3rd Harmonics in electrical power systems can be likened to a virus in biological systems. They cause all manner of disturbances including damage to utility equipment, electrical appliances, and sometimes animals and people. Are they especially harmful to children?
In healthy homes and offices, current harmonics caused by electrical devices and running on power lines and ground current are minimal—especially the 3rd-order “triplen” harmonics. However, if 180 HzB (the 3rd harmonic of 60 Hz) makes up a significant portion of your ambient AC magnetic field environment, then Houston, we have a problem.
The Big Picture: Non-linear Power Causes Electrical Distortions
In North America, “hitch-hiking” harmonics found on power grids distribution lines and unbalanced ground return currents are generated by “non-linear” loads that draw current in abrupt pulses rather than a smooth sinusoidal waves. This causes waveform distortions that not only reduce equipment lifespan, but can be harmful to people — especially to vulnerable populations.
Nonlinear household gadgets (ex. light dimmers, computers, TVs, lights and phone chargers) are generators of 3rd-order and other harmonics inside your home electrical circuits. They’re due largely to ubiquitous “switch mode power supply” devices that are designed primarily for energy efficiency.
Outside, unfiltered solar and telecom backup inverters, EV chargers, variable-speed pool pumps and asynchronized motors add still more distortion onto the shared grid. In most neighborhoods a great collection of harmonic currents funnel into the same utility transformers—those shared units then feed clusters of homes or businesses. This cumulative effect multiplies the magnitude of this distortion as it passes through to your home or office power feed.
Often, these amplified harmonics ride along overhead and underground distribution lines that are located uncomfortably close to houses and offices. The end result is a massively polluted power network—pushing “dirty electricity” and “dirty magnetics” into living and work spaces, even out in some yards where kids play.
Awareness, proper measurement, mitigation or avoidance of these harmonics is crucial for creating healthier spaces and to protect vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women and children.
Third Current Harmonics: Proven to Harm Equipment
For many years, engineers have documented how the 3rd current harmonic (60 Hz x 3), aka 180 HzB, can harm equipment because it has a complex and distorted waveform. Put simply, it’s got more “oomph” than a regular 60Hz fundamental frequency. 180 HzB ramps up the current in electrical circuits very rapidly, causing malfunctioning and premature failure of devices. In particular, it can:
- Cause electric meters to read inaccurately
- Cause circuit breakers to trip
- Cause motors and transformers to prematurely burn out
- Cause neutral wires in a system to overheat
- Cause electronic equipment to fail
- Interfere with broadcasting and recording studios
- Critical system errors: In sensitive settings like naval vessels or radar installations, harmonics can cause false readings, degraded signals, or equipment failure.
180 HzB Biological Effects: Animals and People
Current Triplin Harmonics are not only hard on equipment, but they are biological irritants that can stress both animals and people. This may be due to the fact that biological tissues are semi-permeable to these magnetic fields, making them more invasive.
In studies of 1,705 cows in five midwest dairy farm herds over a period of 517 days, Michigan State University researchers found that animal exposure to 3rd Harmonic Current accounted for decreases in -9 pounds of milk per cow per day (Hillman, 2010). This is a major biological effect, and with cows there are no placebo effects.
In terms of human exposure, some Building Biology consultants have observed client histories of cancer in homes where proportionally higher 3rd Harmonics were measured. In one Thousand Oaks home I tested, where the son was undergoing treatment for Childhood Leukemia at UCLA, I found 180 HzB levels 22 times higher than other homes down the same street. A Coincidence?
These anecdotal stories fit with earlier research done by engineers and epidemiologists in a Denver electricity exposure study. Researchers noted that when they found childhood leukemia, there often were more triplin harmonics in the victim’s homes (radiated from power lines), and they recommended further study…
“…it might be profitable to view the 180 Hz and/or harmonic magnetic field as a surrogate for another exposure that is more fundamentally connected to leukemia risk.” Bioelectromagnetics
Considerations for Children and Pregnant Women
Childhood Leukemia risk from chronic 180 HzB exposure seems plausible to me as these fields induce higher current density in a child’s body. Children have smaller bodies, developing nervous systems, more conductive tissue and longer lifetimes of exposure compared to adults, putting them at even greater risk of harm from radiation exposure. Their cells are dividing and growing at a higher rate, so DNA damage is magnified.
While no studies directly address in-utero exposure to 180 Hz harmonics, related research on pregnant moms exposed to ELF fields (including current harmonics) strongly suggest potential biological effects. Dr. Li at Kaiser Permanente Research Division in N. California has published several studies showing in-utero exposures to even low levels of AC Magnetic Fields are linked to adverse maternal outcomes. This is why I include 180HzB testing in my Baby & Nursery Safe Home EMF Assessment.
Adult Body Modeling Of Current Exposure: Some High Octane Speculation
A 3D model of human current exposure densities induced in the human body (fig. 4) shows maximum peak current values appearing in neck, knees and ankles. They appear to be “choke points” for ELF-MF current densities.
Interestingly, the thyroid is located in the mid-line of the neck. Might some 180 HzB exposure levels someday be linked to Thyroid Cancer?
In this literature review, researchers discuss how prolonged exposure to power frequencies can lead to disorders in the thyroid gland’s homeostasis. In one animal study, the neuroendocrine system was modulated by magnetic fields. In the Journal, Oncotarget, researchers consider how ELF radiation exposure may adversely affect bone mineral density, thyroid pathology, and oxidative stress levels.
Clearly, we need more research on 180HzB biological effects — especially non-industry funded studies. What I can say, at this point, is that I’ve met quite a few people who don’t do well in environments where triplin harmonics are elevated. Here are a few examples:
Real Life Story
“Wendy,” an electrosensitive client from Ventura County, met me in front of a tract home in a master-planned community in Thousand Oaks with buried underground power. I had previously measured two distinct EMF features of this property. First, it had extremely low levels of RF radiation from cell towers–a great benefit. Second, I had measured magnetic fields with higher than normal levels of 180 HzB current harmonics all along the sidewalk and the entire front yard due to an imbalance of neutral return current flowing on the street.
Wendy rang the front doorbell and then stood a foot or two away waiting for me to greet her. When I opened the front, she wasn’t smiling. It was obvious that something was wrong. In fact, Wendy looked agitated, pale and a bit queasy. I asked how she was feeling and Wendy described some very unpleasant, nauseous sensations.
I suggested we walk around the side of the house to the backyard. There, the 180 HzB measurements were 60% lower than the front yard and wow it made a difference. Wendy began to smile once again, remarking how much better she felt away from the street. Being in an environment of low 180 HzB exposure provided her a great sense of relief and peace.
The Interaction between Power Lines, Air Ion Imbalances and 3rd Harmonics
In this study, proximity to power lines was shown to produce higher levels of positively charged air ions. Using equipment that counts the number of ions per cubic centimeter (ions/cc) in air, I have confirmed this dynamic. When taking field measurements, I have found that higher levels of 180 HzB current riding on power lines next to a dwelling also increases the number of positively charged air ions in adjacent dwellings.
Some researchers have suggested that exposure to positively charged air ions may be associated with decreased pulmonary performance and exacerbate asthmatic symptoms and other respiratory irritations. For example, Lipin et al. showed that breathing positively ionized air significantly worsened exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children.
Leadership of the Center for Environmental Therapeutics point to evidence that boosting beneficial negative air ionization (NAI) in dwellings can improve blue mood, help with better work concentration, and less exhaustion. I sometimes recommend NAI boosting devices (active and passive designs) to persons who must live or work near overhead power lines that cause air ion electrostatic imbalances. Nevertheless, avoiding anomalously high levels of triplin harmonics (and the positive ions they produce) is always advisable.
⚠️ Changing Standards For Measuring Current Harmonics
The rise of 3rd current harmonics (180 HzB) in homes and outdoor environments makes monitoring these distortions more critical than ever because this frequency seems to have a multiplier effect. Unlike earlier decades, when harmonic distortion was less prevalent due to fewer non-linear devices, today’s widespread use of electronic equipment has significantly increased 180 HzB harmonic levels both inside and outside of dwellings. This shift raises concerns about potential health impacts because the 3rd current harmonic seems to make fundamental 60 Hz magnetic fields more biologically active.
IARC 2B classification as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” relates to power line exposure as a whole, but do not specify more dangerous harmonics. The BioInitiative Report has strict standards for exposure to ELF Magnetic Fields, in general, but not for specific harmonic frequencies, as far as I know. Nor do guidelines from EUROPAEM 2016 elucidate on specific higher frequency exposures—but they do recommend that distinct harmonics should be evaluated more cautiously and critically.
The new 2024 Building Biology standards and guidelines state: “Finally, we would also like to point out that, for AC electric and magnetic fields (Standard Points A1 and A2), new factors were developed for assessing frequencies higher than the usual power line frequency of 50 or 60 Hertz and predominant harmonics (among others, “dirty power”).”
My interpretation after reading the fine print on section A2 of the German Building Biology guidelines is that for sensitive populations, current harmonic exposures should be 10 to 100 times LOWER than for 60 Hz field exposure limits.
As 180 HzB harmonic levels continue to rise, frequency-specific exposure standards should be developed to better protect children, the unborn and those with compromised immune systems.
🏠 Why Real Estate EMF Inspections Should Include the Triplin Current Harmonic
Many sellers and real estate agents are unaware of the nuances of power frequency pollution—let alone 180 HzB harmonics—so they are never tested, analyzed or disclosed. This leaves a critical gap in understanding the true environmental quality of a space. Understanding your exposure to 180 HzB is essential for making informed decisions about a property’s safety and long-term suitability.
Minimizing exposure to this frequency is critically important in areas where you spend extended periods of time—such as where you sleep or sit for long hours, whether at home or at work. These are the zones where your body is most vulnerable to chronic low-level exposure.
🧰 Depending on the source of the harmonics, there are often effective and practical ways to reduce their presence. Proper aftermarket power conditioning equipment and changing/replacing light dimmers, for example, can often reduce 180 HzB for a healthier, more restful, and more productive environment.
To assess ambient levels of 180 HzB, I use the NFA 1000 meter by Gigahertz Solutions—an instrument made in Germany. I also complement my assessment with a spectrum analyzer to evaluate the power circuit and identify specific harmonic signatures.
⚡ When Nearby Utility Power Lines Pose Unacceptable Risks
If nearby utility power lines are creating both elevated 60 Hz power and triplen harmonic exposures to adjacent dwellings, the situation becomes more challenging. Sometimes there are work-arounds but they are expensive. In some cases, it may be wise for the realtor to guide the buyer toward alternative properties with lower environmental risk.
However, not all power lines—whether overhead or underground—pose the same level of concern. Appearances can be deceiving, and assumptions are risky. That’s why on-site testing with professional-grade equipment is essential. You simply won’t know the true exposure levels until you measure.
If you would like to schedule a home or office assessment or need a real estate pre-purchase assessment, please contact me. It would my pleasure to help you.