Electromagnetic Fields, the facts, the figures, the truth.

ELECTROMAGENTIC FIELDS CAN HEAL OR HARM
Knowledge is the key, to living healthy.

WHAT ARE EMFs?

Electromagnetic Fields

An EMF (Electromagnetic Field) is an invisible field of radiated energy produced by electrically charged objects. An electromagnetic field has two "components", a Magnetic Field (B) component and an Electric Field (E) component. The electric field is produced by stationary charges, and the magnetic field by moving charges called Currents.


The Magnetic and Electric fields come at a 90° orientation to each other, and the combined waves move perpendicular to both electric and magnetic oscillating fields. Electromagnetic Fields are also often referred to as EMR (Electromagnetic Radiation).


You can't see, feel or hear electromagnetic fields, apart from visible light, which also is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

THE ELECTROMAGENTIC FREQUENCY SPECTRUM

The electromagnetic spectrum is a useful way of presenting and understanding the frequencies of our known world. The spectrum illustrates all the different types of devices and objects that emit Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR). These are usually defined and sorted by the frequency and wavelength of the source. The spectrum of frequencies is divided into two categories: Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation.


It is important to identify the frequency of EMF sources in order to know the wavelength.  The wavelength then allows you to

determine the types of shielding materials and methods that can be applied to achieve optimal protection from various EMF exposures.

COMMON SOURCES OF EMF RADIATION

Electromagnetic Fields of many types are continuously impacting our bodies and our health at every moment. Some EMF sources are in a fixed location and located externally such as Overhead Powerlines and Cell Phone Towers, while other EMF sources are internal and close to us, such as Cell Phones and Laptop Computers. In either case, it is critical to identify each source, and fully understand the long-term consequences of allowing such frequencies to be present in your personal space.

FREQUENCIES, FIELDS, AND ENERGIES

EMF come from both natural sources and man-made technologies. We outline the most common and influential types of electromagnetic fields and frequencies which have impacts on human biology, animals, and plant life. 

Natural Background Levels of Electromagnetic Fields

In our world, there exists naturally occurring background levels of Electromagnetic Field Radiation, produced by Cosmic and Terrestrial sources. All biological life evolved in harmony with these electromagnetic fields. The Earth's magnetic fields are static in nature and produce low frequency DC ("Direct Current") Magnetic Fields, unlike man-made AC ("Alternating Current") Fields, which have no natural equivalent.


Prior to the introduction of man-made AC power and Microwave Radio Frequency Fields, approximately 100 years ago, the environmental background radiation was millions of times lower than it is today.

Power-Frequencies

The Power Frequency 60 Hz in the United States (50Hz in Europe) is present during the transmission of AC (alternating current) electricity from today's electrical power grids through overhead and underground powerlines. The electrical power enters homes and buildings though either an analog power meter or Smart Meter.


The flow of current through the electrical wiring creates electric and magnetic power frequency fields throughout homes and other wired buildings, and these field levels are usually very low unless there is a wiring issue, or some other device that disrupts the flow of electricity. Many standard household and kitchen appliances can emanate power-frequency EMFs due to poor design.

"Dirty Electricity"

The term “Dirty Electricity” is generally used to describe particular forms of electrical pollution, also known as EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) or Electrical Noise. This occurs when a waveform has undesired noise signals riding on top of it, which are typically of higher 'frequency harmonics', or 'transient voltage' spike.


The high frequency noise on a 120 Volt 60 Hz AC mains power line typically is in the ranges of 10 KHz – 10 MHz and is created by most modern appliances and devices. When plugged in, they disrupt the standard electrical current by switching the flow of current off and on, often thousands of times per second. These interruptions result in voltage spikes, or surges, as well as frequency variations that combine to form a complex and potentially harmful electromagnetic field.


Common items that contribute to Dirty Electricity are Cell Phone Chargers, Energy Efficient Lightbulbs (CFL), Fluorescent Lamps, Computers, TVs, Dimmer Switches, and many other electronic devices that require a Switched Mode Power Supply that converts AC Supply Voltage to DC Voltage for operation.

Solar Power Systems

A more recent contributor of "Dirty Electricity" is the modern Solar Panel electrical system.  In many parts of the world, governments encourage their citizens, businesses and schools to put solar panels on their roofs. The state of California has mandated solar systems on all new homes built from 2020 onward.


In today's residential or commercial Photovoltaic installations, generally solar panels themselves will emit mostly harmless EMF radiation, but the 'power inverter' component of the electrical system is of concern.  These power inverters take the direct current (DC electricity) collected from the solar panels and converts it into alternating current (AC electricity), that is then applied to the building wiring for use or sold back to the power company. 


The power inverter functions by chopping up, or switching on and off, the flow of electricity thousands of times per second.  The “chopping” of the electricity generates powerful "Dirty Electricity" fields on the building's wiring, which can be detrimental to your health.

RADIO FREQUENCY FIELDS

Radio Frequencies

In today's world, almost every aspect of our modern lives is dependent on the use of Radio Frequencies (RF) in various ways. Radio frequencies are high-frequency waves that are typically used to carry communications data and are emitted by Mobile Cell Phones, Cell Towers, Wi-Fi Routers, Radio/TV, Radar, Personal Bluetooth Devices, Smart Appliances, and many other devices involved with wireless technology such as IoT (Internet of Things).


These Radio Frequencies operate from hundreds of Kilohertz (KHz) upwards to tens of Gigahertz (GHz) – millions or tens of millions of times higher than power frequencies.

5G Communication Networks

The term '5G' (fifth-generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks), uses many of the same frequencies that previous telecommunications networks use and operate at similar power levels.


The 5G technology currently being implemented and used in telecommunications is not defined as a single frequency or power level, it is a different transmission protocol for communications with a wider bandwidth enabling faster data transfer rates.


5G uses wavelengths from microwave to millimeter. At the higher millimeter wave (10's of GHz) frequencies, the energy levels drop significantly with distance, which is why more base stations, or "small cells" need to be installed in closer proximity to each other. The “small cells” are smaller than larger size 4G cell towers, but they transmit the same effective radiated power, so by placing them directly in front of homes, offices, and bedrooms, people will be exposed to hundreds of times higher microwave and millimeter wave radiation levels than from distant 4G cell towers.

Smart Meters

The term “Smart Meter” is used to refer to wireless gas and electricity usage meters that are now being installed globally replacing analog mechanical meters. Smart meters collect and process customer’s usage data and transmits the information to the utility provider using Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technologies. 


Some smart meters communicate using wireless (RF) or cellular technologies (3G & GPRS) to provide 2-way data communication, which is a source of RF radiation. Other types of smart meters communicate over the electrical wiring (PLC), which can produce "Dirty Electricity" within the building's environment.


In California, PG&E installed smart meters are in constant communication transmitting a pulsed 900MHz radio frequency at a rate of 10,000 - 90,000 times per day.  And, because of the 24-7 operation, the calculated levels of emitted RF radiation are several times higher than cell phones and Wi-Fi routers which constitute a health danger.

Microwave Ovens

Another common source of RF emissions is from household Microwave Ovens, which operate at the same 2.4GHz frequency as Wi-Fi Routers and Mobile Cell Phones but function at a higher power level. 


All microwave ovens leak RF radiation. The RF shielding on all microwave ovens degrade over time depending on the quality of the manufacturer, so it is important to get the RF leakage checked periodically after the first year of owning a microwave oven. Even when the microwave oven is working correctly, the microwave levels within the kitchen are likely to be significantly higher than those from any nearby cellular source.

EMFHS - APPLIED PRECAUTIONARY SAFETY GUIDELINES

When EMFHS performs an on-site inspection for our clients, the test measurement results from the inspection site are assessed and compared to the Precautionary Safety Guidelines listed below. These publicly accepted safety guidelines are the most conservative in the EMF Safety Industry, thus ensuring the highest levels of safety possible. 


Only by implementing proper mitigation and remediation techniques against these standards can you be assured of achieving the healthiest environment possible. 

ORIGINS OF EMF-PRECAUTIONARY LEVELS FOR BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Governmental Safety Standards

The USA used to have a trustworthy and reliable research programs on EMF safety. Then, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was passed, the EPA was defunded, and wireless radiation limits were set by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC).


Both the IARC and the FCC base its EMF-safety standards on the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for cellphones, which was set in 1993, and only measures of maximum power emitted under one frequency. This "safety standard" was implemented at a time when less than 10% of the population used cellphones.  The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) do not have recommendations for "safe" levels of EMF exposure.


Researcher, PhD Mikko Ahonen published an informative and important slide presentation on the development of the international guidelines that is the basis for the current FCC guidelines.

Radio Frequency Antennas and Health

In 2002, Dr. Neil Cherry of Lincoln University, New Zealand performed a study of childhood cancer in the vicinity of the Sutro Tower in San Francisco and found a strong correlation between radio frequencies with a mean field intensity of 0.1pW/cm² and instances of Leukemia, combined Leukemia/Lymphoma and Brain Cancer.  These results strongly support and confirm the hypothesis that Radio Frequency Microwaves are a universal Genotoxic Carcinogen.

Telecommunications Industry & The FCC

In June 2015, Norm Alster of Harvard University published a Captured Agency report detailing how the Federal Communications Commision (FCC) is run by the industry it allegedly regulates.


Former wireless company lawyers and lobbyists lead the FCC agency as commissioners, while former FCC commissioners and top agency officials take jobs in the telecom industry which they used to regulate. 


The FCC has ignored the growing evidence that wireless technologies pose serious health risks. The FCC Commissioners past and present are part of the revolving door between industry, government and the law firms attacking our right to know about wireless radiation.

EMF/RF Publications & Classifications

There are over 37,000 publications since 1927 that establish the hazards of EMF and RF exposures, including the 2016 National Toxicology Program (NTP)'s 15-year, $25 million study on the Carcinogenesis from RF Radiation exposure. 


In 2011, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) declared RF Radiation from any source, including cellphone radiation, as a Group 2B Possible Human Carcinogen.  The re-classification was fundamentally based on scientific studies which found statistically significant risks of brain cancer and a hearing impairing tumor called an acoustic neuroma.

The Ramazzini Institute Study

The World’s Largest Animal Study on Cell Tower Radiation Confirms Cancer Link.


In 1985, The Ramazzini Study confirmed the results of the NTP Study, using a larger number of test animals, and testing far field (cell tower) rather than near field (cell phone) EMF radiation exposure.


The Ramazzini study exposed 2448 Sprague-Dawley rats from prenatal life until their natural death to “environmental” cell tower radiation for 19 hours per day (1.8 GHz GSM radiofrequency radiation (RFR) of 5, 25 and 50 V/m). RI exposures mimicked base station emissions like those from cell tower antennas, and exposure levels were far less than those used in the NTP studies of cell phone radiation.


Ronald Melnick PhD, a former Senior NIH toxicologist, stated the following:


"All of the exposures used in the Ramazzini study were below the US FCC limits. These are permissible exposures according to the FCC. In other words, a person can legally be exposed to this level of radiation. Yet cancers occurred in these animals at these legally permitted levels."


“Governments need to strengthen regulations to protect the public from these harmful non-thermal exposures.”


“This study raises concerns that simply living close to a cell tower will pose threats to human health."

BUILDING BIOLOGY & THE BIOINITIATIVE REPORT:

Safety Guideline Documents

As a population, we cannot rely on governmental agencies to protect us from EMF exposures, we must research and be proactive in taking control of our future health by understanding our environment and applying biologically based 'Precautionary Safety Guidelines' set forth by Building Biology and the BioInitiative Report.  We encourage everyone to review these guidelines and gain an understanding of the principles and methods used to define these safety level standards.

BioInitiative Report 2012: The Existing Public Exposure Standards Section 3

Quote:

"Much of the criticism of the existing standard-setting bodies comes because their contributions are perceived as industry-friendly (more aligned with technology investment and dissemination of new technologies) rather than public health oriented."

BioInitiative Report 2012: The Precautionary Principle Section 23-2012 Supplement

Quote:

"In the context of scientific uncertainty and ignorance, the decision-makers 

responsible for incentivizing and regulating innovation face a significant challenge in balancing opportunities against risks. The precautionary principle can help to better manage such choices. It requires actions to prevent potentially serious harm before the likelihood or severity of an innovation's impacts become all too clear."

Quote:

"Much of the criticism of the existing standard-setting bodies comes because their contributions are perceived as industry-friendly (more aligned with technology investment and dissemination of new technologies) rather than public health oriented."

Building Biology: Evaluation Guidelines for Sleeping Areas

(SBM-2015)

Quote:

"The Building Biology Standard gives an overview of the physical, chemical, biological, indoor climate and other risks encountered in sleeping areas, living spaces, workplaces and properties. It offers guidelines on how to perform specific measurements and assess possible health risks."

Quote:

"The Building Biology Evaluation Guidelines are based on the precautionary principle. They are specifically designed for sleeping areas associated with long-term risks and a most sensitive window of opportunity for regeneration. They are based on the experience and knowledge of the building biology community and focus on achievability."

Quote:

"Today the Standard of Building Biology Testing Methods is used as a guide for professional and independent testing of homes worldwide, including Europe, the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Building biology consultants, associations, institutes, laboratories and manufacturers of testing equipment base their recommendations on it."

EMF RADIATION, TECHNOLOGY, HEALTH, AND EPIDEMIOLOGY

Within the electromagnetic spectrum, there are many frequencies that impact and interfere with biological functionality.  Many
peer-reviewed studies have found effects from EMF radiation on brain development, memory, sleep and fertility and other biological issues, from oxidative stress to headaches, hearing and vision problems, especially in children. Over 236 scientists from 41 nations who have published peer-reviewed research on this issue are calling for stronger regulations and a reduction in public exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic fields.


The effects of non-ionizing radiation are cumulative, and symptoms often do not appear until many years later. Today, Physicians are being confronted with unspecific complaints, cancers of various types, and diseases that have no clearly identifiable causes.


While scientific evidence continues to build, we recommend everyone take steps to learn about EMFs, even if only as a precaution. In the following sections we highlight the various reported health effects and highly recommend taking the time to read the research, understand the severity of the issues, and learn how to protect yourself in today's world.

HIGH-FREQUENCY RADIATION HEALTH EFFECTS

Microwave & Millimeterwave Radio Frequencies

Radio Frequency Health Studies

  • In 2010 the results of the $25 million Interphone study, the most far-reaching study of its kind that ran across 13 countries, found:


"Regular use of a cell phone by adults can significantly increase the risk of gliomas by 40% with 1640 hours or more of use (this is about one-half hour per day over ten years).”



  • In 2016 the U.S National Toxicology Program (NTP) $30 million study found incidences of malignant gliomas (brain cancer) and Schwannomas (also known as Neuromas) in the heart of rats exposed to cell phone radiation and DNA damage.



Radio Frequency Microwave Reported Health Effects:


  • Headaches
  • Genetic Damage
  • Impaired Immune System
  • Cancers, including Brain Tumors and Melanoma
  • Break in the Brain/Blood Barrier
  • Reduced Melatonin
  • Interference with Pacemakers
  • Memory Loss
  • Changes in Electrical Activity in the Brain
  • Cardiovascular Stress
  • Fatigue
  • Eye Problems

LOW-FREQUENCY RADIATION HEALTH EFFECTS

AC-Electromagnetic Field Frequencies

AC-ELECTRIC FIELDS: Reported Health Effects:


  • Brain Fog
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Dementia
  • Autism
  • Paresthesia (Weird Sensory Symptoms, like Burning)
  • Adrenal Dysregulation
  • Muscle Aches
  • Cardiovascular Symptoms (such as Arrhythmia or Tachycardia)
  • Increased Cancer Risk

AC-Electric & Magnetic Field Health Studies

 


  • The BioInitiative Report 2012 references over 1,800 studies showing adverse biological effects from low-level EMF exposures. Subsequent 2022 updates reference thousands more studies showing evidence of adverse biological effects.


  • This 2017 study also shows how low-frequency magnetic fields can increase the risk of miscarriage.


  • German report on 878 Russian studies from 1960-1997 regarding the health effects of EMF. This report was suppressed by the German government as soon as it was published because of the potential consequences of its finding.


AC-MAGNETIC FIELDS: Reported Health Effects:


  • Salivary Gland Cancer
  • Brain tumors
  • Leukemia
  • Birth defects
  • Lymphoma
  • Salivary Gland Cancer
  • Asthma
  • Lymphatic Cancer and Bone Marrow Cancer
  • Miscarriage
  • Suicide

"Dirty Electricity" Health Studies

  • Dr Samuel Milam's archived collection of scientific papers documenting the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to "Dirty Electricity in homes, businesses and school environments.


  • Important and continually expanding list of research on electrical pollution, dirty electricity, ground currents and "stray voltages" by StetzerElectric.com.  Studies include the application and use of capacitance filtering products to combat these electrical problems. Research also includes studies on how electrical pollution, dirty electricity, ground currents and voltages negatively impact the health of human beings and animals.




"Dirty Electricity": Reported Health Effects:


  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Concentration
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Mood
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Pain
  • Sleep Issues
  • Chronic Inflammation
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