Tests conducted in Bnei Brak schools found measured radiation
levels far below even the strict Israeli standards. These
were on a list of 33 schools that were said to be "at risk"
to exposure from radiation from power lines.
"The Electric Company scorns its customers, particularly its
chareidi customers," said MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni during a
meeting of the Knesset's Interior Committee to discuss the
issue of radiation from high-tension electrical transmission
in the aftermath of a panic at over 30 schools where it was
feared radiation levels from power lines were excessive.
Among several examples, he cited the plan to run high-voltage
lines to Kiryat Ono via Bnei Brak's Chazon Ish Street, saying
the police refused the Electric Company's request to lay the
lines underground in the area of Ge'ah Road due to concerns
that the work would disrupt traffic.
Rabbi Gafni claims that Bnei Brak residents should not have
to suffer for months while the streets are being torn up,
particularly when there are concerns about the radiation from
these high-voltage lines.
He also said he receives numerous calls and letters from Elad
residents worried about high-voltage lines that lie in very
close proximity to their schools. Electric Company officials
present at the meeting promised to look into the matter.
Interior Committee Chairman MK Yuri Stern (HaIchud HaLeumi)
said experience shows that even though data on the ties
between diseases and radiation from such wires remains
inconclusive, cautionary steps should be taken in case a
correlation is eventually found once it is too late to undo
the health damage.
MK L. Ness (Likud), who initiated the meeting, said it is
inconceivable that in the year 2004 the State of Israel does
not have clear standards regarding electrical radiation. She
called for continued legislative proceedings on the Non-
Diffused Radiation Law, which would regulate oversight on
electricity radiation, saying that the Electric Company must
be placed under legally-sanctioned oversight and control.
Dr. Stallian Galberg, director of the radiation department at
the Environmental Ministry, said his office's handling of non-
diffused radiation is based on the principle of preventative
caution and one of his main goals is to reduce the public's
exposure to electromagnetic radiation using existing
technology available at reasonable costs.
The Electric Company's Dr. David Almakias said his company
follows international standards of the World Health
Organization and that if there were a reasonable certainty of
health risks the IEC would take action. On the issue of
radiation in schools he said the IEC immediately measured
radiation levels at schools where a problem was suspected and
no irregularities were found.
According to tests conducted by the Regional Environmental
Unit of the cities of Bnei Brak and Ramat Gan, average
radiation levels in their schools were found to be only 2-3
milligauss. Unit Director Yechiel Rosenbloom said this was
not only far below the WHO's standard of 1,000 milligauss,
but also within the strict 10 milligauss limit recommended by
the International Organization for Cancer Research and
adopted by the Environmental Ministry of Israel.
The tests followed a demand by Dr. Galberg for the IEC to
immediately gauge radiation levels at 33 schools around the
country situated within 30 meters of high-tension power
wires. IEC officials rejected allegations children were being
exposed to unsafe radiation levels, saying the radiation
emitted by home appliances is much higher.
"In tests we did using geographic information, 33 educational
institutions were found to be located in dangerously close
proximity to high-tension lines," said Dr. Galberg. "In a
sample test we saw that there is a potential for high levels
of radiation and therefore we demanded that the IEC conduct
tests. The tests were carried out, but since the results
depend on the current in the lines at the time of the test,
the current may have been low and additional tests should be
conducted." Regarding
the high-tension lines running along the edge of residential
neighborhoods in Bnei Brak located near Ge'ah Road, Dr.
Galberg says this is clearly a safety liability that exposes
Bnei Brak residents and their children to a potential cancer
risk. "The local authorities' conduct on this matter is
deplorable and action should be taken to move the high-
tension lines to another place where they will not endanger
the population."
Dr. S. Sadatzky of the Ministry of Health said the WHO found
non-diffused radiation to be hazardous. She also claimed it
should not be left to the IEC to decide on possible health
damage.
