Neuert
Electromagnetic Services emfcenter.com
Michael R. Neuert, MA,
BSME California Lic #687093
Phone/Fax: 1-800-638-3781 or (707) 578-1645
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Part A. The 8
Most Commonly Asked Questions... Part B.
Questions about
EMFs, Potential Health Effects, and How to Reduce EMFs...
A1. How do I test for EMFs in my home or office? You can have a professional test your home, or you can purchase or rent an appropriate meter and do the testing yourself. Since it is difficult to predict the actual levels of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) found in any particular home or office, we always recommend that you measure the actual exposure levels with proper scientific instruments. A2. How do I schedule a phone consultation with EMF expert, Michael Neuert? Simply call our office to schedule a telephone consultation with our EMF expert and engineer, Michael Neuert. Over the years, Michael has guided hundreds of homeowners, renters, electricians, contractors, building managers — even individuals with severe sensitivity to EMFs — through the necessary steps to test, troubleshoot, repair and shield the EMFs from most sources. The phone consulting fee is $120 per hour. A3. What particular test-meter is best for me? That depends on your needs and budget. For general testing of all three kinds of EMFs — using one meter at the lowest cost while also measuring the widest range of frequencies, including the EMFs from power lines, wiring, computers, TVs, fluorescent lights, microwave ovens and cell phones — we usually recommend the TriField 100XE Meter. For more specific and accurate measurement of the low-frequency "magnetic fields" from power lines and wiring (for example, when looking for a new home or apartment) we recommend the Bell 4080 ELF Gaussmeter. For very sensitive measurement of the "electric fields" (especially for people with serious illnesses or hypersensitivity to EMFs) we recommend the BV Test Meter. And for more complete testing of the radio and microwave frequencies, we offer the Alpha RF Meter. A4. How does the seven-day meter rental program work? We offer a special "Seven-Day Rent-By-Mail" program to help you get the required test meters at the most affordable cost. You pay the rental fee, plus shipping in both directions. The seven day rental period begins when you actually receive the rental meter in the mail. You can then use the rental meter for a full week before you ship it back to us. We ship via US Priority Mail, UPS or Fed Ex. A5. Can we install shielded EMF-Free wiring for our new or remodel home building project? Electrical wiring is the largest single source of EMFs for most people. For example, you spend about a third of your lifetime in the bedroom, and the wires near your bed can emit strong EMFs all night long. If you are planning to build or remodel, you can have specially shielded "EMF-Free" electrical wiring installed for your new home. With proper planning, this can be done for minimal added cost when compared to conventional wiring systems. Nationwide, we provide design consultations via telephone (and specifications via mail or email) to assist you in the installation of your EMF-Free wiring. In northern California, we can install the EMF-Free wiring for you, if desired. The sources of electromagnetic fields and interference in large commercial and industrial buildings can include power lines, transformers, meter and distribution panels, electrical wiring, stray electricity in pipes and metal building materials, and electrical equipment within the building. Nationwide, we provide on-site services to test and analyze EMF interference problems and to provide assistance with repairs, shielding and other mitigations as appropriate. A7. What special services and products are available inside of California? We provide all of the professional services and products needed to measure and reduce EMFs in your home, office, school or other location. Throughout California, we provide on-site testing, consulting, troubleshooting, wiring repairs, shield installation, and other related services. In northern California, we install shielded "EMF-Free" electrical wiring for new and remodel construction. In addition, we also sell and rent gaussmeters for do-it-yourself testing. A8. What services and products are available outside of California? We provide expert consultations via the telephone to answer all of your questions about electromagnetic fields (EMFs). We guide homeowners, renters, contractors, electricians and individuals with hypersensitivity to EMFs or other serious heath problems through the proper steps to measure and reduce EMFs from most sources. We also provide easy-to-use test meters for sale or rent, as well as the special materials required for the shielding of EMFs. If necessary, special arrangements can be made for travel to anywhere within the U.S. and Canada.
B1. What are Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)? Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are a type of low-frequency radiation emitted from virtually everything electrical and electronic in our modern environment — power lines, transformers, electrical meter panels, building wiring, computers, lights, clocks, appliances, TVs, hairdryers, cell phones and towers, microwave ovens, wireless devices, etc. B2. What is Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)? Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a common problem in which electromagnetic fields (EMFs) interfere with the proper functioning of an electronic system or component. These interference problems can range from an annoying jitter of the image on a computer screen or television, or disruptive static on a radio station, to very serious and costly problems with complex electronics, including the loss of data or complete shutdown of equipment. B3. Can EMFs affect human health? Many hundreds of studies have linked EMFs to biological effects, but scientists remain divided about the seriousness of their health impact and the conclusiveness of the data. Early on, many assumed that EMFs could not affect human health because the emitted levels are relatively low. However, some research is beginning to suggest that even low-level EMFs may cause "interference" with sensitive bio-electromagnetic processes deep inside our cells, brains and bodies — very similar to the way that low-level EMFs often cause "electromagnetic interference" for sensitive computer and electronic equipment. B4. What are the health concerns? While there still is great controversy, studies suggest that EMFs may be linked to a variety of health problems including leukemia, lymphoma, brain and nervous system cancers, melanoma, breast cancer, miscarriage, birth defects, Alzheimer’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, depression and suicide. Anecdotally, EMFs have been associated with symptoms such as nausea, headache, fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, mental confusion, memory loss, sleep disturbance, itchy or burning skin sensations, and skin rashes. B5. What are some of the studies that have linked EMFs to cancer? The strongest evidence comes from a series of epidemiological studies that have reported increased childhood cancer risks in homes with higher EMFs from power lines. Recently, scientists at the Washington State Department of Health found that the modern rise of childhood leukemia is closely linked to the original electrification of the home. And a wide variety of occupational studies have linked EMFs to cancer in adult workers. In the laboratory, human cancer cells exposed to high EMFs grew significantly faster than unexposed cancer cells. B6. Do EMFs affect the immune system? Some research suggests that EMFs might interfere with the pineal gland's secretion of melatonin at night. Melatonin is one of the immune system's most potent natural cancer fighting chemicals, as well as the critical hormone that regulates our wake/sleep cycle. Lowered melatonin levels have been linked with breast, ovarian, prostate and melanoma cancers, as well as with psychological disorders such as depression. B7. How can EMFs be linked to so many different health problems? We all know what happens if we do not sleep well — not only are we grumpier and less alert, but we are more likely to catch a cold or other illness because our immunity is lower. Similarly, rather than initiate any specific cancer, some of the research suggests that EMFs can interfere with the healthy functioning of our immune system — thus weakening the body’s natural ability to fight a variety of disease conditions. The largest single source is often from electrical wiring, lights and appliances in the home. In particular, hidden wiring near bedrooms can emit EMFs all night long, and nearby clocks and radios may also contribute. A second common source is from power lines — both high-voltage lines (on tall metal towers) and distribution lines (on wooden poles). Computers, fluorescent lights and other equipment at work are another important source. Cell phones, cordless phones and microwave ovens may also a concern. And a common source that is usually overlooked is the automobile. B9. How do I know if I am being exposed to EMFs? In our modern world, virtually everyone is exposed to some level of electromagnetic fields. And the levels can vary greatly. Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict the levels found in any particular home or office because EMFs can be emitted from sources such as hidden wiring in walls and stray electricity in water pipes. Therefore, we recommend that you — or a professional tester — measure the actual levels in your home, school or office with the proper test instruments. B10. What EMF levels are considered safe? There is great controversy about what levels are safe. The lowest level of magnetic fields linked to cancer in the power line studies is 2.0 milligauss. Thus, some suggest that anything under 2.0 milligauss is safe. In our consulting work, we try to reduce all long-term exposures to well below the levels linked with disease in any of the research studies — generally down to 0.5 mG or less. B11. How can I reduce the EMFs in my home? You can arrange your home to stay as far as possible from obvious EMF sources such as electrical panels, refrigerators, televisions and fluorescent lights. You can use a battery powered alarm clock instead of a plug-in type near your bed, and you can unplug all electrical cords near beds, desks, couches and chairs. Limit your family’s use of cell phones and cordless phones as much as possible. And since EMFs can be emitted from many unseen and unexpected sources, you can also measure with a test meter. B12. Can I do my own EMF testing? Generally, yes. Do-it-yourself test meters are available for the average person to use. With the proper meter, you can test your home, school, workplace or any other location for EMFs. You can test power lines, transformers, meter panels, computers, televisions, appliances, etc. You can test where you sleep, and where your children play video games. Perhaps most important, you can pre-test potential new homes and apartments, before you buy or rent. B13. When do I need to hire a professional test consultant? A professional test consultant can help assure that a thorough and accurate EMF survey has been performed. Some testers may also have professional expertise in the shielding and reduction of EMFs — shielding refrigerators and meter panels, tracing wiring problems, eliminating stray current in water pipes, etc. To assist you, we also also offer professional consultations via telephone to help you measure and reduce the EMFs for your own particular situation. B14. Are there different kinds of EMFs I should be concerned about? There are three main kinds of EMFs. Magnetic fields are the component most often linked to serious health effects in the scientific literature. Magnetic fields easily penetrate the skin to reach vital organs and processes inside the body. Electric fields induce electrical voltages onto the skin, and are also linked to important biological effects. RF/microwave radiation includes the radio frequencies (RF) and microwaves emitted from cell phones, cordless phones, TV and radio broadcast towers, microwave ovens, and various wireless devices. B15. How are the different kinds of EMFs measured? Magnetic fields are measured with special instruments called "gaussmeters." Most of the detection meters available today are gaussmeters —thus they can only measure magnetic fields. Electric fields are best detected by measuring the actual voltage on a person's skin with a "body voltage tester". RF/microwave fields require a special test meter that can detect the full range of EMF frequencies from AM/FM radio up through the highest cell phone and microwave frequencies. B16. Are all test meters the same? No. A triple-axis gaussmeter is much more accurate and easy to use than the common single-axis meter. Also, while the typical ELF (Extremely-Low-Frequency) gaussmeter can measure power lines, electrical wiring and appliances, a special VLF (Very-Low-Frequency) meter is needed to measure the higher frequency EMFs from computers, televisions, electronics and fluorescent lights. And prices vary greatly, usually in relation to accuracy. B17. What particular test meters are best? The all-purpose do-it-yourself meter that we recommend for most beginners is the TriField 100XE. This triple-axis meter is a special value because it can detect magnetic fields, electric fields and RF/microwave radiation, at a relatively low price. When searching for a new home or apartment, we generally recommend a very accurate ELF gaussmeter like the Bell 4080. And for individuals with serious health problems or hypersensitivity to EMFs, we also recommend more accurate testing of the electric fields with a Body Voltage Test Meter. B18. How much do test meters cost? The TriField 100XE is probably the most practical and affordable meter available today because it can measure all three kinds of EMFs in one instrument. This very useful meter usually sells for under $150, and rents for about $50 per week. In comparison, most other meters in this price range will detect only magnetic fields (not electric fields or RF/microwave radiation), will detect only the ELF frequencies (not the VLF fields from computers, TVs and fluorescent lights), and will only be a single-axis meter (much more difficult to get accurate measurements than with a three-axis instrument). B19. Can I save money if I rent a test meter? Yes. While we recommend that you purchase a meter for your long-term usage, these same easy-to-use test meters can also be rented through our popular 7-Day Rent-by-Mail program. We ship to anywhere within the US or Canada, via US mail, UPS or Federal Express. Many people choose to buy the all-purpose TriField 100XE for their general long-term use, but rent the more accurate and expensive specialty meters (like the Bell 4080 for magnetic fields) for specific needs — e.g., when searching for a new home or apartment. B20. What can I do if I discover high EMFs in my home? The solution may be as simple as moving a bed further away from a high EMF source, for example, away from an electrical meter or breaker panel on the other side of a bedroom wall. If the solution is not easy or obvious, you may want to consult with a professional — someone in your area who has technical experience in the reduction of EMFs — or you can contact our office to schedule an appointment for a professional consultation via telephone. Very often, yes. But each kind of EMF requires specific materials and installation procedures. Magnetic fields are shielded with special alloys such as MuMetal®. Please note that magnetic shielding requires some professional guidance, because improper placement can actually increase the fields. Electric fields are easier to shield, but again the shields must be properly installed, or they can also raise the emissions rather than reduce them. We provide both the materials and the technical guidance needed to shield all types of EMFs. B22. How can I reduce the EMFs from my existing wiring? In existing homes, high magnetic fields from wiring are often caused by improper wiring connections — these problems can usually be repaired without opening up any walls. Electrical meter and breaker panels, transformers, refrigerators, pump motors, appliances and other sources can be shielded with MuMetal®. And to reduce the EMFs during sleep, some people simply turn off the electrical circuits near the bedrooms at night. B23. Can I reduce the EMFs from the wiring for my new home or remodel project? Yes, yes, yes! You can have your new wiring installed so that it is almost completely free from the emission of both magnetic and electric fields! And if the proper design and material choices are made early, your "EMF-Free" wiring system can be installed for little added cost when compared to other wiring systems. We provide professional design consultations to help guide you and your architect or contractor through the proper installation of EMF-Free wiring for your particular project. B24. What is "EMF-Free" Electrical Wiring? EMF-Free wiring uses (1) special materials to shield or cancel the electric and magnetic fields, (2) special methods to reduce stray currents that cause high EMFs, and (3) proper placement of equipment to minimize exposure. Installation costs are similar to those of regular wiring, except that material costs will be more. All methods and materials meet and exceed the current requirements of the National Electric Code. Nationwide, we provide consultations via telephone to assist you in the design and installation of EMF-Free wiring. In northern California, we provide licensed electrical contractor services to install the EMF-Free wiring. B25. Can I reduce the EMFs from power lines? High voltage transmission lines (on the tall metal towers) can emit strong EMFs for several hundred feet. Neighborhood power lines (wooden poles) and buried electrical lines can also emit high levels. Therefore it is important to measure directly with a gaussmeter. While there may be modifications that the electric utility company can do to reduce the fields, in most cases the costs will be prohibitive for the homeowner. In some cases, the installation of an electronic "magnetic field cancellation system" may be a cost-effective alternative. B26. What are power line "magnetic field cancellation" systems? In some cases, the EMFs from power lines can be reduced with special electronic equipment that measures the existing level of the magnetic field and then produces an opposing field to "cancel out" the EMFs within a certain area. These systems are called "Active Magnetic Field Cancellation Systems," and they were initially used to reduce electromagnetic interference for electron microscopes and other sensitive instruments. (Contact our office for more information.) B27. How can I reduce EMFs from my computer? Computers emit a complex mixture of different types and frequencies of EMFs. Typically, about 90% of the emissions come from the monitor itself. The first step to reduce EMFs is to use an LCD flat screen instead of the old CRT (big TV tube type) monitors which emit much higher levels. Next is to move all hardware components as far away from your body as possible. Finally, that jungle of electrical cords near your feet can be a strong EMF source. These can be shielded and grounded. Check to make sure that the electrical power outlet for your computer is properly grounded. Finally, we recommend that you test your computer with a TriField 100XE Meter. This is a special meter with a very wide sensitivity range including the higher frequencies emitted from computers and electronics. (We provide telephone consultations, test meters and shielding materials to help you with all of this.) B28. How can I reduce EMFs from my television? Similar to computers, TVs also emit a complex mixture of EMFs. Probably the biggest concern is for children who play video games. Staying a minimum of eight feet away from the television will usually be enough to avoid the strongest fields. However, it may be wise to verify this with a gaussmeter. Since the typical gaussmeter will only measure in the "ELF" range of frequencies, we recommend that you test your TV with the TriField 100XE — which has a very wide sensitivity range, including the higher frequency "VLF" magnetic fields from televisions, computers and fluorescent lights. The trick is, how to shield the user from the phone's EMF signal, but yet allow that same EMF signal to reach the nearest cell tower? Practically speaking, this is difficult, and many advertised products are not that helpful. The safest choice is to severely limit and reduce the time spent on cell phones, especially for children. The next best choice is a speaker phone, because the EMFs decrease significantly with more distance from the phone. The typical 'hands-free" kits are limited in effectiveness, because sometimes the EMFs may still travel up the metal wire to your head. Instead, we recommend the "stethoscope" type of hands-free kit, which has an air tube (no metal wires) for the last couple of inches near your head. B30. What about cordless telephones? The EMFs from cordless telephones are similar to the EMFs from cell phones, except that the levels are lower (the EMF signal needs to travel only a hundred feet or so, rather than several miles). Similar to cell phones, the best alternative is to limit the use of cordless phones. Whenever possible, use a regular "hard-wire" connected phone. Otherwise, the advice for cell phones generally applies to cordless phones also. B31. What about cellular antennas and TV/radio towers? Today, with the profusion of cellular broadcast antennas — many of which are cleverly disguised or hidden from view — it may be wise to measure the EMFs with a test meter. The TriField 100XE is a good all-purpose meter for detecting any strong RF/microwave fields from TV and radio towers, cellular antennas, and wireless systems. But shielding this type of radiation can be difficult and costly. Therefore, it may be wise to pre-test with an appropriate meter before buying a new home or renting an apartment, if you are concerned about these exposures. B32. What is Electro-Hypersensitivity? Electro-Hypersensitivity is a condition in which a person reports heightened sensitivity and/or serious health symptoms due to exposure to EMFs of one kind or another. This condition is verified when, by simply removing the EMF source (or removing the person from the source) the symptoms disappear, but reappear again when the source is reintroduced. People with Electro-Hypersensitivity are often troubled by the normal EMF levels found in the typical home or work environment. Thus, special measures are often needed to reduce the exposure levels further. (Also called Electrical Sensitivity, or Electromagnetic Sensitivity.) B33. I think that I am highly sensitive to EMFs, what can I do? We recommend that you test your environment to see what the actual EMF levels are in your home, workplace, and especially where you sleep. In our experience, many individuals with Electro-Hypersensitivity may need to reduce their long-term exposures below the levels found in the average home and office. Typically, this might involve turning off certain electrical circuits at night, and perhaps doing some shielding or rewiring as needed. Some people recover by staying away in a remote location without electricity for a certain period of time. B34. What do scientists say about EMFs? To date, many hundreds of studies have reported that EMFs can interact with the cells and organs of our bodies, cause important biological changes and effects, and may be linked to serious illnesses including several types of cancer. Some scientists believe that the overall health effects are minimal when compared to other toxins like asbestos, or that the studies in general are still too inconsistent or inconclusive. Most agree that further research is needed. Therefore, many experts, such as Dr. Granger Morgan at Carnegie Mellon University, recommend a policy of "prudent avoidance" — reducing EMFs whenever possible without excessive cost or inconvenience. B35. What does the EPA say about EMFs? In 1990, scientists with the US Environmental Protection Agency issued a draft report recommending that EMFs be classified as a "possible human carcinogen," similar to DDT and PCBs. The EPA's final report did not include this same strong wording, but it did state that the EMF cancer studies "...show a consistent pattern of response that suggests a causal link." To date, no official safety standards have been set. B36. What do other official health organizations say about EMFs? In recent years, a variety of national and international health and scientific organizations have reviewed the EMF issue. Some organizations have concluded that the scientific evidence is enough to demonstrate significant health effects due to EMFs. Others have concluded that the evidence is still inconclusive. In their 2002 special report on EMFs, scientists with the California Department of Health Services wrote "all three of the DHS scientists are inclined to believe that EMFs can cause some degree of increased risk of childhood leukemia, adult brain cancer, Lou Gehrig's Disease, and miscarriage." |
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NEUERT ELECTROMAGNETIC SERVICES
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