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Electromagnetic Waves
· What are Electromagnetic Waves?
· Effects · Measuring ELF Magnetic Field Radiation · Measuring ELF Electric Field Radiation · Tips
What are Electromagnetic Waves? "Do you listen to the radio, watch TV, or use a microwave oven? All these devices make use of electromagnetic waves. Radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and x rays are all examples of electromagnetic waves that differ from each other in wavelength. Electromagnetic waves are produced by the motion of electrically charged particles. These waves are also called 'electromagnetic radiation' because they radiate from the electrically charged particles. They travel through empty space as well as through air and other substances. Scientists have observed that electromagnetic radiation has a dual 'personality.' Besides acting like waves, it acts like a stream of particles (called 'photons') that have no mass. The photons with the highest energy correspond to the shortest wavelengths." University of CA: Berkeley Lab: Electromagnetic Radiation
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) vs. Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) "Electromagnetic waves at low frequencies are referred to as 'electromagnetic fields' and those at very high frequencies are called 'electromagnetic radiations'." World Health Organization: Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health
Ionizing vs. Non-Ionizing Radiations What are Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiations? "According to their frequency and energy, electromagnetic waves can be classified as either 'ionizing radiations' or 'non-ionizing radiations' (NIR)." World Health Organization: Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health
Ionizing Radiations "Ionizing radiations are extremely high frequency electromagnetic waves (X-rays and gamma rays), which have enough photon energy to produce ionization (create positive and negative electrically charged atoms or parts of molecules) by breaking the atomic bonds that hold molecules in cells together." World Health Organization: Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health
"Non-ionizing radiations (NIR)is a general term for that part of the electromagnetic spectrum which has photon energies too weak to break atomic bonds. They include · ultraviolet (UV) radiation, · visible light [includes HEV light], · infrared radiation, · radiofrequency and · microwave fields, · extremely low frequency (ELF) fields, as well as · static electric and magnetic fields. Even high intensity NIR cannot cause ionization in a biological system. NIR, however, have been shown to produce other biological effects, for instance, by · heating, · altering chemical reactions or · inducing electrical currents in tissues and cells." World Health Organization: Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health
Note: Some appliances (e.g. a battery operated adding machine, a rechargeable razor) can produce magnetic fields even when they are not plugged into an outlet. "Electric charges create electric fields. Electric charges which move (i.e., electric current) create magnetic fields. · An appliance that is plugged in, and therefore connected to a source of electricity, has an electric field even when the appliance is turned off. · To produce a magnetic field, however, the appliance must be not only plugged in, but also operating, so that the current is flowing." United States Environmental Protection Agency: Electric Magnetic Fields In Your Environment (6603J)
"When you hear about 'EMFs' in the news media, the term usually refers to electric and magnetic fields at the extremely low frequency (or ELF) end of the spectrum, such as those associated with our use of electric power." United States Environmental Protection Agency: Electric Magnetic Fields In Your Environment (6603J)
"We should note that in the ELF range, electric and magnetic fields are not coupled or interrelated in the same way that they are at higher frequencies, so it is actually more accurate to refer to them as 'electric and magnetic fields' rather than as 'electromagnetic fields.'" United States Environmental Protection Agency: Electric Magnetic Fields In Your Environment (6603J)
"Most of the recent research on possible biological effects of 60 hertz EMFs suggests that the magnetic, rather than the electric, fields are more likely to produce significant effects." United States Environmental Protection Agency: Electric Magnetic Fields In Your Environment (6603J)
Similarities with Effects of Positive Ions, Serotonin Note: The pineal gland is located within the brain.
"The side effects from Prozac are similar to the side effects from positive ions. That is because positive ions, increase serotonin levels in the body the same as Prozac does…It is interesting to note that electromagnetic waves from electrical appliances (computer monitors, electric blankets, cellular telephones, microwave ovens, transformer boxes, high voltage lines...) also trigger serotonin [increases] and melatonin [decreases] in the brain and body…" Atmospheric Ion Research: Advanced Research on Atmospheric Ions
"The Pineal Gland is a magneto sensitive organ, what means that it is sensitive to electromagnetic fields (EMF). It is sensitive to electromagnetic waves from · computer monitors, · cellular phones, · microwave ovens, · high voltage lines, · etc.. Electromagnetic fields suppress the activity of the Pineal Gland and reduce melatonin production. EMF also affect serotonin."
· Indoor Air Pollution: Ions: Effects
Even if you're at a safe distance from sources of EMFs such as electronic equipment or fluorescent lights, it may be a good idea to shut them off when you're not using them since they can also deplete the number of negative ions, and increase the number of positive ions, in the air.
· Indoor Air Pollution: Body Voltage
· Indoor Air Pollution: Electrical Sensitivity
Avoiding EMFs in the Office Note: The following excerpt was written in 1993, and may not reflect the characteristics of newer CRT computer monitors. "The Swedish National Institute of Occupational Health has suggested ten ways to reduce exposure to EMFs [electromagnetic fields] in the office:
To this list we would add the relatively simple remedy adopted by the US foundation The Fund for the City of New York which has redesigned its offices so that all operators now sit at least 70cm from their VDUs and approximately 1 metre from other terminals. Magnetic and electric field strength is reduced with increasing distance from the source." London Hazards Centre: VDU Work and the Hazards to Health: Chapter 7
· Create Your Healthy Home: EMF Tips
· Luminous Wristwatches · Vehicles (EMFs from the alternator, clock/radio, fan, air-conditioner, lights) · Exercise Machines (e.g. treadmills)
"Use no dimmers, no fluorescent, High Intensity Lighting (HID), Metal Halide, arc lamps, or any other lighting besides conventional line voltage incandescents." Electromagnetic Field Protection for the Electrically Sensitive (ES)
The Swedish Computer Monitor Standards Note: There are newer standards such as MPR III and TCO '99. The following charts may be out of date. Sweden offers two measurement and emission guidelines for computers monitors: · The first, known as MPR II, prescribes limits on electric and magneticfield emissions in the ELF and VLF ranges, as well as the static field. · A more recent and more restrictive standard, promoted by the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (TCO), addresses the entire computer. In addition to field emissions, TCO '95 includes guidelines for energy consumption, screen flicker, luminance and keyboard use.
· MPR II measurements are taken at a distance of 50 cm (approximately 20 inches) at 16 points around the monitor, at 3 different levels. · TCO measurements are taken at a distance of 30 cm (approximately 12 inches) in front of and 50 cm around the sides of the monitor (except for Band II magnetic fields and the static field, which are measured at 50 cm in front of the screen).
"The exposure limits in the following tables, gathered from various sources, were derived from well established, severe biological effects (such as tissue heating and nerve stimulation) data. This information is not meant to present 'safe' vs. 'unsafe' levels when it comes to the much lower exposure thresholds studied in the epidemiological literature (with respect to cancer, melatonin suppression, and other biological effects). It is clearly not yet known what the truly safe levels of exposure are." LessEMF.com: EMF Exposure Standards & Guidelines
Measuring ELF Magnetic Field Radiation Battery Operated AM Radio "Battery operated AM radio tuned to 'white noise' - hold close to appliance/tool/motor/turn on and back away until you no longer hear the interference. (This is approximately 1 mG [milligauss]) - will not work on electric stoves or hair dryers as these give off 60 Hz only." Cross Currents: The Perils of Electropollution; The Promise of Electromedicine
Gauss Meters LessEMF.com sells Gauss meters for as little as $12.95 (USA). · LessEMF.com: Guide to Selecting EMF Detectors & Meters · LessEMF.com: EMF Detector, Gaussmeter, Tesla Meter, Magnetic Sensor & Meters
Reviews Note: The product known as 'Gauss Master' is a newer, cheaper version of 'Dr. Gauss'. "Excellent, inexpensive 60 Hz monitor for homeowner use: Integrity Electronics and research 558 Breckenridge St. Buffalo, NY 14222. Or: Efston Science 3350 Dufferin St. Toronto (416)787-4581 EMF Gauss meter [Dr. Gauss] $49.95 Cross Currents: The Perils of Electropollution; The Promise of Electromedicine
Things to Consider: Measuring EMFs with a Battery-Operated AM Radio Tuned to White Noise Here is an example of EMF readings from a simple battery-operated AM radio tuned to white noise. · It appears that EMFs >1 mG are emitted by both the computer and the computer's peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, modem). · Most of the EMFs from the computer appear to be coming from the back. Maybe this is because there is less shielding in the back from the computer's case. · The AM radio makes a very high pitch sound when it is near the mouse.
Things to Consider: Measuring EMFs with a Gauss Meter Results of measurements with a Gauss meter ('Gauss Master'): · Mouse and keyboard emitted EMFs of <=1mG. (1 mG (milligauss) should be relatively safe for most people for long term use.) · A power unit which was connected to a subwoofer emitted about 1 mG of EMFs at a distance of about 2 feet. · A power strip near my computer emitted about 1 mG of EMFs at a distance of about 2 feet. · The electrical wiring in the floor beneath my chair emits relatively high levels of EMFs. · My LCD monitor, modem, and printer emit EMFs of about 1 mG at a distance of 6 inches. · The back of my computer emits about 2 mG of EMFs at a distance of 6 inches.
Measuring ELF Electric Field Radiation Note 1: The instructions for the ELFLX Detector incorrectly state that it detects "50/60 Hz AC voltages from 100 - 600 Volts". The instructions should say '50/60 Hz AC voltages from 100 - 600 V/m' (volts per meter). Electric fields are measured in volts per meter, not volts. Note 2: Products such as the ELFLX detector are sometimes referred to as 'AC voltage detectors'. However there are some products on the market which are described as AC voltage detectors, but actually detect magnetic fields instead of electric fields. Some electric field detectors, such as the ELFLX Detector can be purchased for as little as $9.95 (USA). · LessEMF.com: Electric Circuit & Electric Field Instruments
The ELFLX Detector is a useful for identifying sources of electric fields. However, it is somewhat limited when you consider that the range of the detector is '50/60 Hz AC voltages from 100 - 600 V/m', while Swedish computer monitor standards suggest that electric fields greater than 10 V/m or 25 V/m in the 50/60 Hz range should be avoided. The safe distance from a source is not obvious. It may be possible to calculate a safe distance, using the ELFLX detector, as an alternative to purchasing a more expensive meter. Meters that can detect electric fields beyond the range of 100-600 V/m tend to be expensive. An electric field is inversely related to the square of the distance from a source voltage. The ELFLX detector can be used to find the distance from the source where the detector is just barely detecting the field. At this point, the field should be 100 V/m, since the instructions state that this is the minimum field that can be detected by the meter. If, for example, that distance from the source where the field is 100 V/m is 1 foot, and you multiply the distance by a factor of 2, at two feet the electric field should have a value of 100 V/m multiplied by the inverse of the square of 2 feet: The inverse of any number is 1 divided by the number. The inverse of 2 is 1/2. The square of any number is that number multiplied by itself. The square of 1/2 is 1/4. So at a distance of two feet, the electric field should be roughly: 100 V/m * 1/4 = 25 V/m
Even if you're at a safe distance from sources of EMFs such as electronic equipment or fluorescent lights, it may be a good idea to shut them off when you're not using them since they can also deplete the number of negative ions, and increase the number of positive ions, in the air.
Detecting Faulty Wiring 3-Wire Circuit Analyzer · LessEMF.com: Unique Meters & Detectors
Appliances "When shopping for appliances, those with a higher EER (energy efficiency ratio) generally produce lower EMF levels and are therefore safer!" LessEMF.com: EMF Safety News and Information
"Power management allows monitors and computers to enter a low-power 'sleep' mode after a period of inactivity. Computers and monitors 'awaken' when the mouse is moved or if a key is touched."
· Indoor Air Pollution: Negative Ions · Indoor Air Pollution: Positive Ions
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