EMF/EMF SURVEY

•EMF (or Electromagnetic Field) is a broad term which includes electric fields generated by charged particles, magnetic fields generated by charged particles in motion, and radiated fields such as TV, radio, and microwaves

•Electric fields are measured in units of volts per meter or V/m

•Magnetic fields are measured in milli-Gauss or mG. The field is always strongest near the source and diminishes as you move away from the source

§These energies have the ability to influence particles at great distances. For example, the radiation from a radio tower influences the atoms within a distant radio antenna, allowing it to pick up the signal

§Despite the many wonderful conveniences of electrical technology, the effects of EMF on biological tissue remains the most controversial aspect of the EMF issue with virtually all scientists agreeing that more research is necessary to determine safe or dangerous levels

§Iron, necessary for healthy blood and stored in the brain, is highly effected by EMF

§ The permeability of the cell membrane of our nerves, blood vessels, skin, and other organs is effected.

§The intricate DNA of the chromosomes has been shown to be effected by EMFs as well. In fact, throughout our bodies, every biochemical process involves precisely choreographed movement of EMF-sensitive atoms, molecules, and ions

§2.5 mG is the generally accepted limit of ELF magnetic field exposure but no one tells you that the average hair dryer, vacuum cleaner, or can opener you use EMITS AN AMAZING 300 mG or more!!!

•EMF meter, Electromagnetic field meter, (sometimes referred to as an EMF Detector) is a scientific instrument for measuring electromagnetic radiation

•There are many different types of EMF meter, but the two largest categories are single axis and tri-axis.

•Single axis meters are cheaper than a tri-axis meters, but take longer to complete a survey because the meter only measures one dimension of the field

§Single axis instruments have to be tilted and turned on all three axes to obtain a full measurement

§A tri-axis meter measures all three axes simultaneously, but these models tend to be more expensive.

§Most meters measure the electromagnetic radiation flux density, which is the amplitude of any emitted radiation.

§Other meters measure the change in an electromagnetic field over time.

Most meters measure the electromagnetic radiation flux density, which is the amplitude of any emitted radiation. Other meters measure the change in an electromagnetic field over time

Electromagnetic fields can be either AC (Alternating current) or DC (Direct current)

§ An EMF meter can measure AC electromagnetic fields, which are usually emitted from man-made sources such as electrical wiring, while Gauss meters or magnetometers measure DC fields, which occur naturally in the earth’s geomagnetic field and are emitted from other sources where direct current is present

§EMF meters usually measure radiation in mill gauss

§In absence of a moving magnetic field, an ideal meter will read 0 mill gauss

§ Industrial EMF meters will often read 2-3 mill gauss when placed in an open field devoid of emitters such as power lines (either overhead or buried)

§The majority of EMF meters available are calibrated to measure electromagnetic radiation, which is alternating at 50/60Hz (the frequency of US and European mains electricity)

§This is because in recent years people have become concerned about the long-term health effects of exposure to high levels of radiation emitted from some electrical appliances

§There are other meters which can measure fields alternating at as low as 20 Hz. however these tend to be much more expensive and are only used for specific research purposes

§Magnetic field readings of .01 - 1 mG are well within the range of commonly seen levels. 

§Fields in the range of 1-10 mG are the subject of much medical controversy. If EMF is to be minimized, these levels indicate the presence of field sources which should be identified.

§Exposures of 10-100 mG are uncommon, and readings of more than 100 mG are rare.

 In order to verify these readings in occupied spaces the measurements should be repeated at different times of the day and week. 

Since EMF is directly proportionate to current flow the measured magnetic field levels originating from power lines will be markedly different for different seasons and times of the day.

§Because of the operating air conditioners a hot summer afternoon will usually have higher field levels than an autumn morning. 

A thorough field survey will reveal if these levels are present throughout the building or campus or if they are localized in specific areas

§To reduce your exposure to EM radiation, you first need to know where it is high, especially in your own house and at your work.

Remember that EMFs go right through doors and walls.

§Determine how far you must stay away from the EMF

emitters in your home & work environment to achieve less  than 2.5 mG of exposure... the microwave oven, the alarm clock, the computer, and so on.

§Rearrange your furniture (especially the beds, desks, and couches where you spend the most time) away from heaters, wiring, and fluorescent lights, electric doorbells, and other EMF "hot spots"

Test electrical appliances before you buy with a hand held meter in the store. Know what you are buying and buy the lowest EMF emitter. Where practical, replace your electric appliances with non-electric devices 

§Because of the operating air conditioners a hot summer afternoon will usually have higher field levels than an autumn morning. A thorough field survey will reveal if these levels are present throughout the building or campus or if they are localized in specific areas

§Contact your local utility if you suspect high radiation from power lines near your home, schools, or workplace

§They will come out and test. If they find high levels of EMF (ask for the report!) they may be required to re-route the power lines, move them higher, or bury them

§Turn off, don't use, or throw out electrical appliances that you can do without!

§Have an electrician correct faulty high EMF wiring and help you eliminate dangerous stray ground currents. Consult a qualified EMF engineer if necessary

§Here's a simple way to reduce exposure from idle computer monitors using the "Low-Power Standby" mode: In Control Panel, locate the "Display Properties". Click the Screen Saver tab and check the Low-Power Standby box. Set the amount of minutes of idle before activation of standby mode. Click OK.

 What this accomplishes is that the monitor will power down (almost zero radiation output!) when the keyboard is idle for a short while. To "wake up" the monitor, simply touch the keypad or mouse