According to the Health and Physics Society, which specializes in radiation safety, "recent studies such as that by Draper et al., confirm a reported association between elevated risk of childhood leukemia and proximity to residential power lines, but failed to clarify whether the observed association is causal or coincidental." This means that there has been a measured difference in child leukemia levels between those living near (within 1/4 mile) power lines and those living further away. One-thousand feet would be within 1/4 mile, and classified as very near power lines.

On the Other: No Confirmed Effect

In 1995, the American Physical Society released a statement saying, "The scientific literature and the reports of reviews by other panels show no consistent, significant link between cancer and power line fields. While it is impossible to prove that no deleterious health effects occur from exposure to any environmental factor, it is necessary to demonstrate a consistent, significant, and causal relationship before one can conclude that such effects do occur. From this standpoint, the conjectures relating cancer to power line fields have not been scientifically substantiated." In other words, while there is no proof that living very near power lines is dangerous, there is no proof that it is safe. .

Bottom Line

Because of the lack of conclusive evidence, the general consensus is that it would be wise to live further than 1/4 mile (1,320 feet) away from free standing power lines.

Source:

Healthy Physics Society: Health Risks

Money Blue Book: Do Power Lines Cause Cancer?

EM Watch: Living Near Power Lines