EMF Introduction
2 July 2020
There has been some keen interest recently by general public on the topic of man- made radiation or non-native radiation also termed as Electro Magnetic Field (EMF) radiation. Specifically, with the global shutdown and reported 5G roll-out, much speculation is brandied about. In a series of articles, we will look at what EMFs are, discuss sources, dangers and what options we have to protect ourselves and our loved ones from dangerous exposures to man-made radiation. In this article we focus on the basics of EMFs.
EMF Basics:
It is important to summarize our discussion about the kinds of EMF out there and lay the foundation to understand the articles that follow this topic better.
EMFs are organized on a spectrum and classified according to their wavelength and frequency. On the Figure below, from left to right you will find long waves with short frequencies (like the EMFs created by a standard electrical outlet at 50 Hertz (Hz). On the opposite end, there are very short waves with a very high frequency (e.g. X-rays, gamma rays etc.) which contain enough energy to destroy DNA and do instant damage to your cells/body.
Figure 1: The Spectrum
Many modern wireless devices use a digital system of communicating. This includes Mobile Phones (GSM & 3G/UMTS), WiFi, Cordless phones (DECT), Digital TV & Digital (DAB) Radio. Many modern digital systems (such as GSM, DECT and WiFi) turn the signal on and off at high speeds to represent data, often with long gaps between data bursts. This produces a non-continuous signal, which we describe as “ pulsing” . It is these amplitude changes that the most meters with audio allow you to hear. An analogue signal is a system of communication that is not digital. The old TV system, most radios, walkie-talkies and hearing aids are examples of analogue signals. They use a continuous carrier, and instead of turning “on and off” to represent data, will vary the frequency (FM) or strength (AM). Analogue TV & VHF FM Radio stations are being phased out over time.
With an analogue system, the peak and average levels should be similar, as the signal is continuously on while it is being used. However, because most digital systems spend a large proportion of their time not transmitting, the average level does not represent the actual waveform even though it is technically accurate as shown in the diagrams below, but the peak is key to understand
Why does this matter?
Since wireless communications were first developed on a large scale, the scientific community held the opinion that “if it does not heat you it will not hurt you”, as 50 years ago, these were the only effects that were acknowledged. The average heating effect was what mattered.
Nowadays, the units typically used now for measuring the time- averaged power of microwave frequency EMFs is microwatts of power arriving per square meter (µW/m2), and most EMF meters use this measurement unit, or a variant thereof.
Radiation Type Definition Forms of Radiation Source Examples
Non-Ionizing Low to mid-frequency radiation which is generally perceived as harmless due to its lack of potency:
• Extremely Low Frequency (ELF)
• Radio Frequency (RF)
• Microwaves
• Visual Light • Microwave ovens
• Computers
• House energy smart meters
• Wireless (wifi) networks
• Cell Phones
• Bluetooth devices
• Power lines
• MRIs
Ionizing Mid to high-frequency radiation which can, under certain circumstances, lead to cellular and or DNA damage with prolonged exposure:
• Ultraviolet (UV)
• X-Rays
• Gamma • Sunlight
• X-Rays
• Some gamma rays
There have now been hundreds of studies finding non-thermal effects from modern wireless communication signals as harmful to the environment and to humans at exposure level way below the standards, as these were set almost 25 years ago.
This requires a change in what is measured to suit much lower signal levels with different characteristics. At Emfree we believe that on-body measurement is the most effective way of measuring exposure to EMFs, and that peak signal strength is the next most appropriate way to measure complex digitally modulated, often non-continuous, signals in a meaningful manner. RF on-body is measured in uV (microvolt), EF on-body by V/m. Signal strength is measured in volts per meter (V/m). Many electrosensitive individuals report most adverse health effects in areas that have quite high peak levels but have average field strengths below even precautionary guidelines regarding average power levels.
In a nutshell, EMFs affect us because the conflicting signals received from exposure can adversely interact with the body’s own internal electric responses (i.e. the body’s own transfer of electrical charge in the nervous system, brain function, heart function, digestion etc.)
Over time when the flow of our own biofield is constantly interrupted, we can experience imbalances. Ultimately, this can contribute to more severe imbalances or disease. For people with strong immune systems, Emfs may cause little or minor symptoms, like brain fog, insomnia or headaches.
If, however, the immune system is already challenged, the effects are exacerbated, and the presence of EMFs can make it harder to recover from whatever the health challenge the body is facing.
Types of EMFs
When talking about non-native radiation we can categorize 4 specific types of Emfs that have been linked to adverse health effects:
1. Radio Frequency (RF)
2. Magnetic Fields (MF)
3. Electric Fields (EF)
4. Dirty Electricity (DE) (not looked at in this assessment)
Each of these 4 types of EMFs have been linked to specific health effects that are emitted by specific sources and can be reduced or avoided using specific strategies. In future articles we will focus on these categories in more detail, unpack the 5G story and discuss recommendations to help you to reduce the emissions inside your home in order to make it a healthier, healing environment especially in areas you spend most of your time.