An electromagnetic field, of EMF, is an invisible, physical field produced by electrically charged objects that affects other objects around it. This field reaches indefinitely out from the electrically charged object, but the strength of the EMF, usually measured by a Gauss meter, decreases as the distance from the object increases.
There are two different types of EMFs: electric fields and magnetic fields, although some fields result of a combination of both. Electric fields are produced by stationary charges, and magnetic fields are produced by currents of electricity, or moving charges. Each produce EMFs which have been shown in some scientific studies to be harmful to living things. On-going research suggests that very low frequency EMFs surrounding electrical devices such as power lines, computers and cell phones could possibly make people ill, and agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have taken action.
NIOSH issued statements cautioning employers about the possible heath risks associated with EMFs. NIOSH, part of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), produced research on possible EMF health risks which focused on RFs (radio frequencies), ELFs (extremely low frequencies), and Static Magnetic Fields.
Radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF) is made up of waves of electric and magnetic energy moving together through space out from the object emitting RF. While RF radiation is not the same as ionizing radiation, such as x-rays or gamma rays. RF fields have lower energy and longer wavelengths than ionizing radiation, and cannot cause ionization, potentially causing a chemical change, in organic bodies. RF electromagnetic fields come from sources such as broadcast antennae, induction heaters and cell phones.
Extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation is another type of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation caused by anything with alternating current (AC) electricity such as overhead telephone lines, video display terminals, electric blankets, electric clocks and power lines. Power lines can vary widely in the strength of their EMF, and some can be quite strong. The strength of the EMF radiating from a power line depends upon the configuration of the line, but while power companies know the best ways to configure lines to reduce EMFs, most do not feel the existing evidence supports arguments about human health concerns.
On July 9, 1990 The New Yorker published an article on cancer clusters resulting from substation EMF radiation. Substations are assemblies of circuit breakers, disconnecting switches and transformers made to manage the currents. Many documented cancer clusters have been linked to substation EMF radiation since that article ran. Computers are another source of EMF radiation. The Swedish safety standard specifies a maximum of .25 mG at 50 cm from the screen, but most computers emit much stronger EMF radiation than that. Also, no screen can completely block out EMF radiation. Thus, it is important to test household and office computers for EMF emission levels. Static Magnetic Fields result from sources such as direct current (DC) electricity.
NIOSH reports that many studies suggest small increases in the rate of leukemia or brain cancer in groups of people living or working around strong EMF radiation, but other studies show zero increases. NIOSH reports that the most important data is the latest six studies which involved workers wearing EMF monitors. Five of the six studies found significantly higher cancer rates for men with an average workday exposures above 4 mG. However, the types of cancer associated with EMF exposures did not coincide between studies, and scientists cannot be sure whether the increased cancer risk was caused by the EMF or other factors.
Preliminary studies have associated EMFs with breast cancer, and one study provided insight on a possible link between EMF radiation and Alzheimer's disease. Another study, focused on utility workers exposed to high levels of EMF, showed there may be a link between EMF radiation and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease.) Other possible health risks include headaches, nausea, birth defects and miscarriages.
The EPA has not created a standard for safe EMF radiation standards, but its cautionary warning for "Prudent Avoidance" means people should be aware and actively avoiding exposure. Follow these tips for staying healthy.
Author Resource:-
Jacob McKenzie is a proud member of the Safe Space Lab Team, which is dedicated to EMF Testing, EMF Safety and EMF Protection. For more information, visit us at www.SafeSpaceLab.com.
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