6. Investigations of the occurrence, propagation and absorption of corona ions

Due to the corona effect observed at high-voltage power lines, air molecules and particles around overhead lines are charged electrically and are then blown sideways by the wind for instance. A hypothesis that such charged particles increase the risk of respiratory diseases in residents living near high-voltage power lines was developed in 1996 in England. There is no scientific evidence for this assumption. The British radiation protection authority (National Radiological Protection Board/NRPB) addressed this question in 2004. An additionally increased health risk from air pollutants due to charged particles around conventional high-voltage alternating current lines was considered unlikely or very low.

As it is assumed that the charge clouds generated by HVDC lines exhibit increased stability over time and as a consequence can expand further than those generated by HVAC lines, the hypothesis is gaining new significance. The question whether air pollutants emanating from the subsoil (such as radon and its decay products), industrial processes or traffic are increasingly absorbed by the body depending on their electric charge state and thus represent a higher health risk, has yet to be clarified.

Research projects

6.1. Evaluative literature review of the occurrence and the propagation of corona ions

The state of scientific knowledge on the formation, concentration and propagation of ionised air molecules and dust particles will be determined. A comparison between conventional HVAC transmission lines and the planned HVDC transmission lines has to be performed also depending on the weather conditions. Potential health risks will be investigated, knowledge gaps identified and research approaches as well as appropriate investigation methods will be suggested.

6.2. Detection and propagation of corona ions in the surroundings of overhead power lines

Measurement and calculation methods to determine the formation and propagation of corona ions (in the case of direct and alternating current) will be used based on the literature review. Air pollution and weather factors will be considered.

6.3. Numerical calculation of the absorption of ionised particles by the lungs

Model calculations will be used to determine the effects of ionisation on the deposition of particles in the lungs. Particle size, positive or negative charge and the number of charges are to be considered.

6.4. Measurements of the absorption of ionised particles on lung phantoms

Measurements on lung phantoms are used to determine the effects of ionisation on the deposition of particles in the lungs. Particle size, positive or negative charge as well as other accompanying factors such as temperature, humidity and anatomical and physiological parameters are considered.

Outcome of the online consultation