Electromagnetic Fields

DID YOU KNOW

Occasional exposure to high electromagnetic fields is not likely to pose a health risk to most people; however exposure to high magnetic fields over a long period of time (such as when sleeping) are when problems are likely to arise.

From mobile and cordless phones to overhead power lines, baby monitors and electrical appliances, we are exposed to multiple sources of radiation on a continual basis. In the past 100 years, we have progressively added an enormous amount of man-made signals to the natural electromagnetic background of the planet to the extent that there is practically no where left that is not being influenced by it in some way. The frequencies of greatest concern are those used in telecommunications, household appliances and building wiring.

SOURCES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION IN A BUILDING

Here are some sources of electromagnetic radiation likely to affect a building. For a detailed discussion on all sources both in and outside of a building, refer to the book Healthy Home, Healthy Family.

HEALTH CONCERNS

Electrical hypersensitivity was first documented in the 1970s. Since then, there have been a number of studies into this phenomenon with the majority coming from Sweden who recognise it as a disability (Swedish Association for the ElectroSensitiive - FEB).

Headache
Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, dizziness and confusion
Tingling or pricking sensation of the skin
An natural warmth or burning sensation of the face (a rash may develop)
Ringing in the ears
Sleep disturbances
Dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, ear and/or sinuses
Impending flu-like symptoms that don’t eventuate
Body aches and pains, jaw and teeth pain, muscle tremors and spasms, numbness and tingling
Heart palpitations, arrhythmias, chest pain and breathing difficulties
A doubling in the incidence of childhood leukaemia (when kids are exposed to more than 4mG) (Powerwatch, 2010)
Mounting research indicates a possible connection between mobile phone use and specific forms of brain tumours namely gliomas and acoustic neuromas (Swedish Professor Lennart Hardell, 2008).
There is a growing body of evidence to indicate that magnetic fields of around 12mG may increase the rate at which breast cancer cells multiply as a result of their ability to suppress the ‘anticancer’ hormone melatonin (Blackman et al, 2001 and Harland et al, 1997).

Government agencies around the world including the US National Institute on Environmental Health Sciences and the UK National Radiological Protection Board Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR) now agree that magnetic fields are a possible carcinogen. In 2002 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified 50Hz magnetic fields as a possible carcinogen (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2002).

TESTING YOUR HOME

Electromagnetic field testing is a complicated procedure that requires a good understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum, an ability to identify the various frequencies likely to affect the built environment, use of highly technical and often expensive equipment as well as shielding techniques. A building biologist will be able to test your home for electromagnetic radiation arising from household wiring, mobile phone towers and geopathic stress. The cost will vary depending on the size of the home or workplace. For details, click here.

SOLUTIONS

This will depend on the source, type of frequency and, in the case of microwave emissions from mobile phone towers and cordless phones, the power output.

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