Wisconsin farmers have complained for years about the harmful effects of stray voltage, but little is known with certainty about how it affects people, a La Crosse Tribune investigation found.
Stray voltage is electrical current that leaks from power lines into the earth.
At its worst, some say, stray voltage cripples, maims or even kills cows and other animals. Many think what happens to cows also happens to humans. No specific research has been done, but the debate is heated, and mounting evidence points to a possible link between stray voltage and human health. Dr. Henry Anderson, chief medical officer for Occupational and Environmental Health in Wisconsin, said he is not aware of any specific studies looking at stray voltage and its effect on humans. But a review of public and private documents and dozens of interviews with farmers, medical experts, state and utility officials, shows Wisconsin farmers have complained about fatigue, aches and even more serious ailments for years.