWERLINES IN URBAN AREAS IN EGYPT: THE NEED FOR NEW PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Abstract

Electricity is very important for modern life, and an important factor for development, and no one could think of living without electricity, but potential hazards to human being should be addressed carefully. Powerlines are part of the national grid that supplies electricity across Egypt. They include high voltage transmission lines, some of these power lines are mounted on and passing through different urban areas, and some of these areas are informal development which were extended unofficially under or very close to these high voltage powerline which can put the people living in these areas in risk. Electromagnetic radiation from high voltage power lines can affect the health of people in urban and rural communities. According to World Health Organization (WHO), EMF such as those from power lines, may increase the risk of many diseases. Different studies worldwide have shown that living next to high voltage power lines increases the risk of cancer and other health problems especially for children. Although there are different laws for setting the buffer safety zones for the high voltage power lines and they are mandatory, the law is not implemented, not well understood and has been difficult to enforce because of technical, administration and social aspects. This paper is highlighting the current situation of informal areas under high voltage power lines in Egypt. Also, it is reviewed the previous and current research studies in the field of effects of EMF from powerlines. It described the previous and current activities of the governmental programs towards this problem and highlighting constrains which include legal, administration and financial issues. It is concluded that different new preventive measures are needed to reduce the risk for the people living near and under high voltage cables in urban areas in Egypt.