Neuert Electromagnetic Services    emfcenter.com
        Michael R. Neuert, MA, BSME   California Lic #687093
                Phone/Fax: 1-800-638-3781 or (707) 578-1645

Background Information About EMFs

©2006 Michael R. Neuert
 

Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) are a type of electromagnetic radiation commonly emitted from everything electrical in our modern world – power lines, transformers, electrical panels, building wiring, appliances, lighting, computers, telephones, cell phones and even automobile engines.

Common Sources of EMFs – Because of the extent and close proximity of electrical wiring in modern buildings, the typical person receives more EMFs from electrical wiring than any other source.  The number two source is usually from appliances, telephones, TVs and computers.  The third largest exposure is often from power lines.  The fourth largest is usually from automobiles, cell phones and towers, etc. 

ELF Electromagnetic Fields – Most of the EMFs found in the home or office will be in the extremely-low-frequency or ELF range of the electromagnetic spectrum.  This includes the 60 hertz EMFs emitted from power lines, electrical wiring and most lights and appliances.  At these ELF frequencies, the EMFs contain two separate and distinct parts – one part is called the magnetic field and the other is called the electric field.

Magnetic fields can be detected with a gaussmeter, and are measured in units of strength called “milligauss” (mG).  Magnetic fields are caused by the flow of electrical current, and they are the EMF component most often linked to serious health effects in the scientific literature – including leukemia, lymphoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, ALS, Alzheimer’s Disease, immune suppression, depression, and suicide.

Electric fields are caused by the presence of electrical voltage, and are linked to various biological effects in the scientific literature.  Electric fields are detected by measuring the actual voltage induced onto the skin, using a standard voltmeter.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that electric fields may be linked to complaints including fatigue, headache, anxiety, dizziness, irritability, mental confusion, nausea, burning or tingling sensations, and sleep problems.

Electrical Sensitivity (ES) is a common term for the condition where an individual exhibits negative reactions or hypersensitivity to electrical or electronic sources.  Although ES is not yet well understood medically, it is easily confirmed when a person can experience relief of symptoms simply by turning off or getting away from the electrical sources.  (Also called Electrosensitivity, Electrical Hypersensitivity, Electromagnetic Sensitivity, or Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity.)

Prudent Avoidance -- At present, there is much controversy regarding the potential health effects, if any, from human exposure to EMFs.  While there are few official guidelines to limit exposure, many authorities recommend a precautionary approach called prudent avoidance: reducing exposures to EMFs whenever possible without great additional cost. 

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