An In-Depth Look at EMF
Learn more about the effects of Electromagnetic Fields and the effects it may have.
What is Electromagnetic Field Testing?
Electromagnetic fields or EMF consists of energy waves that are emitted by electrical devices. EMF testing is used to evaluate the health effects of electromagnetic radiation in a building. Our body also produces electromagnetic fields, but these fields are low in intensity.
As a growing number of people are becoming aware of the importance of electromagnetic radiation, and the potential health effects of EMF, more and more safety standards are being introduced and enforced. However, there is still a significant amount of uncertainty and vulnerability amongst consumers regarding EMF testing.
Electric fields are measured in units of volts per meter, or V/m. Magnetic fields are measured in milli-Gauss, or mG.
How Are Electromagnetic Fields Produced?
Electromagnetic Fields are produced by the voltage present in an electrical system. Higher voltage means a stronger electric field. In suburban and urban areas, many people are close to overhead powerlines, which means they are exposed to strong artificial electromagnetic fields. Other artificial electromagnetic fields come from
- Cell Phones
- Microwaves
- Household Appliances
- Televisions
- Computers
- Power Strips and any other items that produces voltage
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
The electromagnetic specturms shows that there are two categories EMFs falls into. Non-Ionizing and Ionizing
- Non-Ionizing
- These are relatively little impact are the human health. They are not known to damage DNA or human cells.
- Ionizing
- These have harmful effects to the human health and can potentially damage DNA and human cells.
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (ES) is a physiological disorder characterized by symptoms directly brought on by exposure to electromagnetic fields. It produces neurological and allergic-type symptoms. Symptoms may include but are not limited to
- Headache,
- Eye Irritation,
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Facial swelling
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Pain in Joints and/or Muscles,
- Buzzing/Ringing in the Ears
- Skin Numbness
- Abdominal Pressure and Pain,
- Breathing Difficulty
- Irregular Heartbeat