In this article, we want to answer all general questions that come in mind when we talk about EMF (Electromagnetic Fields).
Please feel free to contact us if you don’t find your answer here and we are happy to add it to our Q&A list!
Contents
What is Radiation?
Radiation is a physics term, representing the transmission or emission of any kind of energy that can be exhibited through particles or waves. It is energy that has a specific source and a trajectory, with the ability to penetrate certain materials. This includes four different types of radiation, such as electromagnetic radiation, particle radiation, acoustic radiation, and gravitational radiation.
What is the difference between non-ionizing and ionizing radiation?
Radio, light, and microwave radiation make up a group that’s dubbed “non-ionizing”. Their opposite is ionizing radiation, called that because it’s capable of producing ions. That happens due to unstable atoms, that give off an excessive amount of mass or energy. They radiate the excess energy, which is where the term radiation comes from.
What is EMF radiation?
EMF radiation is the first of the four types of radiation. The acronym stands for electromagnetic fields. Like other types of radiation, it can be both ionizing and non-ionizing. The strength of EMF radiation can vary wildly and exists on a spectrum. The ionizing EMF radiation operates on higher frequencies and has smaller wavelengths. This is the high-level EMF that is potentially damaging to human health, seeing as it can add or remove electrons from matter — including human tissue.
Comparatively, non-ionizing radiation is seen as the not dangerous type of EMF. Its frequencies are lower and its wavelength is longer. This kind of EMF is not capable of altering chemical bonds, thus making it safer for human environments. Nevertheless, it is controversially discussed if it can cause damage to human health too, or not. It is found in both manufactured and natural conditions.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation/electromagnetic-fields-fact-sheet
What EMFs is my body exposed to?
The human body is most often exposed to manufactured EMF sources, as opposed to those found in nature. The smartphones we carry around all the time are a source of EMF. Laptops and desktop computers also emit radiation. Even baby monitors that children sleep next to can be a source of EMF radiation, if they’re digital and not analog devices.
Which devices emit EMFs in my home?
Household technology emits EMF radiation as well. Practically any device that functions on digital technology and transmits information to other devices is a potential EMF source. This includes cordless household phones, as well as kitchen appliances — your microwave in particular, as it fully functions on EMF principles. Wireless Internet found in most homes is also an EMF source, seeing as it functions on radio transmission technology.
What emits EMF in the environment?
Sources of EMF in our external environment include anything that transmits electricity: ground transformers (the boxes with high voltage warnings found near most buildings), transformers, transmission cables, and power lines. The same goes for BPL (broadband power lines) technology which utilizes electrical grid infrastructure to spread Internet coverage. BPL affects all environments containing electrical wires. EMF is also emitted by electric trains and hybrid and electric motor vehicles.
What is RF Radiation?
RF is radiofrequency radiation — emissions such as those found in microwaves and radio devices. This is a low-energy type of electromagnetic field radiation, and it is non-ionizing. That kind of radiation can cause vibration in atoms and even dislocate them, but it does not have enough energy to create charged particles — ions.
Compared to other sources of radiation, it is less energy-heavy than infrared radiation or the spectrum of visible light. It is also more intensive than ELF — extremely low-frequency emissions.
Which devices emit RFs?
Manufactured radiofrequency radiation is utilized in many industries — it’s the basis for television and radio broadcasts. It is also how all walkie-talkies, satellite phones, cell towers, cordless phones, and smartphones function. Radar devices function on RF technology, and so do wireless signals like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Welders are exposed to significant amounts of RF on their jobs, as well as antenna maintenance staff and anyone who constantly sits near radar equipment.
What is Dirty Electricity?
Dirty electricity represents electromagnetic energy that’s the byproduct of the operation of electrical devices, and goes unused. It’s usually created when there are interruptions in the alternating current of electrical power in electric systems and wires. It can happen both at home and at other places with electrical wiring.
Can EMF harm me?
There isn’t enough conclusive evidence either way. Some studies indicate that EMF can be harmful when exposed to continuity, but the mainstream scientific community hasn’t done much to prove or disprove this notion.
What are the dangers of EMF?
Ionizing electromagnetic radiation can alter the fabric of matter through the creation of charged atoms called ions. This is potentially dangerous to humans, as EMF is possibly capable of altering the structure of human tissue as well, leaving it exposed to all kinds of diseases and additional damage. Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation and its dangers to the human well-being is discussed very controversially. While some studies point out that EMF can be harmful for our nervous system when exposed to continuity, the mainstream scientific community hasn’t done much to prove or disprove this assumption.
What symptoms are attributed to EMF exposure?
The following symptoms are attributed to exposure to EMF (Electromagnetic Fields), including RF (Radiofrequency Radiation) and ELF (Extremely Low-Frequency Emissions):
- Headache
- Sleeping disorders
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Appetite loss
- Forgetfulness
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Several skin reactions
- Nausea
… and many more.
How can I measure the level of EMF around me?
The strength of electromagnetic fields can be measured using a variety of EMF meters, including probes and sensors. Probes largely consist of an antenna-like structure, but it has different characteristics. An antenna designed for transmission would emit EMF waves itself, while an EMF meter is only designed to obtain results on nearby EMF waves.
There are two types of EMF meters. The first is a broadband probe, designed to detect signals found at a huge frequency range. The second is a frequency-selective meter, that’s designed to analyze a specific frequency range that someone is interested in.
All different kinds of EMF meters can be found here on Amazon.com.
What is Electromagnetic Sensitivity?
Electromagnetic sensitivity is a type of hypersensitivity, found in those particularly vulnerable to the presence of strong electromagnetic fields. While there is no scientific research into the merit of claims to electromagnetic sensitivity, its symptoms are still real enough to those who experience them. They include fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. The lack of a medical diagnosis for electromagnetic sensitivity makes treatment near impossible.
Most people who claim to suffer from this illness eventually find the only way to deal with it is to recuse themselves to remote locations that don’t have a lot of electricity nearby.
