Today, more than 90% of the world’s population has access to electricity. That’s a huge leap from the 72.65% penetration rate back in 1998. However, it’s also because of this that dirty electricity has become more prevalent.
What exactly is this electricity, though, and why should you even care about it? Is dirty electricity even real?
This guide aims to shed light on this controversial pollutant, so be sure to read on.
1. Dirty Means Corrupted and Distorted
The term dirty electricity may have made you think of fossil fuel pollution. However, the pollution generated by fossil fuel-based electricity differs from dirty electricity.
So, what is dirty electricity then?
Dirty electricity also goes by electrosmog and high-frequency voltage transient (HFVT). However, all these terms refer to corrupted or distorted electricity.
2. Electrical Distortions Take Many Forms
Electricity distortions can take the form of variations in voltage and frequency. They can also occur as power surges or low power factors. Either way, they’re abnormalities in electricity that can contribute to electromagnetic pollution.
3. Dirty Can Also Mean Deviation
Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) refer to areas of energy surrounding electrical devices. Anything that produces, transmits, or uses electricity emits EMF. However, the EMF frequency bands generated in such cases only have a frequency of 50/60 Hz.
If the electromagnetic energy deviates from 50/60 Hz, it becomes dirty electricity.
4. Dirty Electricity Can Damage Equipment
Dirty electricity in the form of HFVT occurs due to interruptions in the flow of electricity. You can think of HFVT as powerful bursts of energy following electricity interruption.
For instance, let’s say the power goes out in your area due to a storm. It then goes back after a few minutes. In this case, all plugged-in appliances can draw in huge amounts of energy at the same time.
That simultaneous action of pulling in electricity can result in HFVT. If you don’t have a power surge protector, all that electricity can fry your electronics.
5. Dirty Power May Pose Health Hazards
Some studies suggest that there’s a connection between dirty electricity EMF and cancers. For example, one study linked HFVT with a higher risk and incidence of malignant melanoma. It further noted how the participants had an increased risk of thyroid or uterine cancer.
Other studies associate dirty electricity with diabetes and other chronic diseases. They also say that it may be a factor in multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia development.
However, not all scientists agree with those findings. Nevertheless, they agree that more dirty electricity studies can prove its harmful effects.
Still, the fact that there’s uncertainty may be enough of a reason to avoid exposure to this pollutant. You can start by keeping your distance from microwave ovens. You may also look into getting EMF filters or Swiss shield fabric curtains or canopies.
Dirty Electricity Is Avoidable
There’s no doubt that dirty electricity exists and that it’s everywhere. However, what’s uncertain up to now is its potential to cause diseases. Fortunately, scientists are already doing that to nip misinformation in the bud.
In the meantime, though, it might be best to avoid dirty electricity as much as you can.
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