What is Electromagnetic Radiation?
The transmission of electrical energy through wires, the broadcasting of radio signals and the
phenomenon of visible light are examples of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). EMR always consists
of both an electrical field and a magnetic field. It occurs in a wide range of frequencies, spanning
what is called the electromagnetic spectrum. At the high end is cosmic radiation. At the low end is
household electricity. The lower electromagnetic frequencies have been utilized by man to generate
electricity and all associated electrical products, including all electronic communication systems and
electrical appliances. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is often called an electromagnetic field (EMF)
when it falls within the lower frequencies. Both EMR and EMF are commonly used to mean the same
thing.
What are the Common Sources of EMF?
Electricity is the most common source of power throughout the world because it is easily
generated and transmitted to where it is needed. As electricity moves through wires and machines, it
produces EMF. The power grids of nations consist of electrical generation, transmission and
distribution facilities. As electricity is sent along the wires of the power grid, EMF is created. In cities,
primary electric power distribution lines run across the top of utility poles and feed secondary
transformers, which are then connected to the electric power meters of buildings. Once electricity is
delivered to the user, it continues to produce EMF throughout the wiring systems of offices, homes,
schools, factories and other structures. The appliances and electrical equipment connected to these
wiring systems produce their own EMF as well.
In the workplace the generators of EMF include computers, cell phones, fax machines, copy
machines, fluorescent lights, printers, scanners, telephone (PBX) switching systems, electrical
instruments, motors and other electrical devices.
In homes, the immediate sources of EMF include electric blankets, electric water bed
heaters, hairdryers, electric shavers, television sets, stereo systems, air conditioners, fluorescent
lights, electric can openers, telephone answering machines, cell and portable phones, refrigerators,
blenders, portable heaters, clothes washers and dryers, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, toasters,
and microwave ovens.
EMF is not only produced by electricity moving through wires or machines, but it is the
nature of all television and satellite transmissions, as well as radio and microwave communication
systems, including cell phones. Transportation methods such as automobiles, trucks, airplanes,
electrical and magnetic trains and subway systems are significant sources of EMF.
More than one source of EMF in proximity to other sources will produce overlapping fields in the
same area. Any metropolitan home or office environment in the world will be saturated by a variety of
interpenetrating EMF from a variety of sources. The nature of EMF is very complex and the number of
EMF sources are rapidly growing. Unfortunately, the entire effect of multiple electromagnetic fields
on human physiology is not completely understood. However, it is well known that low-frequency
magnetic fields can trigger major biochemical responses critical to the functioning of human cells,
which operate by complex electrochemical processes. The consequences of living in our EMF world
may not be known for decades. Virtually all research on the serious health effects of man-made EMF
has come to the conclusion that the adverse health responses from EMF are from long-term
cumulative exposure.
We are the First Generation to Face an EMF World.
Paul Brodeur, the author of Currents of Death, a book about EMF and a series of famous articles on
EMF for the magazine The New Yorker, first raised the question about the key difference between
natural DC magnetic fields of the earth and artificial man-made EMF which is mostly composed of
alternating current (AC). Brodeur suggests that the AC magnetic fields appear to have profoundly
negative effects on human cell behavior. Human life has gradually evolved over two billion years in
an environment devoid of AC magnetic fields. Man-made AC fields differ greatly from the earth's
magnetic field, as the earth's current is direct current (DC) and not alternating current (AC). Brodeur
argues that, in terms of the biological consequences, this constant, unprecedented human exposure
to AC fields is highly stressful. The evidence is persuasive that man-made AC fields can interact with
or stress our human cells to the point where adverse reactions result.
Source: US Bureau of the Census, Historical Statistics, and Statistical Abstract, 1990
The adverse effects of exposure to EMF appear to arise slowly over a long period of time. For
example, it may take 5 to 10 years in the case of leukemia or perhaps 30 to 40 years in the case of
Alzheimer's disease for symptoms to develop. The health cases that are coming to light in the 1990s
most likely had their origin in the 1980s or before. Damage that is being inflicted today is not even
knowable. The EMF problem has been categorized as a new form of pollution as consequential as air
and water pollution. It has also been likened to the newly-discovered hazards of asbestos and
cigarette smoking. In terms of its cumulative health effects, it's been compared to the slow process of
lead poisoning. The EMF problem will grow - and at a compounding rate. Fortunately, public
awareness of EMF is also growing.
Recommended safety levels range from 0.5 mG to 2.5 mG as the maximum exposure -
with 1.0 mG as a preferred standard. Adverse biological effects have been found at 2.5 mG.