What are EMF's?

What Are EMF's?

EMF is the abbreviation for Electromagnetic Field. 

Electromagnetic fields are a form of energy that travels in waves. There are seven different types of electromagnetic waves: radio waves, microwaves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays.

The two sources for electromagnetic fields are NATURAL and HUMAN-MADE.

What are Natural EMF's?

Natural electromagnetic fields are part of the earth and universe. They are present everywhere in our environment but are invisible to the human eye, except for the spectrum of visible light. The Earth’s magnetic field, also called a geomagnetic field, is believed to be generated by electric currents in the conductive material of its core, created by convection currents due to heat escaping from the core.

The Earth’s magnetic field extends from the Earth’s interior out several tens of thousands of kilometers into space where it forms the Earth’s magnetosphere. The Earth's magnetic field causes a compass needle to orient in a North-South direction and is used by birds and fish for navigation. The Earth’s magnetic field is estimated to be at least 3.5 billion years old.

What are Human-Made EMF's?

Human-made electromagnetic fields (EMF's) are artificial and are of four types:

AC electric and magnetic fields are produced from electrical wiring in a home or building. Wired electronic devices also produce these EMF's. 

Faulty electrical wiring in a home or building structure create very high magnetic and electric fields which are associated with harmful health effects in humans and animals. These wiring errors can also cause fire. Typically, electrical system wiring errors are violations of the National Electrical Code.

As regards electrical wiring, AC electric fields are the "E" in EMF, and are created as a result of voltage (energized potential) on electrical wiring. The sources for AC electric fields are: 

As regards electrical wiring, AC magnetic fields are the "M" in EMF, and are created when electric current flows (amps) along electrical wiring. In the U.S., AC magnetic fields are measured in MilliGauss, and MicroTesla in Europe. The sources for AC magnetic fields are:

Dirty Electricity is a non-scientific term used to describe the electricity in a home or workplace that deviates from a pure 50/60 Hz sine wave. DE happens when spikes and surges of electromagnetic energy (current and voltage) travel along power lines and building wiring where only standard 50/60 Hz AC electricity should be. This type of EMF is also known as electromagnetic interference (EMI), dirty power, electrical or line noise, and microsurge electrical pollution. DE is caused by most appliances, electrical devices, transformers, dimmer switches, smart meters, photovoltaic solar systems, power tools, and other electronics all of which work by changing or manipulating standard electrical current.

RF Radio Frequency radiation - known as "pulsed microwave radiation" - is produced from: cell phones, cordless phones, wireless devices, Wifi, smart meters, and cell towers. 

What are the Four EMF Types?

Four different types of human-made electromagnetic fields (EMF's) are associated with harmful health effects:

EMF Type 1

AC Magnetic Fields

EMF Type 2

AC Electric Fields

EMF Type 3

Dirty Electricity

EMF Type 4

Radio Frequency

In addition to the four EMF types listed above, it is important to acknowledge that artificial light is also associated with harmful health effects. Some types of light bulbs such as CFL's contribute to dirty electricity while artificial light as a whole does not provide the health benefits of natural sunlight. Reference

Examples of EMF Sources

Here are some examples of EMF sources in and around the home and workplace:

What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?

Electromagnetic fields (EMF’s) are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is the entire distribution of electromagnetic radiation according to frequency or wavelength, measured in hertz. One hertz = one cycle per second.

The electromagnetic spectrum categorizes two types of radiation, (1) ionizing radiation and (2) non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is associated with ultraviolet radiation, X-ray radiation, and gamma ray radiation. Ionizing radiation is known as thermal (heating) radiation and is known to cause serious harmful health effects. Non-ionizing radiation is non-thermal (non heating) radiation which was originally considered to not cause harmful health effects due to it's non-thermal quality.

However, studies show that harmful health effects from non-ionizing radiation are caused by the frequency, amplitude, pulse, wavelength, form, and carrier wave information. Prior to recent studies, scientists originally believed that only thermal ionizing radiation produced harmful biological and harmful health effects.

In 2011, the World Health Organization classified non-ionizing electromagnetic fields as a Class 2B Carcinogen.


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