| What is EMF? | | Print | |
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EMF (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. What You Can't See Could Hurt You?Electromagnetic radiation (EMF's) is emitted by all electrical devices as well as devices that emit radio waves such as kitchen appliances, computers and cell phones. If you are like most people, you have electronic devices in your home and office. You may even have a number of these devices in the bedroom where your body is suppose to rest and repair each night. EMF'S can impact your physical and emotional health. They can interfere with the quality of your sleep, aggravate nervousness and even cause families to be more argumentative than usual. It's like the saying that a man who gets his arm broken in two places should stay out of those places. EMF's are powerful stuff and chances are, your are exposed to some level of them. You may have and older computer that emits high levels of EMF's, but you don't have to have it on the table next to your bed. Scientists now believe as much as 40-50% of the population may be unknowingly experiencing symptoms of EHS, with 3-5% of the cases severe enough to significantly impact an individual's overall quality of life. Many EHS sufferers improve quickly and symptoms disappear, or are lessened, when they are returned to and environment where EMF sources have been reduced or eliminated. Safe EMF LevelsThere are a number of recommendations as to what constitutes a harmful EMF level. Since the experts have not come to an consensus, you'll have to decide for yourself. Many government and utility documents report the usual ambient level of 60-Hz magnetic field to be 0.5mG. Thus, any reading higher than .5mG is above the "usual" ambient exposure. Many experts and public officials, as well as the few governments that have made an effort to offer public protection, have adopted the 3mG cutoff point. The EPA has proposed a safety standard of 1mG. Sweden has set a maximum safety limit of 1mG. Dr. Robert Becker, an MD who has been studying the effects of EMF's for 20 years, states a 1mG safety limit in his book Cross Currents. When electricians try to solve a magnetic field problem they do their best to drop the level to 1mG or below. Dr. Nancy Wertheimer, a Ph.D. epidemiologist who has been studying EMF's for 20 years, has been looking at the epidemiological data in a different way, she is trying to associate EMF levels with health rather than disease. The level she is coming up with is a cut off of 1mG. EHS Symptoms
Learn more about EMF from a scientific approach.
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