Is electricity bad for us?

[Rose of Cairo]

Do you think electricity could be unhealthy for us?

I just spent a few days with no electricity, no phone and no cell phone network in the whole area. There is so much snow here, everything was broken and all roads blocked.

One of my goals for 2009 was to "find my inner peace". Someone told me it's a recurring pattern that I don't feel peaceful inside, and he's right. I tend to permanently feel somewhat restless, nervous, not centered... It's not really bad, but it bugs me and I always try to calm down, without really succeeding at it.

This feeling of restless nervousness was completely gone in those few days! Gone! It was such a big RELIEF, you cannot imagine! I was so thankful and happy and relieved, I was feeling sooooooo peaceful! So truly centered. Like I usually only feel on the top of some big mountain. It was like wow wow wow!!!

I thought it was because of all the snow and the beauty of the landscapes... but now that the electricity is back, I'm back to feeling slightly restless, nervous and agitated, even though the snow is still there and the beauty too.

I'm wondering if maybe electrical devices are bad for us? I don't know, maybe it's this background noise they make that irritates me? Or some electro-magnetic stuff? Or the electric light is too aggressive? I feel SO much better with candles and no electricity.

Does someone know something about that?

I'm making plans to live in a house completely free of electricity. That's to say how much better I felt in those last few days. I'm so impressed.

[freddy]

Intresting idea there> I always feel so much better going camping where there is no electric. And always feel better but just assumed it was getting away from the stress of work. If it is the electricity. Not sure how to live with out it completly where I live.

[lifetimelearner]

I had heard that it could have side effects esp when wires are exposed

here is an excerpt from a study for you -




For many years, scientists have suspected that long-term exposure to extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) may be associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Some studies have shown that EMF exposure can damage DNA in a variety of human and animal cells, while others have shown no significant effect. Now Henry Lai and Narendra P. Singh of the University of Washington offer support for speculation that environmental exposure to EMFs is hazardous and that the effects may be cumulative [EHP 112:687-694]. They also offer a potential cellular mechanism for cell damage associated with EMF exposure that may help explain anomalies reported earlier in the literature.


Lai and Singh's findings support the so-called free radical hypothesis, which posits that extremely-low-frequency EMFs increase free radical activity in cells, thereby causing DNA damage and disturbing other cellular processes and functions. They and others had shown earlier that free radical damage can lead to cellular necrosis and apoptosis. Such effects are particularly troubling in neurons, because these cells cannot divide and are not replaced when they die--thus the potential link to neurodegenerative diseases.



there are numersous other studies showing the same thing




I hope that's what you were looking for

[DerekH]

I wouldn't say that electricity itself is bad. It would be that the devices that run off electricity can be used for bad.

Television, computers, cell phones all have negative aspects about them that a lot of us use as distractions.

Also, I'm going through an electrican apprenticeship, so I will side with electricity .

[Andrew Brunelle]

I've heard and read extensively about EMFs and they are most likely harmful, but what isn't today? It is probably best to avoid continuous exposure to electricity and electronic devices, but I would avoid cell phones and wi-fi more than anything else. Cell phones are at the top of the list because you use it with your head mostly. If you need a cell phone for emergencies, get a prepaid cell phone and put it in your glove compartment. Or use the speakerphone function or some sort of non-Bluetooth Headset.

I think it's wonderful that you are planning a house with no electricity, but it may not be sustainable in today's modern society. It may be a bit isolating, but not outlandish. You could generate your own electricity. Here's an article I loved when I read it about a guy that does just that:

detroitblog » Blog Archive » Solitary man

[Rose of Cairo]

Originally Posted by freddy

I always feel so much better going camping where there is no electric. And always feel better but just assumed it was getting away from the stress of work

Yes I always feel better when I'm for example hiking in very desert mountains... but I always thought it's because of getting away from the noise in the city, or getting away from daily life, or being closer to Nature.... I never thought it could be because of electricity. But now I'm pretty sure it is.

[Rose of Cairo]

Originally Posted by Andrew Brunelle

I think it's wonderful that you are planning a house with no electricity, but it may not be sustainable in today's modern society

Why? I've thought about it, seriously now. I need no fancy electric stuff. I need no light, no electric kitchen equipment and no warm water.

I can heat the house with something else, like wood. I've even heard of ecological houses which are built in such a smart way that they require no heating at all.

The only thing I really need electricity for is my computer. But I exercise anyway. So I thought I could take a home bike with a dynamo, and use it to produce energy that I would store in a battery. And with this battery I'd recharge my laptop from time to time. No problem!

Haven't read the article yet but I will, it sounds interesting. Thanks!

[lifetimelearner]

Originally Posted by Rose of Cairo

I'm making plans to live in a house completely free of electricity. .

I think that is very admirable

[carenkh]

I mentioned Karen Kingston in another post recently, about space clearing - her book was the first place I read about EMF and the negative effects they can have. She's got a little info on her site about it.

[Brutha]

Such effects are particularly troubling in neurons, because these cells cannot divide and are not replaced when they die--thus the potential link to neurodegenerative diseases.

That's wrong. Adult Neurogenesis is a process that shown to exist.
That paper doesn't seem to went through peer review can you cite the study you are quoting from?

there are numersous other studies showing the same thing

I hope that's what you were looking for

Actually those study have nothing to do with the things Rose described.

DNA damage simply doesn't produce a big enough effect during a period of three days.

Have you thought about simply starting a 7 day trial without any using any technological equipment?

[lifetimelearner]

Originally Posted by Brutha

That's wrong. Adult Neurogenesis is a process that shown to exist.
That paper doesn't seem to went through peer review can you cite the study you are quoting from?
Actually those study have nothing to do with the things Rose described.

DNA damage simply doesn't produce a big enough effect during a period of three days.

Have you thought about simply starting a 7 day trial without any using any technological equipment?

this is one of many studies that I have read on this subject

believe what you want and I will do the same

okay so it doesn't specify the exact same symptoms
but I will gladly find one that does

it has been shown to be true that symptoms such as Rose's
" nervousness " could likely have been caused by high EMF's !


I have seen the studies on Adult Neurogenesis because my father died from complications from alzheimers

so trust me I have read a lot trying to save him !!!!!!!!!!!!!



"Although scientists still debate the extent and purpose of neurogenesis in the adult brain, research has identified certain areas of the brain where it is most evident. These areas include the hippocampus, caudate nucleus, and olfactory bulb. "


I will be jumping for glee when they get it all figured out

talking with a man that is your father and he doesn't even know your own name and wears a flipping diaper like a baby
is not my idea of a good time !

[Niamh]

Originally Posted by Rose of Cairo

I can heat the house with something else, like wood. I've even heard of ecological houses which are built in such a smart way that they require no heating at all.

You might like this type of home.
A Low Impact Woodland Home

Here's a quote from the site:

This building is one part of a low-impact or permaculture approach to life. This sort of life is about living in harmony with both the natural world and ourselves, doing things simply and using appropriate levels of technology.

[lifetimelearner]

Originally Posted by Niamh

You might like this type of home.
A Low Impact Woodland Home

Here's a quote from the site:

that is such a cute little house

[Niamh]

Originally Posted by lifetimelearner

that is such a cute little house

And it's so wonderfully powered! Examples:

# Woodburner for heating - renewable and locally plentiful
# Flue goes through big stone/plaster lump to retain and slowly release heat
# Fridge is cooled by air coming underground through foundations
# Skylight in roof lets in natural feeling light
# Solar panels for lighting, music and computing
# Water by gravity from nearby spring
# Compost toilet
# Roof water collects in pond for garden etc.

[Rose of Cairo]

Originally Posted by lifetimelearner

Chronic stress, skin rashes, disturbances in menstrual cycles, headaches, nausea, sleeplessness and fatigue

This seems to apply to me, especially the disturbances in menstrual cycles, headaches, sleeplessness, fatigue and stress (this background nervousness). I always thought it was a consequence of poor diet, I've worked on my diet so much! And it helped. But not even on the most awesome raw diet did I feel the huge peace and relief that I felt in those days without electricity. I also tried all kinds of calming techniques in the past but nothing was nearly as powerful as this absence of technology.

I'm aware of it now. I permanently hear such a very very low brrroommmmmmm and such a very very high sssshhhhhhhh. I don't know if I hear it or if I feel it, it feels more like a vibration. It's driving me crazy! I spent most of the night awake, too nervous to sleep, trying not to get too stressed out by it.

I know I'm going to get used to it again and then I won't hear it anymore, but now I know it's there. I definitely want to go live in a house with no electricity!!!

Just because we invented lots of great technology doesn't mean we have to have it around all the time at home, no?

[Andrew Gubb]

Wow, this is a really interesting thread. I think I better go on a few nature hikes myself...

[lifetimelearner]

Rose I apologize for trying to convince you that all your symptoms could be related to EMF"S but there could be a chance that they may

there is an instrument that reads EMF"s that could be used in your home so you can find out the truth

it's would be great if we could all make the effort to use less electricity so we can contribute to saving our planet and in the long run will be better for all of us


peace

[Rose of Cairo]

Originally Posted by lifetimelearner

Rose I apologize for trying to convince you that all your symptoms could be related to EMF"S but there could be a chance that they may

Hey, no need to apologize for anything! You're not trying to convince me, I'm already convinced it's from the electricity. Maybe from EMFs, maybe just from this background noise that electrical devices make, or maybe from too aggressive electrical light... I don't know, but it's something related to electricity.

It's not like I'm sick or anything like that! I'm fine. I just have a tendency for insomnia, sometimes headaches that I cannot explain, menstruation issues that I cannot explain, etc. And always this background nervousness! It's not like I'm jumping around feeling panic, it's more such a subtle inner restlessness, such a feeling of not being really grounded, or centered, and not being able to truly concentrate.

I swear, this was gone in those few days without electricity! I'm sorry for repeating, but it really was gone, I was feeling sooo peaceful. Ah, what a relief!

there is an instrument that reads EMF"s that could be used in your home so you can find out the truth

I don't know if there is an objective truth in that matter. Maybe some people are more sensitive to electricity than others? The other family members don't hear those brroommmmm and sssshhhhhh that I hear, and they didn't feel better without electricity, so maybe the same EMFs that bother me would not bother them?

But I swear I'm not imagining this!

[The Cloud]

I could certainly understand a sense of peace in not being able to communicate with the outside world. It'd probably be a lot easier not to stress over other people when you can't interact with them.

[DerekH]

Originally Posted by Rose of Cairo

And always this background nervousness! It's not like I'm jumping around feeling panic, it's more such a subtle inner restlessness, such a feeling of not being really grounded, or centered, and not being able to truly concentrate.

When I'm reading a book, watching a movie, talking with others, this is a constant type of thing that I notice in myself.

I would find it difficult to believe that electricity or EMF would be the problem causing this in my case. I think I'm just stuck in my head and I need to learn to chill out!

[Brutha]

"Although scientists still debate the extent and purpose of neurogenesis in the adult brain, research has identified certain areas of the brain where it is most evident. These areas include the hippocampus, caudate nucleus, and olfactory bulb. "

Yes, that makes the paper wrong since the paper says that neurons can't devide and generally aren't replaced.
That a fault that shouldn't exist in a peer reviewed paper.

If someone can't do his basic math, the results of his advanced calculations don't deserve much trust.

[funchy]

I bet it has more to do with stress. No electricity means no TV, no lights, no computer, probably no phone, no vacuum cleaning, possibly no water, and no background noise. Basically all there is left to do is to relax and just be. And when we're all stuck at home together, people have time for each other

Supposedly after huge storms when power is out for days, the birth rate 9 months later peaks. Is that true? I don't know.

I know I look forward to winter blizzards not just for the lack of electricity but for the lack of background noise, a change in routine, and ability to talk to people who'd be too busy otherwise. I'm able to skip out on vacuuming without feeling guilt. I don't have to cook dinner or do dishes (because I can't). It's a vacation in my home.

I am going to be the skeptic here and say that having electricity has more benefits that any dangers. We get safe food, protection from heat extremes (imagine no A/C), security, water, and information. Without electricity none of us would have an Internet forum to discuss the dangers of electricity.

[Rose of Cairo]

Originally Posted by funchy

I bet it has more to do with stress. No electricity means no TV, no lights, no computer, probably no phone, no vacuum cleaning, possibly no water, and no background noise. Basically all there is left to do is to relax and just be.

In theory I agree with you, but certainly not in this case! We were certainly not just relaxing and being!

This was the worst snow in 22 years here (up to my hips). We're on a farm. This snow meant all animals were being blocked in snow with nothing to eat. I had to fight my way through the snow to feed the rabbits. We couldn't bring any hay to the cows because of a big tree fallen across the road and we were worried about them, especially the little calves freezing in snow as high as them. The roofs aren't built for such a snow, so they broke in many places, and on top of that our generator died. We had to deal with inundations and with defrosting deep freezers and with branches threatening to fall on our heads because of the weight. We didn't know how long it would last, if everything in the deep freezers would be lost, if we could get to the cows any time soon, etc, and we could not even call for help. So there definitely was some nervous tension in the air. My mother was very very anxious, she's very scared in such situations, and she got angry all the time, lashing out at everybody because of her fear.

All this to expain that no, it was not a relaxing experience like sitting together and having nothing to stress over. And despite of all this, I felt peaceful like I never had before, except for when I'm hiking in some desert mountains. For me it makes no doubt it's about electricity.

[Rose of Cairo]

Btw, I'm not saying electricity is all bad. I've simply just realized it also has negative consequences, at least on me.

For sure it's very useful and even saves many lives. Nothing against that. We don't need to have it around us in our homes all the time though. I won't.

[Victor Vikingr]

If you realize your vision of a house without electricity, will you share your experience and make a how-to?

That'd be awesome!

By the way, how are the animals now? Everybody okay?

[funchy]

Originally Posted by Rose of Cairo

In theory I agree with you, but certainly not in this case! We were certainly not just relaxing and being! ...

All this to expain that no, it was not a relaxing experience like sitting together and having nothing to stress over. And despite of all this, I felt peaceful like I never had before, except for when I'm hiking in some desert mountains. For me it makes no doubt it's about electricity.

But that is what it means to just be. Imagine if you were an early human before civilization, clocks, laws, bosses, books, or vehicles. You got up and did your chores and each task was an accomplishment. There was no over-analyzing or decision making. And at the end of the day you were probably tired but felt good.

Don't confuse obvious external stress (eg. a grumpy family member) with the more dangerous quiet inner stress (eg. working to a timetable, rushing, deciding, coping, watching the clock, answering the phone, multitasking, changing-tasking, dealing with a social life+homelife+worklife+strangers, and so on). By removing technology and having to do farm chores the hard way, you were restored to the more natural, primal state of being.

I am of the opinion that people did not evolve to cope with the modern world. We try to deal with all the artificial constructs in our modern day, and it's no surprise many of us end up feeling drained.

BTW I love snow. Send me a plane ticket and I'll help you dig out your barns and walkways. LOL We haven't had a halfway decent blizzard here in years. I was wearing shorts yesterday which is crazy for this climate. Let it snow!

[Starman]

Originally Posted by Rose of Cairo

Do you think electricity could be unhealthy for us?

Hi Rose,

That is so interesting! I think you should try to repeat the experience you had without electricity, and make this a topic of research. You might be on to something important.

[lifetimelearner]

EMF Meter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Brutha]

so I don't pull from bogus studies

The act of pulling from studies means that you say study X said Y.
That allows other people to follow your argumentation.

Not doing that means either that you simply don't know any better or you want to make it harder for other people to evaluate your arguments.

I do not understand the anger in your responses

Additionally plagiarism is something that might raise some of my emotions as I'm trained in university that plagiarism is morally bad.
It's cheating that might get you kicked out and violates other peoples rights. (I deleted one post of lifetimelearner that was completely plagiarized and therefore not allowed by our forum rules or even legal in states like the US)

[phantom3165]

I like your question and I enjoyed the replies. I guess for me that question can be answered several ways depending on what you mean and what your aim in life is. If your referring to the benefits we receive from device powered by it then yes it is wonderful and bad. Wonderful in it allows us more free time to do what we like, bad in that it separates us from nature and ourselves. It also is used mostly as a way to enable us to be lazy and distracted all of the time. Spiritually it is considerably the worst invention we ever created. Not only does it affect our own energy fields and confuse our psychic abilities, it keeps us in imagination and always wanting more. Where do you think ADD came from and just research what television actually does to our brain waves when you are engrossed in it. Once upon a time we lived in small communities and each person mattered to the other. We spent time in the fields working our crops mostly as a family or tending livestock but we put in a good days work and we lived more in harmony with nature. Families invested more time in each other and spent quality time really interacting not tranced out in front of the tv watching dramas or playing video games. We only took what we needed from nature. We had elders we respected and they retold the stories or our ancestors and also passed down myths and allegories that enabled us to understand the unknown and develop morals. We were forced to live in small communities because information,safety, and travel were all very limited. Spiritually we were much more attuned with each other and the universe.
I think personally that electricity and civilization hand in hand have considerably weakened our spiritual nature and our connection to God. i hope that has given you something to consider.