Measurements of atmospheric potential gradient fluctuations caused by corona ions near high voltage power lines

High voltage power lines produce corona ions which can create disturbances in the Earth's vertical potential gradient. It has been hypothesised that these ions mediate adverse health effects such as the observed increase in leukaemia near to power lines. A fixed site monitoring station has been installed near two high voltage power lines which measures the vertical potential gradient throughout the year in all conditions. Ten minute samples of time varying potential gradient are sorted by wind direction to indicate whether the monitoring station is downwind of a power line and assessed for its variability by calculating mean, inter-quartile range and the number of turning points. Mean and inter-quartile range are related to wind direction, showing higher values when the wind is coming from the power lines.