Dirty Electricity

1. Electrification and the rise of modern diseases: A hidden epidemic

When Thomas Edison began wiring New York City with a direct current electricity distribution system in the 1880s, he gave us the magic of electric light, heat, and power, but inadvertently opened a Pandora's Box of unimaginable illness and death.

The hidden cost of progress. The electrification of society, while bringing numerous benefits, has also introduced a significant health hazard that has gone largely unnoticed for over a century. Dr. Milham's research suggests that many modern diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and suicide, are strongly linked to electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from our electrical systems.

Historical evidence. Analysis of mortality data from the early 20th century reveals a striking correlation between the spread of electrification and the rise of these "diseases of civilization." Urban areas, which were electrified earlier, showed higher mortality rates compared to rural areas for these diseases. This pattern persisted until rural electrification caught up in the mid-1950s.

Overlooked factor in public health. Despite the availability of this data since the 1930s, the potential health impacts of electrification have been largely ignored by the medical and scientific communities. This oversight has led to misguided efforts in disease prevention and treatment, as a critical etiologic factor has not been recognized.

2. Dirty electricity: The overlooked health hazard in our homes and schools

High frequency voltage transients (called "dirty electricity" by the utility industry) was a potent universal carcinogen.

Understanding dirty electricity. Dirty electricity refers to high-frequency voltage transients that ride along on the standard 60-Hz sine wave of alternating current (AC) power. These transients are caused by various modern electronic devices and can be present on electrified wires anywhere.

Sources and proliferation. Common sources of dirty electricity include:

• Light dimmer switches
• Compact fluorescent lights
• Halogen lamps
• Electronic transformers
• Most electronic equipment manufactured since the mid-1980s

Health impacts. Dr. Milham's research, particularly the La Quinta Middle School study, suggests that exposure to dirty electricity is associated with increased cancer risk, diabetes, and other health issues. The problem is compounded by the fact that dirty electricity can travel through electrical wiring and ground currents, potentially affecting entire buildings or neighborhoods.

3. Childhood leukemia: A consequence of residential electrification

The emergence of childhood leukemia in the 1930s, and the spread of the age two-through-five-year peak for the major leukemia of childhood, common acute lymphoblastic leukemia, was strongly correlated with the gradual spread of electrification from urban into rural areas.

Historical evidence. Dr. Milham's research revealed a striking correlation between the spread of residential electrification and the emergence of childhood leukemia peaks in the 1930s. This pattern was observed first in urban areas and then gradually spread to rural areas as electrification expanded.

Statistical significance. The study found a 24% increase in leukemia mortality for every 10% increase in the percentage of homes served with electricity, specifically in the age group of two to four years old. This relationship was not observed in children under one year of age.

Global implications. The childhood leukemia age peak is still absent in non-electrified areas of the world, such as sub-Saharan Africa. This finding suggests that the link between electrification and childhood leukemia is not limited to a specific geographic area but is a global phenomenon tied to the spread of electrical infrastructure.

4. Occupational hazards: EMF exposure in various professions

All the expected occupational mortality associations were present in our data analysis: pilots die in plane crashes, loggers are struck by falling objects (trees), roofers fall, and power linemen are electrocuted.

Occupational studies. Dr. Milham's extensive research on occupational mortality revealed numerous associations between specific professions and increased risks of certain diseases, particularly cancers. These studies provided crucial evidence for the link between EMF exposure and health risks.

Key findings include:

• Increased leukemia and lymphoma in aluminum reduction plant workers
• Higher rates of leukemia in electrical workers
• Elevated cancer risks in amateur radio operators
• Increased cancer incidence in teachers and librarians

Mechanisms of exposure. Different occupations involve various types and levels of EMF exposure:

• Direct exposure to high-voltage equipment
• Prolonged exposure to electronic devices
• Exposure to radio frequency radiation
• Exposure to dirty electricity in office environments

Implications for workplace safety. These findings highlight the need for greater awareness and protective measures in occupations with high EMF exposure. They also underscore the importance of considering EMF as a potential occupational hazard in a wide range of professions.

5. The La Quinta Middle School cancer cluster: A breakthrough discovery

Sixteen schoolteachers in a cohort of 137 teachers who had ever been employed from La Quinta's opening in 1988, through December 2005, had been diagnosed with eighteen cancers.

The investigation. The La Quinta Middle School study was a pivotal moment in Dr. Milham's research. It provided strong evidence linking dirty electricity to increased cancer risk in a specific population.

Key findings:

• Overall cancer risk was 2.78 times higher than expected
• Malignant melanoma risk was 9.8 times higher
• Thyroid cancer risk was 13.3 times higher
• Uterine cancer risk was 9.2 times higher

Dirty electricity as the culprit. Unlike previous studies focusing on 60-Hz magnetic fields, this investigation found a positive correlation between cancer incidence and exposure to high-frequency voltage transients (dirty electricity). The cancer risk increased with both the duration of employment and the level of dirty electricity exposure in the classrooms.

Broader implications. This study suggested that dirty electricity could be a potent, universal carcinogen, potentially explaining the increased cancer risks observed in other indoor workers and office environments. It also highlighted the need for more comprehensive EMF measurements in epidemiological studies.

6. Diseases of civilization: Linked to electrification rather than lifestyle

The price we have paid for the convenience of electricity in morbidity and mortality since the early 1900s almost defies quantification.

Challenging conventional wisdom. Dr. Milham's research suggests that the so-called "diseases of civilization," including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and suicide, are not primarily caused by lifestyle factors as commonly believed, but rather by exposure to electromagnetic fields, particularly dirty electricity.

Historical evidence. Analysis of mortality data from the early 20th century revealed:

• Higher urban death rates for these diseases compared to rural areas
• Strong correlation between rural death rates and the level of residential electrification
• Gradual increase in these diseases as electrification spread

The Amish example. The Amish population, who largely live without electricity, exhibit disease patterns similar to early 20th century rural residents:

• Lower rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and suicide
• About half the prevalence of type 2 diabetes compared to non-Amish populations
• Stable life expectancy above 70 years since 1890

7. Practical solutions: Measuring and mitigating EMF exposure

Most of the devices that generate dirty electricity can be redesigned to eliminate it at very low cost.

Measuring EMF exposure. Simple tools for detecting EMF and dirty electricity in your environment include:

• Graham/Stetzer meter for measuring high-frequency voltage transients
• Portable AM radio for detecting higher frequency radiation
• Magnetic field meters for measuring power-frequency magnetic fields

Mitigation strategies:

• Use of filters to reduce dirty electricity levels in buildings
• Redesign of electronic devices to minimize dirty electricity generation
• Proper wiring and grounding in buildings
• Limiting use of known dirty electricity sources (e.g., dimmer switches, CFLs)
• Awareness and reduction of EMF exposure in occupational settings

Policy implications. Dr. Milham's research calls for:

• Updated safety standards for EMF/RF exposure
• Inclusion of dirty electricity measurements in epidemiological studies
• Redesign of electrical infrastructure to minimize dirty electricity
• Public education on potential EMF health risks and mitigation strategies

Last updated: November 18, 2024