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What
are Electromagnetic Fields?
The transmission of electrical energy
through wires, the broadcasting of radio signals and
the phenomenon of visible light are examples of electromagnetic
fields (EMF). EMF always consists of both an electrical
field and a magnetic field. It occurs in a wide range
of frequencies, spanning what is called the electromagnetic
spectrum.
At the high end is cosmic radiation.
At the low end is household electricity. The lower electromagnetic
frequencies have been utilized by man to generate electricity
and all associated electrical products, including all
electronic communication systems and electrical appliances.
Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is often called an electromagnetic
field (EMF) when it falls within the lower frequencies.
Both EMR and EMF are commonly used to mean the same
thing.
What are the Common Sources of EMF?
Electricity is the most common source
of power throughout the world because it is easily generated
and transmitted to where it is needed. As electricity
moves through wires and machines, it produces EMF. The
power grids of nations consist of electrical generation,
transmission and distribution facilities. As electricity
is sent along the wires of the power grid, EMF is created.
In cities, primary electric power distribution lines
run across the top of utility poles and feed secondary
transformers, which are then connected to the electric
power meters of buildings.
Once electricity is delivered to the
user, it continues to produce EMF throughout the wiring
systems of offices, homes, schools, factories and other
structures. The appliances and electrical equipment
connected to these wiring systems produce their own
EMF as well.
In the workplace the generators of EMF
include computers, cell phones, fax machines, copy machines,
fluorescent lights, printers, scanners, telephone (PBX)
switching systems, electrical instruments, motors and
other electrical devices.
In homes, the immediate sources of EMF
include electric blankets, electric water bed heaters,
hairdryers, electric shavers, television sets, stereo
systems, air conditioners, fluorescent lights, electric
can openers, telephone answering machines, cell and
portable phones, refrigerators, blenders, portable heaters,
clothes washers and dryers, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners,
toasters, and microwave ovens.
EMF is not only produced by electricity
moving through wires or machines, but it is the nature
of all television and satellite transmissions, as well
as radio and microwave communication systems, including
cell phones. Transportation methods such as automobiles,
trucks, airplanes, electrical and magnetic trains and
subway systems are significant sources of EMF.
More than one source of EMF in proximity
to other sources will produce overlapping fields in
the same area. Any metropolitan home or office environment
in the world will be saturated by a variety of interpenetrating
EMF from a variety of sources. The nature of EMF is
very complex and the number of EMF sources are rapidly
growing.
Unfortunately, the entire effect of
multiple electromagnetic fields on human physiology
is not completely understood. However, it is well known
that low-frequency magnetic fields can trigger major
biochemical responses critical to the functioning of
human cells, which operate by complex electrochemical
processes. The consequences of living in our EMF world
may not be known for decades. Virtually all research
on the serious health effects of man-made EMF has come
to the conclusion that the adverse health responses
from EMF are from long-term cumulative exposure.
We are the First Generation to Live in an EMF World
Paul Brodeur, the author of Currents
of Death, a book about EMF and a series of famous articles
on EMF for the magazine The New Yorker, first raised
the question about the key difference between natural
DC magnetic fields of the earth and artificial man-made
EMF which is mostly composed of alternating current
(AC). Brodeur suggests that the AC magnetic fields appear
to have profoundly negative effects on human cell behavior.
Human life has gradually evolved over two billion years
in an environment devoid of AC magnetic fields. Man-made
AC fields differ greatly from the earth's magnetic field,
as the earth's current is direct current (DC) and not
alternating current (AC). Brodeur argues that, in terms
of the biological consequences, this constant, unprecedented
human exposure to AC fields is highly stressful. The
evidence is persuasive that man-made AC fields can interact
with or stress our human cells to the point where adverse
reactions result.
The adverse effects of exposure to EMF
appear to arise slowly over a long period of time. For
example, it may take 5 to 10 years in the case of leukemia
or perhaps 30 to 40 years in the case of Alzheimer's
disease for symptoms to develop. The health cases that
are coming to light in the 1990s most likely had their
origin in the 1980s or before. Damage that is being
inflicted today is not even knowable. The EMF problem
has been categorized as a new form of pollution as consequential
as air and water pollution. It has also been likened
to the newly-discovered hazards of asbestos and cigarette
smoking. In terms of its cumulative health effects,
it's been compared to the slow process of lead poisoning.
The EMF problem will grow - and at a compounding rate.
Fortunately, public awareness of EMF is also growing.
Recommended safety levels range from
0.5 mG to 2.5 mG as the maximum exposure - with 1.0
mG as a preferred standard. Adverse biological effects
have been found at 2.5 mG.
Strengthen Yourself Against EMF
Your body possesses a remarkable ability
to adapt to rapidly changing environments. But when
your body is chronically bombarded by man-made EMF (electromagnetic
fields), its innate intelligence and energy can become
weakened. When your body's ability to cope is impaired,
it's more difficult for your body to shield itself from
negative influences. EMF, in effect, can knock your
innate intelligence and energy "out of phase."
You know why the airline captain tells
you to turn off your electronic devices during take
off and landing? The EMF generated by your cell phone
and laptop wreak havoc on the plane's navigational system.
And they wreak havoc on yours as well.
Some scientists estimate that you are
now daily exposed to 100 million times the EMF radiation
of your grandparents. Research shows that these fields
have a significant disruptive effect on the natural
energy levels of your body. Your body's energy, as well
as your cellular communication system, are altered by
the high frequencies of EMF. Man-made radiation magnifies
your body's "fight or flight" responses, compounding
your adrenal loads from other stressors and significantly
reducing your ability to effectively cope.
EMF disrupts your natural energy levels,
triggering stress responses. Both alternative and traditional
doctors report that EMF is a co-factor in increasing
your daily stress levels. Stress can impair your body's
natural ability to heal. EMF adds stress to your own
stress and fatigue. EMF adds stress to your already
taxed system. EMF contributes to energy depletion and
fatigue from cell phones, air travel and household appliances.
Bibiography/Resources
Electromagnetic Fields:
A Consumer's Guide to the Issues and How to Protect
Ourselves— by B. Blake Levitt
Synopsis
A comprehensive account of the electromagnetic fields
caused by high-tension power lines examines the health
problems related to them and explains what the government
is doing about the problem and how one can increase
one's safety.
Warning:
The Electricity Around You May be Hazardous to Your
Health— by Ellen Sugarman
Synopsis
A thorough overview of the myriad health issues associated
with electromagnetic fields.
Cross Currents:
The Promise of Electromedicine, the Perils of Electropollution—
by Robert O. Becker
Synopsis
Dr. Becker tells of the emergence of electromagnetic
medicine, which promises to unlock the secrets of healing,
and the growth of electromagnetic pollution, which poses
a clear environmental danger. He explains the effectiveness
of alternative healing methods that use parts of the
body's innate electrical healing systems, and warns
that our bodies are being adversely affected by power
lines, computers, microwaves and satellite dishes.
Information Ventures, Inc.
www.infoventures.com
EMF-Link® is a multimedia information resource covering
biological and health effects of electric and magnetic
fields (EMF) produced by everyday sources - powerlines,
appliances, communications and transportation equipment.
EMF-Link® is a product of the EMF Clearinghouse
at IVI, which also offers a range of print publications
and the EMF Database, the world's most comprehensive
electronic database of scientific information on EMF.
EMF-Link® provides detailed information and informed
discussion of EMF technical, legal, and consumer related
issues in an unbiased fashion.
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