Electric Blankets

Electric blankets have been around for some time but recently there is some concern about the safety of them. Some scientists contend that electric or magnetic fields affect cells, alter modes and biological rhythms and promote cancer. The invisible fields at the focus of this dispute are created by the alternating electric current that powers our country. Alternating current changes direction 120 times or 60 full cycles each second a frequency referred to as 60 hertz (HZ). The resulting electric and magnetic fields pulsate at the same rate and are known as 60 hert fields.

These low frequency fields transmit very little energy compared with other forms of electric magnetic energy. The electrical activity of nerve and muscle cells creates current within the body that are at least 100 times more intense than those induced by the strongest of the 60 hert fields.

Scientists and engineers have long assumed that 60 hert fields were far too weak to produce significant biological effects. However, recent research has raised some doubts about that assumption. It is still not known how these fields interact with cells, although it's believed that effects occur at the cell membrane. It is not even clear that weaker fields are safer than stronger ones. A number of studies found, at low intensities, affects that failed to occur at higher intensities.

Electric blankets should never be dry cleaned. Dry cleaning could affect some of the insulation fittings. However, these articles can be washed very successfully. Normal washing with detergents, followed by a thorough rinsing and tumble drying at low heat. Electric blankets should be folded between tissue paper and stored and other heavy materials should not be placed on them during storage.

Source: Norman Oehlke, International Fabricare Institute, June, 1990.

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Updated 8/19/05