Electromagnetic fields due to overhead and buried high-voltage power-lines: a quantitative comparison

Possible health hazards due to nonionizing radiations emanating from high-voltage power-lines are addressed. Specifically, the magnetic field due to power-line radiation has been considered as an etiological factor in some form(s) of childhood cancer. An investigation of the possibility of reducing the magnetic field effect nEar the earth´s surface by burying the power lines was conducted. The overall electromagnetic field distributions due to buried and overhead lines are elucidated and the explicit advantages (if any) in burying cables are verified quantitatively. It is concluded that it is indeed possible to suppress the magnetic field influence near the Earth´s surface by burying the high-voltage cable. The extent of suppression will vary considerably in relation to proximity and stand-off regions. Suppression of magnetic influence near the Earth´s surface is effective when the buried cable has minimum conductance leakage of energy into the surrounding medium