Electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) and wireless radiation (Radiofrequencies or “RF”) have now become the largest, fastest growing and most hazardous set of building toxins. While it is impossible to completely avoid EMFs in society, we can find the sources and reduce exposure in critical spaces.
Below are the 3 most common types of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) that we are able to measure as part of an assessment. Each type of EMF is unique and requires its own specific EMF testing equipment and process.
RADIO FREQUENCY
In addition to cooking our food (microwave ovens) …microwaves are most commonly used for ‘wireless communication’ between devices.
Common Sources
Include Cell phone towers/masts, smart meters, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors, smart phones, and tablets.
What Can be Done?
External sources (such as cell towers or radiation from neighbors) can be shielded with various products such as shielding fabrics, paints and window films. Internal sources (such as Wi-Fi, and cordless phones) can often be eliminated by switching to wired or low-radiation alternatives, or by turning off devices when not in use.
Possible Health Risks
Radio Frequencies in this ‘microwave’ range were classified as a “Type 2B (possible) Carcinogen” by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2011. Other Type 2B carcinogens include lead, styrene and the pesticide DDT.
AC ELECTRIC FIELDS
Electric fields are ‘airborne’ electricity which almost always emanate from electrical wiring as well as all electrical devices. These electrical devices do not need to be turned ON in order for an electric field to exist.
Common Sources
Include Electronics, lamps, light fixtures, appliances, electrical wiring in walls, floor and ceilings.
What Can be Done?
Unplug electrical devices which are infrequently used and ensure that mounted light fixtures are properly grounded. Special care can be taken in bedrooms to identify and greatly reduce or eliminate electrical fields from sleeping areas. Learn more about creating a Sleeping Sanctuary.
Possible Health Risks
A study by the British scientist, Dr. Roger Coghill in 1996 showed that relatively weak AC electric fields, as they can often be found in sleeping areas are a contributing factor to headaches, fatigue, depression and sudden infant death.
AC MAGNETIC FIELDS
Magnetic fields exist any time there is a ‘flow’ of electricity. Typically, the more electricity that is ‘flowing’, the stronger the associated magnetic field. Household wiring issues, or damaged wiring can also create fields and hot spots inside the home.
Common Sources Include
Home wiring issues, overhead/neighborhood power lines and transformers, your home’s electrical panel and meter, electric motors, AC/DC adaptors, stray voltage on plumbing.
What Can be Done?
Fields can be reduced/eliminated by correcting wiring issues or removing offending devices. If a source cannot be eliminated, then creating distance between the occupants and the source will help.
Possible Health Risks
In 2002, Extremely low frequency magnetic fields were classified by IARC as Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on the association with childhood leukemia.
Harmful Health Effects from EMF Exposure
Symptoms and levels of severity can vary from person to person from different electromagnetic field intensities and frequencies. Overexposure or sensitivity to EMFs can express with the following symptoms:
• learning and memory deficits
• neurological disorders
• concentration difficulties
• headaches
• insomnia / sleep problems
• anxiety • depression • irritability
• chronic fatigue
• nausea
• cellular damage
• allergy stress responses
• increased cancer risk
• DNA damage
• heart palpitations
• leukemia
• tumors
• low sperm count
• compromised reproductive system
• compromised immune system
• chemical sensitivities
• electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS)
