Tag: EMF Health
Unhealthy Electromagnetic Frequencies
EMF 0 Comments Electromagnetic Frequencies Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity EMF-home-inspection
Electro-magnetic fields (EMFs) are man-made and is an increasing threat in this modern world. We need to know what it is, the source of it, and how it harms in order to minimize our exposure to the health risks it poses as much as possible.
If you think you are living a rather healthy lifestyle yet are often sickly without being able to find the cause, you might be a victim of this silent killer.
There are two types of EMFs—natural and man-made. We will discuss here, the man-made EMFs that seem to pose a far greater threat to our health. They are all around us, yet we are rather oblivious to the extent of harm it can cause to our health and our family’s health. This is the dark side of technology, and the price we have to pay for modernization and convenience.
What is Electro-Magnetic Radiation (EMR)?
EMF radiations are invisible forces that occur when electrical current flows through an electrical device. Electric and magnetic fields emanate outwards and affecting everything around them.
The intensity of the field varies with voltage. The higher the voltage, the stronger the electric fields. Interaction between the electricity and magnetic fields produces electro-magnetic radiation (EMR).
Exposure to an electric field can sometimes be weakened by things around it. It can sometimes be felt, making your skin or hair tingle. However, the magnetic field travels through most things, and cannot be felt.
Radiation is an energy that takes the form of waves, spreading outwards from its source, very much like ripples in water that move outwards when a pebble is dropped into it. EMR passes through space at the speed of light at about 300 million meters per second and it interacts with things around it.
How EMFs Affect Our Health
We are fundamentally electro-magnetic beings with micro electrical currents being generated to control our bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, thought, movements, etc. Disturbances to this “electrical” network in our body can cause malfunctioning of our internal organs, especially to the brain.
Exposure to consistent external frequency for more than a few minutes can cause our body’s electrical functionality to be disrupted. This is true even with exposures to very weak EMFs.
Research has documented that prolonged exposure to EMFs can reduce the brain’s protective mechanism and causes psychiatric disorders like depression, shortened attention span and insomnia. It also interferes with the body’s natural healing process.
Our human bodies are very sensitive to EMFs. When we interact with natural energies, we reinforce the natural balance within our energy system. But when we are exposed to man-made EMFs which are unnatural for our bodies, they create a chaotic situation that is harmful. Our bodies absorb and store the energy fields that weaken our immune system, resulting to various illnesses and diseases.
Some diseases linked to constant exposure to EMFs: Headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, memory loss, miscarriages, birth defects, leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumor and even cancer.
Electro-pollution: Look at the dangers around you
Contrary to what we may think, low dose exposure doesn’t mean low risk. In fact, low level EMF exposures increase health risks!! And here are some unlikely suspects:
Wi-Fi Dangers
Wireless routers—as well as Bluetooth and similar wireless systems—give off electromagnetic radiation in the low-gigahertz frequency. This level is considered potentially dangerous to people. And the danger is compounded by several factors:
- Just like the wireless signals themselves, the EMFs can pass through walls.
- Most routers are not turned off at night, so you are exposed 24/7.
- You are not only exposed to EMFs from your own router. Did you ever search for a wireless signal and see not only your wireless network, but also your neighbor’s and the one from the business down the street? All of them emit EMFs.
Increasingly, scientists and researchers are uncovering the health risks of EMFs. Depending on the level and the length of exposure, those risks are potentially dangerous:
- Contributes to the development of insomnia
- Damages childhood development
- Affects cell growth
- Derails brain function
- Reduces brain activity
- Affects fertility
- Increases heart rate that provokes cardiac stress
- Increases risk of tumor development
Radiowaves Energy
Radiowaves are energy emitted by radio stations to receiving units in your home devices. All wireless technology has its own frequency band, like remote controllers for your automatic gate, home alarm systems, cordless phones, cell phones, radio, remote controlled toys, digital baby monitor, global positioning system (GPS), etc.
Radiowaves can produce deep heating into our body organs without affecting the skin. Non-thermal effects emanating from these devices have been proven to be even more harmful, causing: headaches, disturbance in sleep patterns, shortened attention span, increased blood pressure, damage to eyes especially when glaucoma medication are also taken, childhood leukemia, growth of cancer cells in brain, and many more.
The video clip below shows you the radiowaves emitted from ringing cell phones that can pop corns. Imagine how it can also burn your brain out !!
Safety precautions on using cell phones:
- Avoid using mobile or cordless phones for an extended period, if you can.
- If you really have to use the phone, make your calls short or use a handsfree set.
- Avoid using the phone in poor signal areas—handsets will automatically adjust to increase their broadcast power under this circumstance.
- Use an external (bluetooth) earpiece that keeps the phone away from your head.
- If you wear glasses, go for plastic frames or non-metal frames. Good conductor material can serve as an antenna to channel radiowaves directly into your brain.
Television Waves and Extremely Low Frequency (ELF)
Television sets radiate EMF in all directions when plugged in, not just while turned on. Larger screens may radiate a stronger field that can even penetrate walls. Video display terminals (VDTs) are included in this category, emitting very low frequency which interferes with our internal electrical system.
Other devices that emit ELF: Computers, laser printers, photocopiers, electric blankets, electric clocks.
Computer: According to Peggy Bentham in her book VDU Terminal Sicknesses, she mentioned eight type of EMR from computers. (And I’m also exposed to the risks as I create this website.):
- X-rays, stronger in color VDUs
- Ultraviolet radiation
- Infrared radiation
- Microwaves
- Radio waves
- Extremely low frequency
- Very low frequency fields
- Static electricity
Some of the health risks from long-term exposure to computers and VDUs: miscarriages, low birth weights, eye problems, hearing problem, suppressed immune system, hyperactivity in young children, skin irritation, etc.
Safety Precautions on Using TVs and VDUs:
- Sit at least 24 inches away (ideal) from the screen.
- EMFs radiate from all sides of the computer, especially from the top and back. Sit at least 3 feet away from a computer that is in operation.
- Avoid working at the VDU for more than 2 hours a day (rather impossible for me!)
- Switch off the power of your TV or computer when not in use.
- Wear UV-protection eye glasses if possible, to reduce the UV radiation that can cause cataract.
- Put some live plants next to your computer. The leaves can help absorb some infrared radiation and produce negative ions that are necessary for our bodies.
Power Stations
Power transmission lines carry very high voltages and emit both electrical and magnetic fields. How close is YOUR home to power lines? A safe distance is about 1,000 feet away.
Substations might be closer to home and they give off very high magnetic fields.
EMFs emitted from your neighborhood transformer are rather high too, but due to its small structure, the field strength diminishes rapidly with distance. So, the further your home is from any power stations or neighborhood transformer, the better.
All of us walking on the street may be exposed to EMFs from these transmission lines. Scientific studies have found a link between increased rates of cancer and proximity to power lines.
Another study by epidemiologist, Dr Nancy Wertheimer from the University of Colorado, showed that children living near these backyard power lines had 3 times the likelihood of developing childhood leukemia and cancer. Children are more susceptible to exposure to EMFs.
Many other studies have confirmed her findings and found increased risk of leukemia, lymphomas, brain tumor, cancer of the brain and nervous system. There are also links of EMFs and other mysterious diseases, sudden death of babies, fatigue, extreme headaches, disorders of the central nerve system and exhaustion.
Dangers in the Medical Field
Diagnostic X-rays and scans expose you to unnecessary radiation. Professor and Director of Medical Physics at Hammersmith Hospital in London wrote: “Medical irradiation is by far the largest man-made contribution to the radiation burden of the population of developed countries.”
X-rays
X-rays are ionizing radiation that are damaging. There is no such thing as a “safe” X-ray. The few kinds of X-rays: mammograms, bone X-rays, dental X-rays, CT scans and fluoroscopy.
X-rays have higher energy than light waves that can pass through the body. The high energy radiation can cause damage to cells in the body, which increases the risk of developing cancer. Even though the risk is rather low, it increases with the increasing number of X-rays you are exposed to during your lifetime.
CT Scan
CT (computerized tomography) scan is a moving beam of X-rays that create a 3-dimensional picture, (e.g. the brain). And because it shoots so many fine-beam X-rays all at one, the dose of radiation received is much higher than that of a standard X-ray.
Radiation exposure does most damage to cells during rapid growth, therefore, babies and young children are at a far greater risk from these exposures.
Mammography
The ionizing radiation in mammography poses cumulative cancer risks. The radiation absorbed dose (RAD) is about 1,000 times more than a chest X-ray. If a pre-menopausal woman undergoes annual screening over a 10-year period, it would have exposed her to 10 RADs on each breast, bringing the cumulative risk to 10%.
Breast tissues are extremely susceptible to radiation-induced cancer. So, you can see that mammograms can initiate the very breast cancer that women want to avoid by taking annual mammograms!! Avoid it at all costs.
Hazards in Our Households
Most household electrical appliances also emit EMFs but at a much lower risk. Here is a highlight of some:
- Fluorescent light: emits EMR at the energies of visible and UV light. Prolonged exposure has been found to cause red blood cells to clump together, reducing alertness, causing a tired feeling. Always opt for natural sunlight where possible.
- Electric clocks that comes with a radio have a moderately high EMF. Avoid putting these at your bedside if possible.
- Electric blankets create EMFs that can penetrate 6-7 inches into the body. An epidemiological study has linked electric blankets with miscarriages and childhood leukemia.
- Other electrical items emitting low-level EMF: hair dryer, electric shaver, hair dryer, vacuum cleaner, microwave oven, washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, etc.
Safety Precautions You Can Take At Home:
- Grow some plants indoors. Plants are natural eco-friendly air purifiers and their leaves can help absorb some infrared radiation and produce negative ions that are necessary for our bodies.
- Detoxify radiation with clay bath and green juices.
- Practice grounding every day to detoxify and discharge radiation from your body.
- Use electrical items for only brief periods. Switch off the power of all electronic items when not in use, including your router.
- Even though laptops are called such because they are used on the laps, use it on a desk instead, to protect your reproductive system health.
- Remove all electrical appliances at least 6 feet away from your bed.
- Do not put your cell phone under your pillow as an alarm clock. It emits EMF even when not in use.
- Avoid prolonged exposure of your children to television, computers and tablets.
- Minimize the use of electrical devices like the radio and microwave oven. Turn off the power when not in use.
Churches Are Leasing Spires for 20-35 Years for Cellphone Towers
EMF 0 Comments Cell Towers EMF-home-inspection
Wed., Oct. 4, 2017
By Jack O’Dwyer
“The initial lease offered a property owner is usually quite one-sided in favor of the wireless company,” says an essay posted on the website of the law firm.
Suc
h leases can significantly affect a church for decades such as restricting how the church uses its property, says John Pestle, partner in charge of the firm’s communication law practice. Alterations may be “more difficult, more expensive or even impossible,” it adds.
Churches should make sure they are not exposed to liability or restricted in its main operations, it also says. Restrictions should be put on the size of the antennas, it adds since “the fine print often provides that the wireless company can put up any kind of broadcasting antenna it wants.”
The new 4G and 5G cellphone antennas work over much shorter distances than earlier antennas. Hundreds of thousands of new transmitting statio
ns will be needed and churches are a prime target of AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and the other telecoms. Church steeples have been sought as stations since the early 1990s, said California Watch, which merged with revealnews.org.
There are 350,000 religious facilities in the U.S.—314,000 Protestant and Christian; 24,000 Catholic, and 12,000 mosques, temples and non-Christian.
DCG, which helps churches to market their spires to telecoms, dismisses EMF health claims in two sentences midway through a 1,073-word release. “Many people still fear that cellular towers pose a health hazard because the equipment emits levels of radiation. Although there’s little evidence to support claims that cellular towers are dangerous, it is a common fear.
Copyright © 1998-2017
J.R. O’Dwyer Company, Inc.
Top 8 radiation sources at your home
EMF 0 Comments Electromagnetic Frequencies Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Safty and Remediation
That tower, outside your home should concern you and rightly so. But did you ever stop to fret about the radiation from your cellphone or WiFi or Stabilizer or even from your electric shaver?
As much as Internet and telecommunication have become the part of our modern lives, Cell towers have become a feature of city skylines. The profusion of cellular technology and cell towers have caused a concern on the health impact of radiation of humans. Even as cell phone towers are the most visible sources of radiation – there are greater issues and sources of radiation in our homes, offices, and other life spaces that we are unaware of and are blind-sided to.
Look around yourself and make a note of the number of wireless, technology and electronics devices, products around yourself. Close your eyes and think of your mother’s time – how many of these devices would have been there in her time. Your grandmother? In 3 generations – the world has changed for the better and the worse. These devices emit radiation (of different intensities) most of which is not very healthy. With the advent of 24*7 hyper connectivity, IoT, Smart homes, Home automation, our exposure to such radiation is only going to compound manifold.Depending upon our lifestyles and habits, we have multiplied our ElectroMagnetic (EMF) Radiation exposures from 100X (hundred-fold) to 10,00,000X (million-fold).
Any device running on electricity generates an Electro-Magnetic field (EMF) around itself. Prolonged exposure to any such EMF is associated as a health risk. Epidemiological research has consistently associated high EMF with health effects (including cancer). These health risks include Autism in children, enhanced risks of Parkinson’s and Alzhemier’s; and infertility in adults. While the evidence linking EMF radiation to these health hazards is scratchy and not well formed, a precautionary approach will be prudent. The risk from EMF is compounded by the fact that it is invisible and insensible.
Here’s a list of the top 8 EMF radiation sources at your home. Check yourself on these device EMF parameters.
1. Cellphone
A mobile phone is the most personal device ever, and incidentally, a mini-microwave that you are carrying around.
Risk Profile: Radiation from a mobile phone increases exponentially in low coverage areas, or shadow zones. The biggest risk is the proximity of a mobile phone – it radiates at close quarters to the brain.
Hack : Use an earpiece. It helps negate upto 98% of cell phone radiation
2. WiFi
While we have problems with cell towers outside, ironically, we are at ease with a mini cell tower in home. A WiFi after-all is a mini cell tower.
Risk Profile: WiFis are seldom switched off. Therefore we have a low din- consistent and perpetual radiation exposure.
Hack : Switch it off when not in use. Try using Wired internet wherever possible.
3. Stabilizer/Inverter
These “purchase and forget” appliances are the highest sources of in-premise EMF. The older these appliances, the greater the EMF.
Risk Profile: These devices co-habit living spaces and create high EMF even at 3-5 feet distances. Do you have a stabilizer in your bedroom? Spending long hours in your day beside these appliances and that is a key risk.
Hack : Remove stabilizer from your bedroom. Relocate inverter to any covered area outside home.
4. Old electric circuitry
EMF from electrical circuitry inside old constructions and houses can create a consistent EMF.
Risk Profile: EMF from electrical sources is stubborn and consistent. By nature residents have 24*7 exposures.
Hack : Extremely difficult to do away with. Old wiring needs to be changed with new one.
5. Electric Shaver, Hair Dryer
These personal devices have an extremely localized EMF and are more prone to create damage due to proximity during-use.
Risk Profile: High EMF at proximity points. The tip/nozzle of these appliances can generate upto 70/100mG EMF.
Hack : Use sparingly. If using the hair dryer – maintain atleast 1 feet distance between the head and the nozzle.
6. Power distribution equipment outside your home
Most of our cities and colonies/RWAs have archaic power distribution equipment. Such Infrastructure has very high EMF and flout norms of public safety otherwise as well.
Risk Profile: As with old electric circuitry at home, old power distribution equipments (HT lines, transformers) are extremely stubborn EMF sources. The EMF could be significantly high as well and are perpetual in nature.
Hack : Maintain a minimum distance of separation of 50-100 feet from such sources.
7. Laptops
A laptop carries both radiation as well as EMF profile.
Risk Profile: The underside of a laptop has a very high EMF exposure at point of contact and high proximities and can be harmful for adult fertility
Hack : Use a laptop radiation shield to reduce exposure to device radiation from laptops.
Sleep EMF RF Radio Frequency
EMF 0 Comments AC/DC Magnetic Fields EMF-home-inspection
Sleep quality and health being negatively affected due to relationship between Sleep EMF RF (radio frequency) being pumped into our ionosphere at rate of billions of Watts per hour 24 / 7. W.O. Schumann a German physicist, discovered in 1952 that there is a resonant cavity between the earth’s surface and the ionosphere containing a frequency modulated electromagnetic field in the spectrum from below 1 Hz to more than 100 Hz. Notice in the graph below that the amplitude of the dominant frequencies of these “Schumann Waves” is below 14 Hz.
Sleep quality and health being negatively affected due to relationship between Sleep EMF RF (radio frequency) being pumped into our ionosphere at rate of billions of Watts per hour 24 / 7. W.O. Schumann a German physicist, discovered in 1952 that there is a resonant cavity between the earth’s surface and the ionosphere containing a frequency modulated electromagnetic field in the spectrum from below 1 Hz to more than 100 Hz. Notice in the graph below that the amplitude of the dominant frequencies of these “Schumann Waves” is below 14 Hz. 
Notice also the distinct peaks in the Delta range heretofore mistakenly not “recognized” Schumann frequencies. In the past I’d called these 1.5 and 2.5 Hz. Now there is good reason to believe those small peaks are 1.2 and 2.4 Hz.
The Russian Space Agency discovered that Schumann- wave generators in space craft (formerly void of fluctuating magnetic fields) improved the health and well being of astronauts on extended space voyages; especially effects upon bone density. N.A.S.A. included them in the design of the Space Station to fend off osteoporosis, muscle wasting and other effects of zero gravity during extended Station missions because it works. The $4K – $5K QRS system claims to be going to space with NASA.
Although peer reviewed studies show astounding anti-osteoporosis / bone wasting effects, the FDA has effectively sidelined this simple technology for routine, age-related bone loss.
We are describing a very narrow healthy frequency band where frequencies above 15 Hz have been shown in dozens of frequency specific animal studies to cause negative behavioral modification; above 20 Hz to cause stress hormone production. You’ll notice that the highest amplitude peak in the graph below is (as it should be) 7.8 Hz and is what most people mistakenly believe is “THE” Schumann resonance. In reality Schumann resonance is a SPECTRUM of frequencies with the majority of its amplitude below 15 Hz, and with peaks at around 1 Hz, 2.5 Hz, 7.8 Hz, 14.1 Hz, 20.3 Hz, and higher. You’ll see below this is no longer true.
EMF Radiation & Salt Crystal Lamps
EMF 0 Comments EMF-home-inspection Safty and Remediation
Salt Crystal Lamps neutralize EMF From Our Living and Working Environments and the Research Why Its So Important to reduce our EMF exposure
EMF radiation, emitted from your computer, your TV, microwave, your mobile phone and cordless phone, etc, all contribute to lowering Melatonin levels within your body. Salt crystal lamps are extremely beneficial for us, because they are natural negative ionizers. When the gentle heat from the lamp (or candle burner) warms the crystal, they emit a negative electrical charge, thus ionizing our atmosphere and interacting with our own bio-energetic field, and helping to neutralize harmful EMF radiation.
“I am usually at my computer for 2-3 hours at a time. I always felt drained of energy, lethargic and had what I described as a dullish sore head. I came across Himalayan Crystal Salt Lamps by accident and began using a salt lamp candle burner next to my computer. I could not believe the difference! No tiredness, lethargy, no headache, and I literally feel the energy from the lamp. I never use my computer now without lighting my salt lamp candle burner.” Glen Russell – Puna Wai Ora cancer center
Recent studies have linked EMFs to increased leukemia, lymphoma, brain cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, miscarriage, birth defects, suicide, and most recently, Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers have discovered that EMFs can suppress the pineal glands’ secretion of melatonin, a hormone which controls our wake/sleep cycle, moods and task performance. Depressed melatonin levels are associated with mood changes, depression and psychiatric disorders.
Melatonin also plays a critical cancer role, by increasing the phytotoxicity of the body’s natural killer lymphocytes. Suppression of pineal gland function has been implicated in the etiology of breast, ovarian, prostate and melanoma cancers. Other studies have linked EMFs to decreased production of enzymes called “protein kinases” in human lymphocyte cells. This also indicates that EMFs can suppress the immune system.
It is therefore important for the cancer patient to limit exposure to EMF radiation, and from regular sources of EMF radiation, including the household computer, microwave oven, electric blanket, mobile phone and cordless telephone, in order to maintain a strong immune system.
WHAT RESEARCHERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ARE SAYING ABOUT CANCER, MELATONIN & ELECTRO-MAGNETIC FIELD (EMF) RADIATION
Office workers who used computer monitors (VDU’s) had a significant reduction in circulating levels of melatonin over a course of the working day, according to a study by researchers Drs. Bengt Arnetz of the Karolinska Institute, and Mats Berg of the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholn Sweden. No such change was found during days at the office with no VDU use. According to the researchers; “This suggests that there is a direct impact from the electromagnetic environment of the VDU on levels of melatonin.”
The idea that low level powerline frequency magnetic fields may reduce the pineal gland’s production of melatonin and that melatonin’s ability to suppress cancer cells is blocked by these fields, is called the “melatonin hypothesis”. At the recent international conference, the Second World Congress for Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine, held in Bologna, Italy in June of 1997, it is mentioned in the program bulletin: “A number of experimental studies have been conducted to test the [melatonin] hypothesis. Although the literature is still evolving and consensus is being built, it is fair to say, a) there exists credible scientific support for the hypothesis and, importantly, b) this support encompasses in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological research. The melatonin hypothesis, thus, currently represents one of the more well documented/tested interactions in the field of bio-electromagnetics.”
Research reported in 1993 by the University of California, Berkeley, found that melatonin reduces the growth rate of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) in culture, but that a 12mG 60 Hz magnetic field can block the ability of melatonin to inhibit breast cancer cell growth. This study was designed to define the parameters by which a 12 milli-Gauss (mG) 60 Hz magnetic field can block the inhibitory action of melatonin and Tamoxifen, a widely used drug treatment for breast cancer. They found that a 12 mG field can significantly reduce the growth inhibitory action of melatonin and Tamoxifen on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) in culture. [J.D. Harland and R.P. Liburdy. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.]
This study was specifically designed to attempt to replicate the previous (1993 University of California, Berkeley) study, with the cooperation of the originating laboratory. The results independently confirmed the previous study’s findings that a) Melatonin can inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells MCF-7 in culture, and b) A 12 mG 60 Hz magnetic field can completely block melatonin’s oncostatic (cancer fighting) action. [C.F.Blackman, S.G. Benane, D.E. House and J.P. Blanchard. National Health & Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USA.]
This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that ELF and VLF magnetic fields associated with Video Display Terminals (VDT’s) – (computer & TV screens) – influence human breast cancer cell growth in vitro by altering melatonin’s natural oncostatic activity. This hypothesis was based on the findings of the two previously mentioned studies. The conclusions of this study appear to suggest that 12 mG VDT magnetic fields also inhibit the oncostatic (cancer fighting) action of melatonin in vitro and that the magnetic field component was the operative factor in the 12 mG 60 Hz exposures. Preliminary data from two seperate experiments indicated significant growth inhibition (33% and 22%) on day 6 in the 2 mG magnetic field conditions. [S.M.J. Afzal and R.P. Liburdy. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, USA.]
At the June 1997 Bologna World Congress meeting, a paper presented by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, specifically looked at melatonin levels and electric blanket use. The results of this study found that: “Nocturnal exposures to 50 Hz EMF generated from electric blankets…showed tendencies of suppressing peak value and/or delaying phase of melatonin rhythm in 7 of the 8 subjects.
A Boston University breast cancer study, led by Patrica Coogan, found a 43% increase in breast cancer among women with a high potential for occupational exposures to magnetic fields, notably those working with main-frame computers.
STRATEGIES TO AVOID EMF RADIATION
1-Avoid standing in front of the microwave oven when it is operating.
2-Move to premises that are not below overhead power lines.
3-Change your bed to one without metal parts – metal acts as a conductor for EMF radiation while you are sleeping.
4- Turn off your WIFI at night when sleeping.
5- Don’t sleep with your cell phone next to the bed.
6- Sleep in semi dark rooms with only light spectrum of oranges, yellow’s, red as those do not disturb melatonin production
4-Always have a crystal salt lamp in each room where electrical appliances such as the computer and television are operating.
What is EMF / EMR / ELF / RF
EMF 0 Comments AC/DC Magnetic Fields Electromagnetic Frequencies EMF-home-inspection
Our main emphasis here is to define a number of acronyms such as EMF, ELF and EMR. However, we really should start at the beginning, using the small building blocks strewn about this page and begin building the foundation that will allow you to fully understand the meaning behind the acronyms that are so much a part of our everyday lives.
You cannot have EMF (Electrical Magnetic Fields) or EMR (Electromagnetic Radiation) without electricity. With that in mind, let’s learn a little bit about the wonderful tool called electricity. I called electricity a tool because, like a tool, it provides us with the means to alter our environment in a manner that pleases us, with a modicum of effort. I, for one, love the usefulness of electricity, especially in the winter when I can simply turn on a heater as opposed to chopping wood for a fire.
The diagram above is of a simple electrical circuit. The symbol on the left side with the + at the top and the — below represents a battery. The lines that make up the rectangle are the electrical wires. R1, R2,R3 represent resistors in our circuit which in turn can represent a light bulb a TV set and the washing machine. Now, in real life we would be using AC (alternating current), electrical power generated at the power station and transferred to us via very large cables high up on very tall poles, but for the sake of simplicity we are using a very, very large battery. Looking at the batteries bottom we notice the minus sign which signifies the negative node of the battery (the flat end on a AA). In this crazy circuit if you want the TV to work (R1), then the washing machine (R2) must be on, as well as the lamp (R3). This circuit is called a series circuit and should remind you of the early kinds of Christmas lights. Remember how frustrating it was to have one little bulb go bad and the whole string of lights would not work? Back to business, very tiny parts of an atom, called electrons, are bunched up on the plate next to the minus sign. What those electrons are doing is waiting for all three devices to be switched on so they can begin their race through all of the devices and wires just to make if back to the positive side of the battery. Once everything is turned on, the electrons start moving very quickly to R3. R3 is the lamp and for all those electrons to get past R3 they must travel up the lamps wire and enter the filament in the light bulb.
The filament is very thin compared to the lamp cord. Once the electrons arrive at the light bulb, a problem occurs. All of those electrons start pushing and shoving each other trying to make it through the thin wire. The more the electrons push and shove each other trying to gain access the hotter they become. Eventually they get so hot they turn the light bulbs filament red which, in turn, illuminates the bulb. Next, the electrons race toward the washing machine with a little less zip as some of the voltage was left behind to continue lighting the lamp. As I mentioned before the washing machine is on and is waiting for something to come along and make water start filling up the tub. When the electrons arrive they encounter a metal block on which their wire is wound. Their wire is wound around the metal block over 1,000 times, around and around. The electrons start running through the wire going around and around. An instant later, something magnificent happens. The electrons (current), flowing around and around inside the wire, turn the metal block into a magnet. That’s right, into a magnet, just like those giant magnets you see pulling wrecked cars up into the air, only smaller. Once the block becomes a magnet, it acts like all other magnets searching for another piece of metal that is opposite in polarity to pull towards it. As luck would have it, a cylindrical metal plunger is nearby becoming instantly attracted to the magnet that has just shown up. The plunger slams itself backwards into the magnetic block and then it happens. When the metal plunger slams backward becoming attached to the metal at the rear of its casing you can see that the plunger has left a large hole behind, which it had been plugging up, just a millisecond before. The plunger had been holding back the water from entering the washing machine; much like the boy who saved his town from a broken dike by pushing his thumb into the hole, saving his town from flooding. Let’s see how the electrons are doing. They have lit the light bulb and they have allowed water to start filling up the washing machine, but where are those electrons now? The electrons having completed the washing machine task continue flowing toward the positive end of the battery, leaving additional voltage behind. They still have a TV to go through and turn on and luckily the TV requires only 12 Volts to operate, because that is all of the voltage left after turning on and leaving behind a considerable amount of voltage. The electrons make quick work of this last job by turning on a relay, which in turn allows electricity to flow throughout the TV, quickly bringing it to life. Finally, it seems like it took forever to get everything turned on, but listen to this next part carefully. From the moment we supplied electricity to the circuit, until the time all three appliances were running, perhaps ten milliseconds had gone by (a millisecond is 1/1000 of a second). Electricity flows slower than the speed of light but not by much.
| Great news, you now know how electricity works. I will admit there are a few minor parts I glossed over, but for the most part that is how electricity, makes things work. We either use electrons to make things very hot, like in the light bulb, or we make the electrons run around and around a metal object to create a magnet. Now that you know the basics of electricity using a DC battery (direct current), I will be able to zip right through the few differences in using AC (alternating current.) |
Let’s go ahead and show you the differences an AC circuit has compared to our earlier DC circuit. In our DC circuit example we had 3 appliances. Once we turned the power on in that circuit all of the appliances began working. Well, working until the battery went dead; which would not take very long with a battery running a washing machine. Because batteries are not practical for running major appliances due to their inherent limitations of running out of power, we need a more practical power source. In walks AC, our alternating current alternative to the very limited DC. Power plants around the globe are generating AC power to run our homes and businesses. We will examine some negative aspects of AC power in another section of the website but, for now, let’s get back to learning about electricity. In the accompanying circuit diagram all you see is a symbol for AC power and one lone resistor which we will say is our lamp from earlier. A wall switch has been added to turn on the lamp and arrows are marking the direction of electron flow. Notice the arrows going in both directions unlike the one direction in our DC example. AC or alternating current is switching the direction of the electrons back and forth at the rate of once every 1/60th of a second. When the lamp is switched on and AC power is applied, the light bulb illuminates just like it did in the DC circuit. The difference is in the DC circuit the lamp stayed on continuously until the battery went dead. In our AC circuit our lamp turned on, but the lamp went off, then back on again, 1/60th of a second later. This on and off of the light bulb in our lamp is caused by the rising and falling of the voltage coming into our house. The good part about the lamp going on and off is that it happens so quickly. In other words our electricity follows a very specific timing or frequency. The frequency in America of our AC current is 60 hertz, which means the electricity in our homes go from on to off and back to on in 1/60th of a second.
The speed at which our lamp is being turned on and off again is simply too fast for the information to get from our eyes to our brain. We conveniently never see the lamp go off. In Europe their household electrical frequency is 50 hertz or 10 cycles slower than ours. Even at 50 hertz our eyes and brain cannot discern the change in the state of the light bulb. As far as frequencies go the 60 hertz that our household electricity operates is very low. The opposite to that low frequency of electricity would be a communication device like your cordless phone. Most cordless phones operate at a frequency in the billionths of a second.
The most common right now is the 5.8 gigahertz cordless phone. By the way, did you notice just now how much you have learned? When I mentioned our house electricity at 60 hertz and then jumped to the 5.8 gigahertz cordless phone you didn’t even flinch, because you understand what frequencies mean, congratulations. Now that you have a firm hold on electricity and how it moves through a circuit and at what frequency it operates, we can go on to the next subject which includes EMF (electrical and magnetic fields), EMR (electromagnetic radiation), and ELF (extremely low frequencies).
Read MoreElectric & Magnetic Fields
EMF 0 Comments AC/DC Magnetic Fields Electromagnetic Frequencies EMF-home-inspection
Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible areas of energy, often referred to as radiation , that are associated with the use of electrical power and various forms of natural and man-made lighting. EMFs are typically characterized by wavelength or frequency into one of two radioactive categories:
- Non-ionizing: low-level radiation which is generally perceived as harmless to humans
- Ionizing: high-level radiation which has the potential for cellular and DNA damage
| Radiation Type | Definition | Forms of Radiation | Source Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Ionizing | Low to mid-frequency radiation which is generally perceived as harmless due to its lack of potency. |
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| Ionizing | Mid to high-frequency radiation which can, under certain circumstances, lead to cellular and or DNA damage with prolonged exposure. |
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Can EMFs be harmful to my health?
During the 1990s, most EMF research focused on extremely low frequency exposures stemming from conventional
power sources, such as power lines, electrical substations, or home appliances. While some of these studies showed a possible link between EMF field strength and an increased risk for childhood leukemia , their findings indicated that such an association was weak. Now, in the age of cellular telephones, wireless routers, and portable GPS devices (all known sources of EMF radiation), concerns regarding a possible connection between EMFs and adverse health effects still persists, though current research1 continues to point to the same weak association.
Additionally, the few studies that have been conducted on adults show no evidence of a link between EMF exposure and adult cancers, such as leukemia, brain cancer, and breast cancer. Nevertheless, NIEHS recommends continued education on practical ways of reducing exposures to EMFs.
Does my cell phone emit EMF radiation?
Measured in units called hertz, cell phone emissions, a form of radiofrequency radiation, exist at the lower end of the non-ionizing radiation spectrum at the 900-1900 megahertz range. At present, the weight of the current scientific evidence has not conclusively linked cell phone use with any adverse health problems, though scientists admit that more research is needed. To that end, the National Toxicology Program (NTP), headquartered at NIEHS, is leading the largest laboratory rodent study, to date, on cell phone radiofrequency exposure, the complete findings are expected to be released by the end of 2017. Partial findings from the completed rat studies were released in 2016.
To learn more about these NTP partial findings and the cell phone radiofrequency rodent studies, visit the NIEHS Environmental Health Topics page on cell phones.
What if I live near a power line?
It is important to remember that the strength of a magnetic field decreases dramatically with increasing distance from the source. This means that the strength of the field reaching a house or structure will be significantly weaker than it was at its point of origin, as you can see below. For more information, see the NIEHS educational booklet, “EMF: Electric and Magnetic Fields Associated with the Use of Electric Power.”. This booklet, prepared in 2002, contains the most recent NIEHS research on health and powerline electric and magnetic fields. The World Health Organization website has information prepared in 2010. For example, a magnetic field measuring 57.5 milligauss immediately beside a 230 kilovolt transmission line measures just 7.1 milligauss at a distance of 100 feet, and 1.8 milligauss at a distance of 200 feet.
How can I find out if I’m being exposed to EMFs?
If you are concerned about EMFs emitted by a power line or substation in your area, you can contact your local power company to schedule an on-site reading. You can also measure EMFs yourself with the use of a gaussmeter, which is available for purchase online through a number of retailers.
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Please visit NIEHS Syndication to get started.
Additional Resources
- Electromagnetic Fields and Cancer – National Cancer Institute
- Extremely Low Frequency Fields – Environmental Health Criteria Monograph No.238 from the World Health Organization (WHO)
- IARC Classifies Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans – The WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer1, associated with wireless phone use.
- NIEHS Report on Health Effects from Exposure to Power-Line Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields: Prepared in Response to the 1992 Energy Policy Act (PL 102-486, Section 2118)(751KB) – Prepared in Response to the 1992 Energy Policy Act (PL 102-486, Section 2118)
- Questions and Answers about Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields – Federal Communications Commission Office of Engineering & Technology
- Radiofrequency Background – U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- RadTown – Learn about radiation in your town: where it is and how it’s used. Explore the Burbs, Countryside, Downtown or Waterfront. Just pick and click! From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Workplace Safety and Health Topics: EMF (ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS) – The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
What happens when you are exposed to electromagnetic fields?
EMF 0 Comments Advocacy EMF-home-inspection
What happens when you are exposed to electromagnetic fields?
Exposure to electromagnetic fields is not a new phenomenon. However, during the 20th century, environmental exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields has been steadily increasing as growing electricity demand, ever-advancing technologies and changes in social behaviour have created more and more artificial sources. Everyone is exposed to a complex mix of weak electric and magnetic fields, both at home and at work, from the generation and transmission of electricity, domestic appliances and industrial equipment, to telecommunications and broadcasting. Tiny electrical currents exist in the human body due to the chemical reactions that occur as part of the normal bodily functions, even in the absence of external electric fields. For example, nerves relay signals by transmitting electric impulses. Most biochemical reactions from digestion to brain activities go along with the rearrangement of charged particles. Even the heart is electrically active – an activity that your doctor can trace with the help of an electrocardiogram.
Low-frequency electric fields influence the human body just as they influence any other material made up of charged particles. When electric fields act on conductive materials, they influence the distribution of electric charges at their surface. They cause current to flow through the body to the ground. Low-frequency magnetic fields induce circulating currents within the human body. The strength of these currents depends on the intensity of the outside magnetic field. If sufficiently large, these currents could cause stimulation of nerves and muscles or affect other biological processes. Both electric and magnetic fields induce voltages and currents in the body but even directly beneath a high voltage transmission line, the induced currents are very small compared to thresholds for producing shock and other electrical effects.
Heating is the main biological effect of the electromagnetic fields of radiofrequency fields. In microwave ovens this fact is employed to warm up food. The levels of radiofrequency fields to which people are normally exposed are very much lower than those needed to produce significant heating. The heating effect of radiowaves forms the underlying basis for current guidelines. Scientists are also investigating the possibility that effects below the threshold level for body heating occur as a result of long-term exposure. To date, no adverse health effects from low level, long-term exposure to radiofrequency or power frequency fields have been confirmed, but scientists are actively continuing to research this area.
Biological effects or health effects? What is a health hazard?
Biological effects are measurable responses to a stimulus or to a change in the environment. These changes are not necessarily harmful to your health. For example, listening to music, reading a book, eating an apple or playing tennis will produce a range of biological effects. Nevertheless, none of these activities is expected to cause health effects. The body has sophisticated mechanisms to adjust to the many and varied influences we encounter in our environment. Ongoing change forms a normal part of our lives. But, of course, the body does not possess adequate compensation mechanisms for all biological effects. Changes that are irreversible and stress the system for long periods of time may constitute a health hazard. An adverse health effect causes detectable impairment of the health of the exposed individual or of his or her offspring; a biological effect, on the other hand, may or may not result in an adverse health effect. It is not disputed that electromagnetic fields above certain levels can trigger biological effects. Experiments with healthy volunteers indicate that short-term exposure at the levels present in the environment or in the home do not cause any apparent detrimental effects. Exposures to higher levels that might be harmful are restricted by national and international guidelines. The current debate is centred on whether long-term low level exposure can evoke biological responses and influence people’s well being.
Additional Resources
- Electromagnetic Fields and Cancer – National Cancer Institute
- Extremely Low Frequency Fields – Environmental Health Criteria Monograph No.238 from the World Health Organization (WHO)
- IARC Classifies Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans – The WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer1, associated with wireless phone use.
- NIEHS Report on Health Effects from Exposure to Power-Line Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields: Prepared in Response to the 1992 Energy Policy Act (PL 102-486, Section 2118)(751KB) – Prepared in Response to the 1992 Energy Policy Act (PL 102-486, Section 2118)
- Questions and Answers about Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields – Federal Communications Commission Office of Engineering & Technology
- Radiofrequency Background – U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- RadTown – Learn about radiation in your town: where it is and how it’s used. Explore the Burbs, Countryside, Downtown or Waterfront. Just pick and click! From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Workplace Safety and Health Topics: EMF (ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS) – The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
