•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
