08/21/06 Utilities Can't Be Trusted For Advice On Health Effects Of 'dirty Electricity'

Dear Editor: While we appreciated The Capital Times' coverage of the presentations on "dirty electricity" (Aug. 2 article), there are a few clarifications.

It's not a "new" issue for me. I've been researching and writing about it for more than seven years.

Readers should examine the "Canadian health study" mentioned by Mark Williamson with the American Transmission Co. (Go to www.bccdc.org and search on "dirty electricity.") It might seem authoritative, but a closer review indicates otherwise. The instruments the "researchers" used weren't even capable of accurately measuring many of the electrical phenomena of interest. It's characteristic of utility-sponsored research, which consists largely of half-truths and technical jargon.

The so-called study is buried where utilities can refer to it, but it's not so accessible that it attracts public attention. The study underwent no independent peer review. Mr. Williamson knows of these inaccuracies.

When ATC receives questions about health effects associated with the electrical distribution and transmission system, the firm continues to refer to an outdated site maintained by someone who serves as an expert witness and consultant for the utilities. This is hardly an independent source of information.

The filters developed by David Stetzer are only one method of addressing the problem. The utilities continue to ignore recommendations by their own experts that would effectively prevent dirty electricity. It's unfortunate that consumers have to bear the expense and inconvenience of protecting themselves against a defective product delivered by a monopoly.

Anyone interested in obtaining an electronic copy of two reports concerning Magda Havas' findings can contact me directly. The health benefits associated with reducing levels of dirty electricity are often immediate and profound. In a study conducted by a UW medical researcher, mitigating the electromagnetic environment also had positive effects on the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. For reasons that aren't entirely clear, the results have not yet been submitted for publication.

Havas' studies are not the final word on the topic, but they certainly raise interesting questions. Also remember that her research was largely self-funded and conducted on a shoestring.

We need an independent study of the health effects of dirty electricity in our schools before we funnel even more electricity through an outdated, defective and dangerous system. The costs of such a study would be minuscule compared to the amount ATC spends on promotion and public relations.

I would dearly love to learn that my concerns are unfounded, but it would be extremely foolish to rely on advice from people like Williamson and other agents of the utilities.

The utilities have been enormously effective in discrediting any research linking the electromagnetic environment with negative health effects. The end result is that many of us continue to sacrifice our health to support their enormous profits.