Dirty electricity may be created by electrical devices and wiring when there is an interruption in the normal flow of electricity (60-Hertz). These interruptions may also create electrical surges and voltage spikes that could form potentially harmful electromagnetic fields.
Most electrical appliances do not use AC currents the regular way; instead, they work by turning the flow of a standard current on and off repeatedly, which may lead to erratic changes in the voltage, producing dirty electricity.
Common sources of dirty electricity may be:
- Power lines
- Dimmer circuits
- Fluorescent lighting
- Wireless devices
Dirty electricity can not be seen or felt, but it exists wherever there is a source of electricity.
What are the effects of dirty electricity on my health?
While it’s not completely clear whether or not dirty electricity has any effect on our health, some dirty electricity studies suggest that people who suffer from electromagnetic hypersensitivity may feel sick when exposed to it.
A study revealed that electrical pollutants can trigger an immune response in some people, making the body think that it is being attacked by a foreign organism, causing typically immunity-related symptoms like a runny nose or a fever.
Another study suggested that mast cells may react to dirty electricity by releasing inflammatory chemicals that may cause blood vessels to start leaking fluids into the tissues, causing swelling.
Frequent exposure to dirty electricity may lead to chronic inflammation, affecting the adrenal glands ( the adrenaline producing gland found on the kidneys) and presenting symptoms like tiredness, memory problems, anxiety and cognitive problems.
Dirty electricity can also trigger a harmful molecule called peroxynitrite which can cause over 60 different kinds of chronic conditions in people. Peroxynitrite damages lipids and protein molecules, penetrating the stomach lining and the blood-brain barrier and can even reduce the production of vital chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.
Some other common symptoms experienced by people who are sensitive to dirty electricity are:
- Pain in the jaw and teeth
- Heart palpitations
- Prickling sensation on the face, fingertips and feet
- Mild flu-like symptoms
- Tinnitus
It’s important to note that these symptoms may also be the result of other medical conditions and external factors.
How can I protect myself from dirty electricity?
Creating a safe and sound home environment with little to no dirty electricity can be done with a few simple steps:
- Keep appliances switched off when they are not in use
- Make sure your home’s electrical infrastructure is in an excellent state
- Keep electronic devices like smartphones and laptops away from you while you sleep
We’ll inevitably continue integrating electrical appliances into our homes, creating many opportunities for dirty electricity to affect us but with the above steps, we may be able to mitigate the effect it has on our bodies.
Dirty electricity studies need to be taken more seriously
Even though dirty electricity has not been taken too seriously, it’s clear that it does have some effect on our lives, despite being less known than electromagnetic fields (EMF).
Take necessary precautions to reduce levels of dirty electricity, reducing its effects on the quality of our lives and creating a safe and comfortable environment for you and your family.