Living near power lines can have a number of benefits. However, it also has some disadvantages. In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of living near power lines.
Pros of living near power lines
1. Less crowd or chaos
The first and the foremost benefit of living near power lines will be the idea of better privacy with less crowd or chaos. Yes, as simple as that sounds, when one lives near a power line, they are basically locating themselves somewhere far away from the busy town or city road. There will be fewer cars roaming and causing noise pollution and less chaos created by other parties. Thus, if you are a person who loves a quiet peaceful neighborhood, living near a power line will definitely help.
2. Reduced problems of power supply cuts
The nearer you live to a power line, the better the service you get. The huge power lines provide electricity to a large number of houses. So, when you live near the line, there are chances of less to no interference in the power supply. The farther you live, the more chances of experiencing supply cuts due to the line cuts that might happen by accident. Also, it is found that companies respond to calls coming from households near the power line quicker as problem-solving requires less time.
3. No reported health issues
Although many people go around talking that living near power lines can cause severe health problems, there are no such reports found with scientific proof. Thus, it can be said that those talks are just rumors, and health organizations have stated that there is no major danger of living near a power line, and one can peacefully opt for a house near it.
Cons of living near power lines
1. Problems in selling the property
Even if the owner is aware of the benefits of living near power lines, this might not be the case with the buyer. People are always skeptical and confused when it concerns buying a property that is located near a power line. They might question the health problems, problems of fire, etc. Thus, once the property is back on the market, it will take a while for the buyers to actually appreciate the choice.
2. The fear of fire
Although living near power lines provides an uninterrupted and fast power supply giving you a peaceful connection, there will always be sleepless nights fearing the risk of fire that can destroy your nightlife. There is a major risk of power lines catching fire when there is a storm or heavy rain. It is because the lines get damaged and exposed to reactions that may cause a fire. Such possibilities can harm your thoughts and sleep schedule, keeping you up during rainy nights.
3. Continuous Buzzing sound
The high voltage power lines produce a disturbing buzzing sound continuously as the current passes. This sound can be extremely annoying if someone is sensitive to such sounds. Thus, the buzz sound can become a hassle and may compel the owner to resale or attract buyers at much lower prices so that they can get rid of it sooner.
Is it unhealthy to live near power lines?
The dangers of living near power lines are not well-researched. Some people say that there is no evidence that living near power lines impacts one’s health, but other studies suggest that electromagnetic radiation may be to blame.
The answer to this question is not black and white. It really depends on how close you are to the power lines. Living near power lines can be unhealthy if you are living within 50 feet of them. If you live farther away, it shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s still worth checking because there are still some risks associated with living near power lines.
According to some research, living closer to power lines can cause your risk of developing cancer to increase by about 3%. This risk increases the closer that someone lives to the power line (within 50 feet). It may also lead to an increase in depression and anxiety among those who live close by as well as fertility problems.
Lately, there have been a number of studies published on how living near a high voltage power line affects the health and behavior of those who live in the vicinity.
How far away from power lines is safe to live?
The location of power lines is another factor that affects the safety of your home. The National Electrical Safety Code suggests that people should not live within 100 feet of high voltage power lines.
A study published by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) found that living near power lines can increase the risk of cancer. The study looked at how far away from power lines was safe to live and what other factors could affect the risk.
How much do power lines decrease property value?
There is no exact number for this. People are often not satisfied with living near power lines. They think that the value of their property decreases. And it is true that the price of a house near a power line is always lower than other houses which are far away from these power lines.