Background on EMF
There are three main types of electromagnetic fields(EMFs) -- magnetic fields, electric fields and radio frequency fields. Each is measured with a different kind of test instrument. All three EMFs have been linked to important biological effects in the scientific literature, but there is still great controversy regarding these potential health effects.
The ELF magnetic fields and the ELF electric fields are both related the ELF (extremely low frequency) emissions from power lines, electrical wiring, lights, appliances and common electrical devices -- everything related to electrical power. The third kind of EMF includes all the carious radio frequency (RF) emissions from modern electronic equipment -- everything related to wireless.
ELF magnetic fields are the EMF component most often linked to serious health effects -- such as childhood leukemia and other cancers -- in the research studies. Power lines and stray electrical currents in municipal water pipes are common sources. Wiring errors and grounding issues can also cause high levels in buildings. Magnetic fields are measured with a gaussmeter, in units called "milligauss" (mG).
ELF electric fields have also been linked to biological effects, but have been studied less. Anecdotally, they are often involved when people feel "sensitive" to electrical sources. Electric fields are usually caused by the close proximity of hidden electrical wires in walls, by nearby power cords for lights and appliances, and sometimes from overhead power lines. They are best measured using body voltage method (on a person's skin) in units of "AC volts" (V).
Radio Frequency (RF) fields (which include microwaves) are emitted from cell towers, TV/radio broadcast towers, cell phones, cordless phones, wireless computer devices, Wi-Fi, microwave ovens, and other electronic devices. In the US, they are usually measured in units of "microwatts per centimeter squared" (µW/cm2). (Fluorescent lights, computers, and wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi can add a RF component to the normal magnetic and electric fields emitted from the electrical wiring system. This "dirty electricity" is an increasing issue for the health of EMF sensitive people, and the operation of electronic devices.)
The ELF magnetic fields and the ELF electric fields are both related the ELF (extremely low frequency) emissions from power lines, electrical wiring, lights, appliances and common electrical devices -- everything related to electrical power. The third kind of EMF includes all the carious radio frequency (RF) emissions from modern electronic equipment -- everything related to wireless.
ELF magnetic fields are the EMF component most often linked to serious health effects -- such as childhood leukemia and other cancers -- in the research studies. Power lines and stray electrical currents in municipal water pipes are common sources. Wiring errors and grounding issues can also cause high levels in buildings. Magnetic fields are measured with a gaussmeter, in units called "milligauss" (mG).
ELF electric fields have also been linked to biological effects, but have been studied less. Anecdotally, they are often involved when people feel "sensitive" to electrical sources. Electric fields are usually caused by the close proximity of hidden electrical wires in walls, by nearby power cords for lights and appliances, and sometimes from overhead power lines. They are best measured using body voltage method (on a person's skin) in units of "AC volts" (V).
Radio Frequency (RF) fields (which include microwaves) are emitted from cell towers, TV/radio broadcast towers, cell phones, cordless phones, wireless computer devices, Wi-Fi, microwave ovens, and other electronic devices. In the US, they are usually measured in units of "microwatts per centimeter squared" (µW/cm2). (Fluorescent lights, computers, and wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi can add a RF component to the normal magnetic and electric fields emitted from the electrical wiring system. This "dirty electricity" is an increasing issue for the health of EMF sensitive people, and the operation of electronic devices.)
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
