What Are Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)?
Electric current is the source of electromagnetic fields. Household electricity is typically alternating current (AC). AC can change direction and polarity periodically. A 60 Hz current oscillates 60 times within one second, creating an electric and magnetic field with the same frequency.
Electromagnetic fields are classified into five types based on their frequency:
- ELF (Extremely Low Frequencies) – household electrical devices, power lines.
- HF and LF (High Frequencies and Low Frequencies) – AM radio waves.
- VLF (Very Low Frequencies) – televisions and video.
- VHF (Very High Frequencies) – TV and FM radio waves.
- SHF (Super High Frequencies) – microwave frequencies.
SHF can affect molecules. When microwaves pass through objects containing water, they cause water molecules to vibrate, generating heat. Infrared rays and visible light comprise only a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Electromagnetic fields generated by currents greater than 60 Hz are known as ionizing radiation because they possess enough energy to strip electrons from atoms. X-rays have sufficient energy to damage gene-containing molecules. Prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation can lead to cancer.
How Are People Exposed to EMFs?
People encounter various sources of EMFs, both natural and artificial, making it difficult to determine the dose-response relationship from a single EMF source. Naturally, EMFs are generated by lightning and the Earth’s magnetic field. The human body also emits electromagnetic fields to transmit information within the nervous system. Artificial EMF sources arise from the production, transmission, and use of electricity. It is important to note that electric fields cannot penetrate building materials, while magnetic fields can. Magnetic fields are often found near underground power lines.
Electromagnetic fields are commonly detected in areas such as:
- Near high-voltage power lines.
- Ground wires of lightning protection systems.
- Ground wires of electrical devices.
- Areas surrounding operating electrical equipment (including microwaves).
- Electric stoves, desk fans, electric heaters.
- Computer screens, electric meters, hair dryers, mobile phones, electric blankets.
Recently, video game consoles have become a major concern as many people engage in prolonged viewing for hours. Although there is evidence of potential harm from video game consoles to human health, insufficient data exists to conclusively determine the relationship between EMFs and health.
Consequences of Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields:
Most research findings are of limited value due to several reasons:
Some studies are poorly designed.
Other studies face challenges in isolating subjects and EMF sources. Additionally, various other factors can influence outcomes, such as socioeconomic status, nutritional habits, occupations, genetic predispositions, living conditions, and other carcinogenic factors.
Consequently, researchers recommend ongoing studies into the relationship between EMFs and brain cancer in children and adults, breast cancer in women, and leukemia. While the significance of these results remains low, there is a consensus that a “weak” relationship exists between EMFs and cancer. Therefore, further in-depth and valuable research is necessary to clarify the nature of this relationship.
What Can You Do to Minimize EMF Exposure?
Although research results have not provided definitive conclusions, you can protect yourself from potential EMF exposure by following these methods:
- Maintain distance from EMF sources; the intensity of electromagnetic fields decreases significantly within a few feet. Therefore, simply avoiding close proximity to sources can greatly reduce exposure.
- Avoid sleeping near electrical devices, especially those with motors.
- Keep at least 18 inches away from video game consoles, and turn them off when not in use. Do not sit close behind or beside computer screens (even with a wall between).
- If possible, turn off heating pads and electric blankets before going to sleep.
- Maintain a few feet of distance from televisions (in all directions).
- Avoid using electric blankets and hair dryers.
- General Warning:
The gradual warming of the Earth has increased mortality rates from heat-related illnesses and heightened the spread of “Tropical Diseases” such as malaria in the U.S., impacting global food security. The WHO has predicted that climate pressures on agriculture could lead to an additional 300 million cases of malnutrition. Furthermore, global warming is contributing to biodiversity loss, affecting freshwater availability for humanity, and will inundate low-lying areas due to rising sea levels from melting ice.
Jackie LaMuth – Ohio University
Translated by: Lê Hoàng Việt
