What is Dirty Electricity? Solutions to Dirty Electricity, Dirty Electricity Filters, Microsurge Electrical Pollution (MEP)

What is dirty electricity?

Dirty electricity (DE), also called Microsurge Electrical Pollution (MEP), is high-frequency voltage spikes (transients) caused by plugging electrical devices into the main supply. Dirty electricity is a by-product of modern electronic equipment and appliances, such as computers, refrigerators, plasma TVs, WiFi routers, Sky boxes, DVD players, video recorders, set-top boxes, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), solar panels and dimmer switches – all of which corrupt the electricity they use. Dirty electricity can also enter homes and offices through wiring from nearby sources, including your neighbours’ WiFi, TV antennas or nearby mobile phone base stations (transmitters) connected to the power grid. Dirty electricity, also known as dirty mains, dirty power, Microsurge Electrical Pollution (MEP), or electrical pollution, refers to electromagnetic noise on the mains wiring in houses.

In simple terms, every electrical gadget you plug into your home or workplace adds different frequencies to the electrical system at 50/60Hz and changes the power factor. That kind of ‘noise’ on your electrical cables is called dirty electricity. The good news is that there is a simple solution for dirty electricity – dirty electricity filters (see below).

Dirty electricity is caused by modern electrical devices

Dirty electricity is caused by electrical appliances and can have a negative effect on your health

Common sources of dirty electricity: solar panels connected to the main supply, energy-saving CFL lamps, mains adaptors, chargers and power supplies, TVs and video players, computers, printers, washing machines, fridges, dishwashers, tumble driers, induction hobs, electric car chargers, and so on.
Unlikely sources of dirty electricity: some incandescent bulbs, electrical fires and heaters, as well as immersion heaters, electric showers, and older-type electric ring cookers.

Bespoke EMF personal surveys for homes and workplaces are available

How to minimise dirty electricity (DE) in your home and office? A simple solution to dirty electricity: dirty electricity filters

Dirty electricity filters for electrosmog

Although dirty electricity is very common and can have ill health effects, the solution is very simple: plug in these highly recommended dirty electricity filters, which filter out all that electrosmog. Watch a video below on the electrical nature of life to understand how dirty electricity and electrosmog can affect your life. From my professional experience, most homes have typical levels of dirty electricity 3-25 times over the limit, i.e., between 100 to 800 mV, rising up to about 2500 mV from solar panel inverters. I find that DE levels are higher in towns and densely populated areas, especially in high-rise blocks. The quality of electrical wiring can affect levels of dirty electricity, with older wiring making it more difficult to reduce them.

Plug in dirty electricity filters as close as possible to their source, or it will flow backwards and forwards on the house wiring between the source device and the dirty electricity filters. If you have a lot of dirty electricity and DE filters don’t reduce it enough, try to replace some devices with similar ones that produce less dirty electricity. For example, some low-energy CFL lamps (compact fluorescent light bulbs) produce lots of DE and some relatively little. Usually, most LED lamps produce little DE, and traditional, old-fashioned incandescent lamps produce virtually none. Some dimmer switches produce huge levels of DE, and some relatively low levels. It’s possible that the quality of electrical wiring doesn’t allow for further reduction of dirty electricity, especially if it’s quite old. I sometimes find that no matter how many dirty electricity filters I plug in, the levels stay the same.

I also recommend this powerful mains conditioning filter on an extension lead (if you can find it online – it seems they don’t sell it any more and I don’t have any leads, sorry), which will greatly reduce radio-frequency noise and interference on your house mains electricity supply coming from your computers, TVs, videos, modern switched-mode mains adapters and chargers, etc. The filters are designed to dramatically reduce both “asymmetrical” and “symmetrical” interference. It uses high-frequency capacitors and an inductor/choke, as well as an earth line choke, to stop interference through the mains earth line. It uses a screened mains cable to eliminate the effects of radiated noise interference.

What effect does dirty electricity have on health?

Research shows that dirty electricity is a chronic stressor and is correlated to many diseases and conditions, including, amongst others, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, insomnia, headaches, neurological disorders, arrhythmia, autism and even suicide, as well as general electrosensitivity. (Milham & Stetzer, 2013)

Case studies
A school in Minnesota where dirty electricity meters went completely off the scale had a cancer incidence in teachers nearly three times higher than average. There were also three former students who developed thyroid cancer in their 20s. (Milham & Morgan, 2008).

However, when dirty electricity was reduced by more than 90% in other schools, the health of teachers improved significantly, as did student behaviour in both middle and elementary schools. (Havas & Olstad, 2008)

In another school, the number of students needing inhalers for asthma was reduced, and blood sugar levels for some diabetics responded positively to the removal of dirty electricity in their environment. (Havas, 2008)

An additional study into individuals with multiple sclerosis, after reducing dirty electricity levels, showed their balance improved and they experienced fewer tremors. (Havas, 2006)

“‘Dirty Electricity’ can … be used to describe electric power that has become corrupted by our use of modern appliances. Items such as CFL bulbs, cell phone transmission antennas, power supplies for portable computers, cell phone chargers, dimmer switches, variable speed fans and many other electronic devices that require a transformer to convert the voltage will ‘dirty’ the electricity that enters your home. This form of dirty electromagnetic fields (EMF) is invisible to the eye, but has a biological effect on the human body and has been associated with a wide variety of illnesses.”
Magda Havas, PhD, associate professor of Environmental and Resource Studies at Trent University

Watch Dr Devra Davis, the founding director of the Centre for Environmental Oncology, author of two important books Disconnect: The Truth About Cell Phone Radiation, What the Industry Is Doing to Hide It, and How to Protect Your Family and The Secret History of the War on Cancer

How can I remove dirty electricity from my home or office? The solution is very simple: install DE filters.

Fortunately, the solution to removing dirty electricity is now very simple! Once the DE levels in your environment have been measured, the correct number of dirty electricity meters can then be installed to neutralise the effects in seconds. You should always try to find out what is causing the dirty electricity levels to be high – on your electrical wiring – to establish the best way to reduce it or remove it. The dirty electricity filters, ideally, should be plugged in as close as possible to the source of the DE. For dirty electricity coming into your building from solar panels (big offenders of dirty electricity) or from the incoming electricity supply – plug in the DE filters as close as possible to the fuse box or electricity meter.

The Republic of Kazakhstan and dirty electricity

Some countries take the health of their population very seriously. For example, the Republic of Kazakhstan. From the book called Light That Heals: Energy Medicine Today & Beyond by Donna Fisher: “The International Conference on Electromagnetic Fields and Human Health was held in the Republic of Kazakhstan in September 2003. In November of the same year, the state health department of the Republic of Kazakhstan issued sanitary norms addressing Transient EMF, a move which historically takes decades.” and “The Republic of Kazakhstan has acknowledged that there is no safe level of exposure to dirty electricity. A limit of 50 GS units (industrial) was immediately mandated to protect workers. For the public, in their homes and non-industrial workplaces, a reading less than 30 GS units is easier to achieve.” To find out more about The Republic of Kazakhstan, dirty electricity and electrosmog, read the book Light That Heals: Energy Medicine Today & Beyond by Donna Fisher.

Summary
Microsurge Electrical Pollution (MEP), also known as dirty electricity, refers to spikes and surges of electromagnetic energy travelling along power lines and building wiring. It is a type of electromagnetic interference (EMI) or electrical noise created by many modern electronics, appliances, and energy-efficient lights that manipulate standard alternating current (AC) electricity. The best way to reduce it is to install dirty electricity filters once you’ve measured the levels of dirty electricity.

Contact me if you want a dirty electricity check on your home or office: 07956 288574 or email me

You can purchase dirty electricity filters here but you may need to have a dirty electricity meter (available here) to measure the levels and how the filters are working.

Signal Tamer – WiFi Router Radiation Shield
If you’re worried about your wifi router’s radiation, you can get a signal tamer, WiFi Router Radiation Shield (in the US) and in the UK, WiFi Cover Emf Protection, WiFi Router Cover Radiation Shielding, WiFi Guard Emf Faraday Cage for Router.

References and research on dirty electricity

Havas, M. (2006). Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: Biological effects of dirty electricity with emphasis on diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 25(4), 259–268. https://doi.org/10.1080/15368370601044192
Havas, M. (2008). Dirty electricity elevates blood sugar among electrically sensitive diabetics and may explain brittle diabetes. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 27(2), 135–146. https://doi.org/10.1080/15368370802072075
Havas, M., & Olstad, A. (2008). Power quality affects teacher wellbeing and student behavior in three Minnesota schools. Science of the Total Environment, 402(2–3), 157–162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.04.046
Milham, S., & Morgan, L. L. (2008). A new electromagnetic exposure metric: High frequency voltage transients associated with increased cancer incidence in teachers in a California school. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 51(8), 579–586. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.20598
Milham, S. (2011). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dirty electricity. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 32(8), 634. https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0b013e31822f8da7
Milham, S. (2014). Evidence that dirty electricity is causing the worldwide epidemics of obesity and diabetes. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 33(1), 75–78. https://doi.org/10.3109/15368378.2013.783853
Milham, S., & Stetzer, D. (2013). Dirty electricity, chronic stress, neurotransmitters and disease. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 32(4), 500–507. https://doi.org/10.3109/15368378.2012.743909
Milham, S., & Stetzer, D. (2018). The electronics in fluorescent bulbs and light emitting diodes (LED), rather than ultraviolet radiation, cause increased malignant melanoma incidence in indoor office workers and tanning bed users. Medical Hypotheses, 116, 33–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2018.04.013
de Vocht, F. (2010). “Dirty electricity”: What, where, and should we care? Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 20(5), 399–405. https://doi.org/10.1038/jes.2010.8
de Vocht, F., & Burstyn, I. (2014). Refutation of dirty electricity hypothesis in obesity: Epistemological arguments and trans-disciplinary study using an instrumental variable. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 33(1), 1–2. https://doi.org/10.3109/15368378.2013.852567
de Vocht, F., & Olsen, R. G. (2016). Systematic review of the exposure assessment and epidemiology of high-frequency voltage transients. Frontiers in Public Health, 4, Article 52. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2016.00052
Khaki-Khatibi, F., Pratama, M., & Ghosh, S. K. (2019). Relationship between the use of electronic devices and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis. Cognitive Neurodynamics, 13(3), 287–292. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11571-019-09524-1
Seker, S. S., Cerezci, O., Bayindir, M. F., & Simsek, O. (2024). Electromagnetic high-frequency transients measurements of some household devices. Electromagnetic Sensitivity and Interactions, 1(1), Article 12005. https://doi.org/10.46604/emsi.2023.12005
Havas, M., & Stetzer, D. (2004, October). Dirty electricity and electrical hypersensitivity: Five case studies. In World Health Organization Workshop on Electrical Hypersensitivity, Prague, Czech Republic.
Havas, M., Illiatovitch, M., & Proctor, C. (2004). Teacher and student response to the removal of dirty electricity by the Graham/Stetzer filter at Willow Wood School in Toronto, Canada. In Proceedings of the 3rd International Workshop on the Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (pp. 311–317), Kos, Greece
Dirty Electricity: A Literature Review (short slides presentation) Kar, A. (2020)

Q&A

What is Dirty Electricity?
Dirty electricity refers to irregular electrical signals or high frequency voltage transients that travel along standard electrical wiring designed for 50 or 60 Hz. These disturbances, often termed electrical noise or line noise, are considered a form of electromagnetic field (EMF) pollution within built environments.

What Causes Dirty Electricity?
Dirty electricity arises because modern electronic devices require forms of power that differ from the standard 50 to 60 Hz alternating current (AC) system used in conventional wiring. To function effectively, many devices modify incoming electricity using several techniques:

Converting alternating current (AC) into low voltage direct current (DC)
Drawing power intermittently by rapidly switching on and off
Operating at higher voltage AC levels

These processes disrupt the smooth sinusoidal waveform of standard AC electricity, producing irregular spikes and surges. These disturbances are commonly described as dirty power or electrical noise.

Many contemporary devices, such as televisions, computers, and chargers, typically operate at approximately 120 V and rely on:

Rectifiers, which convert AC to DC
Transformers, which adjust voltage levels

For example, laptop chargers contain transformers that regulate voltage. However, these components often switch rapidly between AC and DC, generating electrical noise.

Once generated, dirty electricity travels through the building’s wiring system, reaching other outlets and potentially spreading to neighbouring properties.

Some Common Dirty Electricity Causes

Computers operate on low voltage DC but are powered by standard AC supply. Internal components such as processors, fans, and audio systems require different voltages. Multiple transformers within the device convert and regulate power, producing electrical noise as a by product.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) operate using high frequency current rather than standard 50 or 60 Hz. They convert AC to DC and then back to high frequency AC. This process generates electrical spikes, contributing to dirty electricity.

Dimmer switches regulate light intensity by rapidly switching electrical current on and off. This intermittent switching alters the normal flow of electricity and generates electrical noise, particularly at lower brightness settings.

Dirty Electricity Effects
Dirty electricity can interfere with the optimal functioning of electrical devices, a phenomenon known as electromagnetic interference (EMI). Appliances connected to the mains supply may receive both standard electrical current and irregular voltage spikes, which can impair performance or lead to malfunction. Some research suggests that such electrical disturbances may also interact with biological systems, potentially affecting physiological processes. As a result, reducing exposure to electrical pollution has been proposed as a precautionary approach.

Can Dirty Electricity Affect Our Health?
Dirty electricity produces electromagnetic frequencies that contribute to overall EMF exposure. Some studies have explored associations between prolonged EMF exposure and various health outcomes, including headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and other physiological conditions.

What EMF Levels Are Safe?
Determining safe EMF exposure levels is complex. Several variables influence potential effects, including:

Frequency and waveform characteristics
Voltage levels
Duration and cumulative exposure

Current regulatory guidelines primarily focus on thermal effects, that is, the capacity of EMFs to raise tissue temperature. Non thermal effects, such as those associated with dirty electricity, remain an area of ongoing research and debate.

How to Minimise Dirty Electricity

Switch Off Appliances: Turning off devices when not in use reduces the generation of electrical noise and overall exposure.

Install EMF Filters: Specialised filters can be installed to reduce high frequency voltage transients in electrical wiring, particularly in areas where occupants spend extended periods. Get your dirty electricity filters today

Swap Fluorescent Bulbs: Replacing compact fluorescent bulbs with alternatives such as LEDs or incandescent bulbs may reduce dirty electricity. However, LED quality varies, and some models may also generate electrical noise, so careful selection is required.

How to Measure Dirty Electricity?
Dirty electricity can be measured using dedicated meters designed to detect high frequency voltage transients and electrical noise within wiring systems.

How many dirty electricity filters do I need?
You will typically need several. While a dirty electricity meter can help determine the appropriate number, it is generally advisable to use more rather than fewer. A single dirty electricity filter must work harder to manage the electrical pollution, whereas using two or three allows the load to be distributed more evenly, resulting in more effective overall performance.

Electrical nature of life

In this introduction to the electrical nature of life, you can get a good overview of how electrosmog and dirty electricity fit into modern feng shui and the science behind it.
Dirty electricity affects our energy – watch the part where Paul talks about dirty electricity – from 1:03:10