Alternating Electric Fields
Alternating Electric Fields
We are constantly surrounded by invisible forces that can impact our health and well-being.
These alternating current (AC) electric fields deserve special attention, particularly for those concerned with creating healthy living environments.
At the Healthy Building Alliance, understanding these fields is the first step toward creating a wellness-focused home.
What Are Alternating Current (AC) Electric Fields?
Alternating current electric fields signal the presence of electrical pressure along a wire. These invisible forces are fundamental to how electricity works in our homes, yet many homeowners remain unaware of their presence or potential impacts.
The Science Behind Alternating Current (AC) Electric Fields
With AC electric fields to exist, the wiring must be 'live' or 'hot,' connected to a 120-volt AC power supply or another electricity source.
These fields are created through electric field lines, which consistently flow from positive charges to negative ones, extending perpendicularly from the charged conductor's surface.
The strength of these electrical fields fluctuates based on several factors:
- Voltage levels
- Wire and appliance configurations
- Material conductivity
- Distance from the field's source
An important distinction to understand is that ungrounded wires produce notably higher AC electric fields compared to grounded ones.
This is why ensurening your house is grounded is an essential componet to your home's electrical systems.
Health Impacts of Alternating Current Electric Fields
Our bodies operate as natural antennas. We receive energy from ambient electric fields in our environment. This interaction is more significant than many realize.
How AC Electric Fields Affect Our Bodies
When we are exposed to electric fields, our bodies couple effortlessly with the surrounding electric field lines.
This leads to a measurable AC voltage both on and within the body, particularly when we are ungrounded, such as when lying in bed.
The electromagnetic cell communication systems within our own body operate very efficiently at extremely low voltages. Minimal potentials from external fields can induce undesired currents and depolarizations across muscle and nerve cells.
Scientific Research on Alternating Current (AC) Electric Fields and Health
Research has established multiple ways that electricity impacts our health:
- Disruption of circadian rhythms (sleep cycles)
- Altered production of neurohormones and melatonin
- Interruption of intracellular gap junction communication
- Nerve stimulation
Studies have shown that biological effects occur within the 20-80 Hz ranges (such as household wiring). These fields induce currents within the human body and cause cellular changes that can affect overall health.
Serious Health Concerns
More concerning is that low-level, alternating electric fields have been linked to the incidence and progression of cancer.
The University of Toronto conducted a study involving Ontario Hydro One workers, revealing that electric fields played a more significant role in developing cancer among electrical workers than magnetic fields.
Addressing Common Household Sources
Within the home, the bulk of exposures from AC electric fields comes from ungrounded appliances and other plug loads. With no grounding wire to draw the fields to the grounded wire, the fields will be drawn to us instead. Here are effective strategies to minimize exposure:
- Choose grounded appliances: When possible, purchase appliances with grounded power cords.
- Use grounded power bars: For ungrounded appliances, plug them into grounded power bars and shorten the ungrounded cords as much as possible to reduce the fields.
- Bundle cords strategically: For areas with many power cords (like office desks), attach them together with twist ties so that cords with ground wires are tied to ungrounded power cords, reducing the fields.
- Consider professional rewiring: Have a licensed electrician rewire lamps and appliances where possible.
- Create distance: Where none of these options are possible, distance yourself from power cords, such as moving a bed lamp away from you, or unplug cords at night when sleeping.
- Avoid certain electrical items: It is not recommended to use heating blankets because of the high AC electric fields they generate.
Addressing External Sources
External sources such as high-voltage transmission lines are a concern when they are close to homes. If your home is located near these power lines, we recommend having an Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist measure the AC electric fields and discuss potential shielding options.
Wiring Considerations in Your Home
Alternating Current (AC) Electric Fields and Health
The age and type of wiring in your home significantly impacts electric field levels:
- Modern homes: In contemporary construction, wiring within homes is typically grounded, which helps reduce AC electric fields.
- Older homes: Older wiring is often ungrounded. If you have two-wire wiring or older knob and tube systems, the AC electric fields will be high.
- Wiring errors: Even in modern homes with grounded wiring, high AC electric fields can occur due to wiring errors and certain older electric in-floor heating systems.
- Commercial buildings: These typically use metal shielded wiring, which helps reduce AC electric fields.
Creating a Healthier Home Environment
At SENERGY36, we believe in a holistic approach to home health. Addressing electromagnetic fields combined with other enviroment environmental factor can help your family's health.
The Importance of Professional Assessment
A professional HBA assessment can provide an accurate picture of your home's electrical environment.
our members use sophisticated measuring equipment to identify problem areas and develop targeted solutions.
Taking Control of Your Environment
Awareness of the nature of alternating current electric fields will help you and your family understand their potential impact on human health.
This heighlits the importance of proactive measures to mitigate exposure.
Understanding how these fields affect our bodies to recognizing their various impacts on our biological systems, it's clear that informed action is necessary.
Implementing strategies, you can significantly reduce your exposure to AC electric fields and create a healthier home environment.
Addressing these invisible forces is just one aspect of creating a truly sustainable, wellness-focused living space.
Connect with a Healthy Building Professional on the HBA directory and transform your living space into a sanctuary of health and sustainability.