Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • Review
  • Published:

“Dirty electricity”: what, where, and should we care?

Abstract

Environmental exposure to high-frequency voltage transients (HFVT), also termed dirty electricity, has been advocated among electro(hyper)sensitive interest groups as an important biological active component of standard electromagnetic pollution. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, in which only seven articles were identified. Exposure to HFVT was associated with increased cancer risks, while preferential removal of 4–100 kHz HFVT from 50–60 Hz ELF circuits was linked to a variety of improvements in health (plasma glucose levels in diabetic patients, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, asthma and other respiratory illnesses, and insomnia), well-being (tiredness, frustration, general health, irritation, sense of satisfaction, mood), and student behavior. However, all these published studies were subject to significant methodological flaws in the design of the studies, the assessment of exposure, and the statistical analysis, which prevented valid assessment of a causal link between this exposure metric and adverse effects. Environmental exposure to HFVT is an interesting EMF exposure metric, which might explain the spurious results from epidemiological studies using ‘standard’ ELF and RF exposure metrics. However, at present, methodological problems in published studies prohibit the valid assessment of its biological activity.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Rent or buy this article

Prices vary by article type

from$1.95

to$39.95

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahlbom A., and Feychting M. Electromagnetic radiation. Br Med Bull 2003: 68: 157–165.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahlbom A., Green A., Kheifets L., Savitz D., and Swerdlow A. Epidemiology of health effects of radiofrequency exposure. Environ Health Perspect 2004: 112 (17): 1741–1754.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aldrich T.E., and Easterly C.E. Electromagnetic fields and public health. Environ Health Perspect 1987: 75: 159–171.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bauer J., Stamm A., Virnich K., Wissing K., Muller U., Wirsching M., and Schaarschmidt U. Correlation between burnout syndrome and psychological and psychosomatic symptoms among teachers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2006: 79 (3): 199–204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Binhi V.N., and Savin A.V. Molecular gyroscopes and biological effects of weak extremely low-frequency magnetic fields. Phys Rev E Stat Nonlinear Soft Matter Phys 2002: 65 (5 Part 1): 051912.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • BioInitiative Report: A Rationale for a Biologically-based Public Exposure Standard for Electromagnetic Fields (ELF and RF) Online. 2009 May (cited 2009 August 6). Available from : http://www.bioinitiative.org/.

  • Breckenkamp J., Neitzke H.P., Bornkessel C., and Berg-Beckhoff G. Applicability of an exposure model for the determination of emissions from mobile phone base stations. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2008: 131 (4): 474–481.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cardis E., Richardson L., Deltour I., Armstrong B., Feychting M., Johansen C., Kilkenny M., McKinney P., Modan B., Sadetzki S., Schuz J., Swerdlow A., Vrijheid M., Auvinen A., Berg G., Blettner M., Bowman J., Brown J., Chetrit A., Christensen H.C., Cook A., Hepworth S., Giles G., Hours M., Iavarone I., Jarus-Hakak A., Klaeboe L., Krewski D., Lagorio S., Lonn S., Mann S., McBride M., Muir K., Nadon L., Parent M.E., Pearce N., Salminen T., Schoemaker M., Schlehofer B., Siemiatycki J., Taki M., Takebayashi T., Tynes T., van T.M., Vecchia P., Wiart J., Woodward A., and Yamaguchi N. The INTERPHONE study: design, epidemiological methods, and description of the study population. Eur J Epidemiol 2007: 22 (9): 647–664.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter D.O., and Sage C. Setting prudent public health policy for electromagnetic field exposures. Rev Environ Health 2008: 23 (2): 91–117.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dahmen N., Ghezel-Ahmadi D., and Engel A. Blood laboratory findings in patients suffering from self-perceived electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). Bioelectromagnetics 2009: 30 (4): 299–306.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Day S.J., and Altman D.G. Statistics notes: blinding in clinical trials and other studies. BMJ 2000: 321 (7259): 504.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Duyan G., Xu G., Yu H., Yang S., Yang Q., and Yan W. Modeling of electromagnetic environment of transmission lines for studying effect of ELF-EMF. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2008: 2008: 1331–1334.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Enck P., Benedetti F., and Schedlowski M. New insights into the placebo and nocebo responses. Neuron 2008: 59 (2): 195–206.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Feychting M., Ahlbom A., and Kheifets L. EMF and health. Annu Rev Public Health 2005: 26: 165–189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frei P., Mohler E., Neubauer G., Theis G., Burgi A., Frohlich J., Braun-Fahrlander C., Bolte J., Egger M., and Roosli M. Temporal and spatial variability of personal exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields. Environ Res 2009: 109 (6): 779–785.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Genuis S.J. Fielding a current idea: exploring the public health impact of electromagnetic radiation. Public Health 2008: 122 (2): 113–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Graham M. A Ubiquitous Pollutant. Electronics Research Laboratory, College of Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Memorandum No. UCB/ERL M00/55. 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graham M. Mitigation of Electrical Pollution in the Home. Electronics Research Laboratory, College of Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Memorandum No. ECB/ERL M02/18. 2002.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graham M. A Microsurge Meter for Electrical Pollution Research. Electronics Research Laboratory, College Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Memorandum No. UCB/ERL M03/03. 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hardell L., and Sage C. Biological effects from electromagnetic field exposure and public exposure standards. Biomed Pharmacother 2008: 62 (2): 104–109.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Havas M Intensity of electric and magnetic fields from power lines within the business district of 60 Ontario communities. Sci Total Environ 2002: 298 (1–3): 183–206.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Havas M Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: biological effects of dirty electricity with emphasis on diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Electromagn Biol Med 2006: 25 (4): 259–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Havas M Dirty electricity elevates blood sugar among electrically sensitive diabetics and may explain brittle diabetes. Electromagn Biol Med 2008: 27 (2): 135–146.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Havas M., Illiatovitch M., and Proctor C. Teacher and student response to the removal of dirty electricity by the Graham/Stetzer filter at Willow Wood School in Toronto, Canada. In Biological Effects of EMF's Third International Workshop Kos, Greece, 2004, 311–317.

    Google Scholar 

  • Havas M., and Olstad A. Power quality affects teacher wellbeing and student behavior in three Minnesota Schools. Sci Total Environ 2008: 402 (2–3): 157–162.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hjern A., Alfven G., and Ostberg V. School stressors, psychological complaints and psychosomatic pain. Acta Paediatr 2008: 97 (1): 112–117.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hutter H.P., Moshammer H., Wallner P., and Kundi M. Subjective symptoms, sleeping problems, and cognitive performance in subjects living near mobile phone base stations. Occup Environ Med 2006: 63 (5): 307–313.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IARC. Non-Ionizing Radiation, Part 1: Static and Extremely Low-Frequency (ELF) Electric and Magnetic Fields. IARC Press, Lyon, 2009.

  • IEC. IEC 479-1, Effects of Current on Human Beings and Livestock. Part 1: General Aspects. International Electrotechnical Commission, Geneva, Switzerland, 1994.

  • Irvine N. Definition, Epidemiology and Management of Electrical Sensitivity. Radiation Protection Division of the Health Protection Agency, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, HPA-RPD-010, 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ivancsits S., Diem E., Pilger A., Rudiger H.W., and Jahn O. Induction of DNA strand breaks by intermittent exposure to extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields in human diploid fibroblasts. Mutat Res 2002: 519 (1–2): 1–13.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johansson O Electrohypersensitivity: state-of-the-art of a functional impairment. Electromagn Biol Med 2006: 25 (4): 245–258.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kheifets L., Bowman J.D., Checkoway H., Feychting M., Harrington J.M., Kavet R., Marsh G., Mezei G., Renew D.C., and van W.E. Future needs of occupational epidemiology of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields: review and recommendations. Occup Environ Med 2009: 66 (2): 72–80.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kundi M The controversy about a possible relationship between mobile phone use and cancer. Environ Health Perspect 2009: 117 (3): 316–324.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kundi M., and Hutter H.P. Mobile phone base stations-effects on wellbeing and health. Pathophysiology 2009: 16 (2–3): 123–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leitgeb N., and Schroettner J. Electric current perception study challenges electric safety limits. J Med Eng Technol 2002: 26 (4): 168–172.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leitgeb N., and Schrottner J. Electrosensibility and electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Bioelectromagnetics 2003: 24 (6): 387–394.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levallois P Hypersensitivity of human subjects to environmental electric and magnetic field exposure: a review of the literature. Environ Health Perspect 2002: 110 (Suppl 4): 613–618.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malherbe C., De G.M., De H.R., and Hoet J.J. Circadian variations of blood sugar and plasma insulin levels in man. Diabetologia 1969: 5 (6): 397–404.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maslanyj M., Simpson J., Roman E., and Schuz J. Power frequency magnetic fields and risk of childhood leukaemia: misclassification of exposure from the use of the “distance from power line” exposure surrogate. Bioelectromagnetics 2009: 30 (3): 183–188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mathur R Effect of chronic intermittent exposure to AM radiofrequency field on responses to various types of noxious stimuli in growing rats. Electromagn Biol Med 2008: 27 (3): 266–276.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Milham S., and Morgan L.L. A new electromagnetic exposure metric: high frequency voltage transients associated with increased cancer incidence in teachers in a California school. Am J Ind Med 2008: 51 (8): 579–586.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Molnar G.D., Taylor W.F., and Ho M.M. Day-to-day variation of continuously monitored glycaemia: a further measure of diabetic instability. Diabetologia 1972: 8 (5): 342–348.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morgan J.W. RE: A new electromagnetic exposure metric: high frequency voltage transients associated with increased cancer incidence in teachers in a California school, May 28, 2008; 51:579–586. Am J Ind Med 2009: 52 (4): 350–351.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park P., Simmons R.K., Prevost A.T., and Griffin S.J. Screening for type 2 diabetes is feasible, acceptable, but associated with increased short-term anxiety: a randomised controlled trial in British general practice. BMC Public Health 2008: 8: 350.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roosli M Radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure and non-specific symptoms of ill health: a systematic review. Environ Res 2008: 107 (2): 277–287.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roy C.R., and Martin L.J. A comparison of important international and national standards for limiting exposure to EMF including the scientific rationale. Health Phys 2007: 92 (6): 635–641.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rubin G.J., Das M.J., and Wessely S. Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: a systematic review of provocation studies. Psychosom Med 2005: 67 (2): 224–232.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rubin G.J., Das M.J., and Wessely S. A systematic review of treatments for electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Psychother Psychosom 2006: 75 (1): 12–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sakurai T., Satake A., Sumi S., Inoue K., and Miyakoshi J. An extremely low frequency magnetic field attenuates insulin secretion from the insulinoma cell line RIN-m. Bioelectromagnetics 2004: 25 (3): 160–166.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schulz K.F., Chalmers I., Hayes R.J., and Altman D.G. Empirical evidence of bias. Dimensions of methodological quality associated with estimates of treatment effects in controlled trials. JAMA 1995: 273 (5): 408–412.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schuz J., Lagorio S., and Bersani F. Electromagnetic fields and epidemiology: an overview inspired by the fourth course at the International School of Bioelectromagnetics. Bioelectromagnetics 2009: 30 (7): 511–524.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Surwit R.S., and Schneider M.S. Role of stress in the etiology and treatment of diabetes mellitus. Psychosom Med 1993: 55 (4): 380–393.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Surwit R.S., Schneider M.S., and Feinglos M.N. Stress and diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care 1992: 15 (10): 1413–1422.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • The International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety. Benevento Resolution. In: The Precautionary EMF Approach: Rationale, Legislation and Implementation. International Conference 2006.

  • Ward A.C. The role of causal criteria in causal inferences: Bradford Hill's “aspects of association”. Epidemiol Perspect Innov 2009: 6: 2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wood A.W. Possible health effects of 50/60 Hz electric and magnetic fields: review of proposed mechanisms. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 1993: 16 (1): 1–21.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhadin M.N. Review of Russian literature on biological action of DC and low-frequency AC magnetic fields. Bioelectromagnetics 2001: 22 (1): 27–45.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zubieta J.K., and Stohler C.S. Neurobiological mechanisms of placebo responses. Ann NY Acad Sci 2009: 1156: 198–210.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank professor Agius for his insightful suggestions and comments regarding this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Frank de Vocht.

Ethics declarations

Competing interests

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

de Vocht, F. “Dirty electricity”: what, where, and should we care?. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 20, 399–405 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/jes.2010.8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jes.2010.8

Keywords

This article is cited by

Search

Quick links