Can electromagnetic
fields (EMF) from power lines, home wiring,
airport and military radar, substations,
transformers, computers and appliances cause
brain tumors, leukemia, birth defects,
miscarriages, chronic fatigue, headaches,
cataracts, heart problems, stress. nausea,
chest pain, forgetfulness, cancer and other
health problems?
Numerous studies have
produced contradictory results, yet some
experts are convinced that the threat is
real.
Dr. David Carpenter,
Dean at the School of Public Health, State
University of New York believes it is likely
that up to 30% of all childhood cancers come
from exposure to EMFs. The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) warns "There is
reason for concern" and advises prudent
avoidance".
Martin Halper, the
EPA's Director of Analysis and Support says
"I have never seen a set of epidemiological
studies that remotely approached the weight
of evidence that we're seeing with EMFs.
Clearly there is something here."
Concern over EMFs
exploded after Paul Brodeur wrote a series
of articles in the New Yorker Magazine in
June 1989. Because of Paul Brodeur's
reputation. his articles had a catalytic
effect on scientists, reporters and
concerned people throughout the world.
In November 1989, the
Department of Energy reported that "It has
now become generally accepted that there
are, indeed, biological effects due to field
exposure."
The EMF issue gained
more publicity in 1990 when alarming reports
appeared in Time, the Wall Street Journal,
Business Week and popular computer
publications. ABC's Ted Koppel and CBS's Dan
Rather both aired special segments on EMFs.
In addition to the
long-term health concerns, buying a house
with high fields will be an economic
disaster. In a few years, when power line
radiation is as well known as asbestos and
radon, a house with high fields will be
practically impossible to sell. Already
there are hundreds of lawsuits regarding
EMFs and property devaluation.
EPA Says the Threat
Is Real
By 1990, over one
hundred studies had been conducted
worldwide. Of these, at least two dozen
epidemiological studies on humans indicated
a link between EMFs and serious health
problems. In response to public pressure,
the Environmental Protection Agency IEPA)
began reviewing and evaluating the available
literature.
In a draft report
issued in March 1990, the EPA recommended
that EMFs be classified as a Class B
carcinogen -- -a "probable human carcinogen
and joined the ranks of formaldehyde, DDT,
dioxins and PCBs.
After the EPA draft
report was released, utility, military and
computer lobbyists came down hard on the
EPA. The EPA's final revision did NOT
classify EMFs as a Class B carcinogen
Rather, the following explanation was
added:"
At this time such a
characterization regarding the link between
cancer and exposure to EMFs is not
appropriate because the basic nature of the
interaction between EMFs and biological
processes leading to cancer is not
understood."
Curiously, this rather
unusual logic appears on the same page as
the following: "In conclusion, several
studies showing leukemia, Iymphoma and
cancer of the nervous system in children
exposed to supported by similar findings in
adults in several/ occupational studies also
involving electrical power frequency
exposures, show a consistent pattern of
response that suggest a causal link. "
When questioned about
the contradictory nature of these
statements, the EPA responded that it was
"not appropriate" to use the probable
carcinogen label until it could demonstrate
how EMFs caused cancer and exactly how much
EMF is harmful.
This explanation does
not satisfy many critics who claim that the
EPAs upper management was influenced by
political and economic considerations
exerted by utility, computer and military
lobbyists.
How Do I Measure
EMFs?
A Gauss is a common
unit of measurement of magnetic field
strength. A Gauss meter is an instrument
which measures the strength of magnetic
fields. Inside a Gauss meter there is a coil
of thin wire, typically with hundreds of
turns. As a magnetic field radiates through
the coil, it induces a current, which is
amplified by the circuitry inside the Gauss
meter.
Gauss meters may vary
in the strength of the magnetic field they
are capable of measuring. A meter used for
measuring EMFs from power lines,
transformers, substations and appliances
around the home, for example, should be able
to measure as low as .1 mg.
Gauss meters vary
widely in price and accuracy. Meters have
either a single axis coil or a triple axis
coil. Single axis meters are much simpler
than triple axis meters to manufacture and
thus, are less expensive.
To use a single axis
meter you must point the meter's one sensor
in three directions -- -the x, y and z axis.
Then, you combine the three readings in a
mathematical equation to calculate the
combined field strength. Obviously, its far
easier and more accurate to use a 3-axis
meter. Triple axis Gauss meters are quite
accurate, but they are also more expensive.
Another thing to watch
out for when purchasing or renting a Gauss
meter is whether or not it is frequency
weighted. Most meters will read the same EMF
strength no mater what the frequency.
As the human body
appears to be sensitive to both the field
strength AND the frequency, Gauss meters
used for biological purposes should be
"frequency weighted".
This means that if the
field is different than 60 Hz the meter will
consider the frequency and use it in
calculating and displaying the EMF's
strength. This feature is why frequency
weighted meters will show a higher EMF
reading than those meters typically used by
electricians and engineers.
Power Lines
An enormous amount of
electricity is created at power generating
stations and sent across the country through
wires that carry high voltages. All power
lines radiate electromagnetic fields. The
question is: how much are the
power lines near YOUR
home radiating? The amount of EMFs coming
from a power line depends on its particular
configuration. Power companies know which
power line configurations are best for
reducing EMFs but most don't feel the
evidence supports costly changes in the way
they deliver electricity.
Substations
A substation is an
assemblage of circuit breakers,
disconnecting switches and transformers
designed to substations have been blamed for
causing cancer clusters among nearby
residents. Paul Brodeur wrote about several
such cancer clusters in the July 9, 1990
issue of the New Yorker Magazine.
Transformers
A key component of a
utility's electrical distribution network
depends upon numerous, small transformers
mounted on power poles. A transformer looks
like a small metal trash can, usually
cylindrical.
Even when the
electrical service is underground, you will
often see a metal box (usually square}
located on the ground near the street. Many
people don't realize that when they see a
transformer, the power line feeding the
transformer is 4000 to 13,800 volts.
The transformer then
reduces the voltage to the 120/240 volts
needed by nearby homes. Since these
transformers can be seen in almost every
neighborhood, they are a source of concern.
EMFs near a
transformer can be quite high, but due to
its small structure, the field strength
diminishes rapidly with distance, as it does
from any point source. For this reason,
having a transformer located near your home
is usually not a major source of concern,
although just to make sure, everyone should
measure the field strength around it.
Home Wiring
If your home has high
EMF readings, it is important to determine
the sources of the EMF so that remedial
action can be taken, if possible. Many times
a particular room will have a higher EMF
reading. Check to see if the electricity is
coming into the house on the wall outside
that room. When this is the case, it is
usually a good idea to block off that room
and only use it for storage purposes.
Sometimes, the source
of a high magnetic field is incorrect
wiring. If you suspect that your home is
wired improperly, obtain the services of a
licensed electrician. Warning: Do not touch
electric wires, even if you think the
current is turned off. If you need to
disconnect electrical circuits to determine
the source of magnetic fields, you should
call a licensed electrician.
Computers
Computers are a
complicated subject. Know this: EMFs radiate
from all sides of the computer. Thus, you
must not only be concerned with sitting in
front of the monitor but also if you are
sitting near a computer or if a computer is
operating in a nearby room.
The Swedish safety
standard, effective 711/90, specifies a
maximum of 0.25 mG at 50 cm from the
display. Many US manufactured computers have
EMFs of 5 - 100 mG at this distance. And
know this too: the screens placed over
monitors do NOT block EMFs. Not even a lead
screen will block ELF and VLF magnetic
fields.
Space does not permit
a more thorough discussion of computers. If
you use a computer, it is important that you
measure your EMF
exposure with a Gauss meter and review the
literature concerning the health impacts of
computer use.
Electric Blankets
and Waterbeds
Electric blankets
create a magnetic field that penetrates
about 6-7 inches into the body. Thus it is
not surprising that an epidemiological study
has linked electric blankets with
miscarriages and childhood leukemia.
This pioneering work
was performed by Dr. Nancy Wertheimer and Ed
Leeper, who originally discovered that
magnetic fields were linked to childhood
leukemia. Similar health effects have been
noted with users of many electric blankets
and waterbed heaters will emit EMFs even
when turned off.
The devices must be
unplugged to delete the EMF exposure
Additionally, there is the issue regarding
the vibrations that are generated by
sleeping on standing water. There is less
hard data in this area but some experts are
concerned about the consequences.
Electric Clocks
Electric clocks have a
very high magnetic field, as much as 5 to 10
mG up to three feet away. If you are using a
bedside clock, you are probably sleeping in
an EMF equivalent to that of a powerline
Studies have linked high rates of brain
tumors with chronic exposure to magnetic
fields, so it is wise to place all clocks
and other electrical devices (such as
telephones and answering devices) at least 6
feet from your bed.
Fluorescent Lights
Fluorescent lights
produce much more EMFs than incandescent
bulbs. A typical fluorescent lamp of a
office
ceiling have readings
of 160 to 200 mg 1 inch away.
Microwave Ovens and
Radar
Microwave ovens and
radar from military installations and
airports emit two types of radiation --
microwave and ELF. Microwaves are measured
in milliwatt per centimeter squared (mW/cm2)
As of 1/1/93, the U.S. safety limit for
microwave exposure is 1 mW/cm2, down from a
previous 10 mW/cm2. The Russian safety limit
is .01 mW/cm2. All microwave ovens leak and
exceed the Russian safety limit. In
addition, recent Russian studies have shown
that normal microwave cooking coverts food
protein molecules into carcinogenic
substances.
When measuring
microwaves from military and airport radar
sources, 100% accurate readings can only be
found with extremely expensive digital
peak-hold meters. Why? Because analog
devices begin to drop their reading
immediately after the radar sweep passes.
Thus, while an analog meter can show whether
or not you are being exposed to radar EMFs,
analog meters can't show your true exposure.
Although thousands of dollars to purchase,
digital-hold meters capable of accurately
detecting radar EMFs can be rented for
several hundred to over a thousand dollars
per month.
Telephones and
Answering Machines
Telephones can emit
surprisingly strong EMFs, especially from
the handset. This is a problem because we
hold the telephone so close to our head.
Place the Gauss meter right against the ear
piece and the mouth piece before buying a
phone.
Some brands emit no
measurable fields and others emit strong
fields that travel several inches....right
into your brain. Answering machines,
particular those with adapter plugs
(mini-transformers), give off high levels of
EMFs.
Electric Razors and
Hair Dryers
Electric razors and
hair dryers emit EMFs as high as 200 to 400
mG. This seems alarming, but we don't know
if this is worse (or better) than a chronic
exposure to a 2-3 mG field. Some EMF
consultants recommend that hair dryers not
be used on children as the high fields are
held close to their rapidly developing brain
and nervous system.
Prudent Avoidance
Electricity is an
inseparable part of our modern day society.
This means that EMFs will continue to be all
around us. But as Discover Magazine
postulated, aside from making our life
easier, is electricity also making our lives
shorter?
Most experts agree
that limited, non-chronic exposure to EMFs
is not a threat. For example, it is probably
acceptable for a person to be near a toaster
in the morning.
BUT, it is not
advisable for a person to sleep under an
electric blanket, up close, live near a
powerline/substation, and sleep in a room
where the power enters the home. This person
is under an extreme case of chronic
exposure. This condition, unfortunately,
applies to millions of Americans.
If you wish to follows
the EPA's advice and practice "prudent
avoidance" then the following advice is
offered:
Measure your home,
work and school environments with a Gauss
meter Measure EMFs both inside and outside
your home. Don't let your children play near
power lines, transformers, radar domes and
microwave towers.
Avoid areas where the
field is above 1 mG. Measure the EMFs from
appliances both when they are operating and
when they are turned off. Some appliances
(like TVs) are still drawing current even
when they are off.
Don't sleep under an
electric blanket or on a waterbed. If you
insist on using these, unplug them before
going to bed (don't just turn it off). Even
though there is no magnetic field when they
are turned off, there may still be a high
electric field.
Don't sit too close to
your TV set. Distance yourself at least 6
feet away. Use a Gauss meter to help you
decide where it is safe to sit.
Rearrange your office
and home area so that you are not exposed to
EMFs from the sides/backs of electric
appliances and computers. In the home, it is
best that all major electrical appliances,
such as computers, TVs, refrigerators etc,
be placed up against outside walls. That way
you are not creating an EMF field in the
adjoining room.
Don't sit too close to
your computer. Computer monitors vary
greatly in the strength of their EMFs, so
you should check yours with a meter. Don't
stand close to your microwave oven. Move all
electrical appliances at least 6 feet from
your bed. Eliminate wires running under your
bed. Eliminate dimmers and 3-way switches.
Be wary of cordless
appliances such as electric toothbrushes and
razors. You may choose not to wear a
quartz-analog watch because it radiates
pulsating EMFs along your acupuncture
meridians.
An older mechanical
windup watch would be an acceptable
alternative. It is also recommended to wear
as little jewelry as possible and to take it
off at night. Many people have metal
sensitivity which can be aggravated by
placing it right on the skin. Measure with a
gauss meter to be sure.
And last, but not
least, always always always remember that
EMFs pass right through walls. The EMF you
are reading on your Gauss meter could be
radiating from the next room...or from
outside your home.
Additional
Radiation Info:
Eyeglass frames should
ideally be made from plastic with no wires
in them, otherwise they can serve as an
antenna to focus the radio and cellular
phone waves directly into your brain.
What EMF Level Is
Safe?
There's a heated
debate as to what electromagnetic field
(EMF) level is considered safe. Since the
experts have not come to an consensus,
you'll have to decide for yourself... Many
government and utility documents report the
usual ambient level of 60-Hz magnetic field
to be 0.5 mG.
Thus, any reading
higher than 0.5 mG is above the "usual"
ambient exposure. Many experts and public
officials, as well as the few governments
that have made an effort to offer public
protection, have adopted the 3 mG cutoff
point. The EPA has proposed a safety
standard of 1 mG. Sweden has set a maximum
safety limit of 1 mG.
Dr. Robert Becker, an
MD who has been studying the effects of EMFs
for 20 years, states a lmG safety limit in
his book Cross Currents. When electricians
try to solve a magnetic field problem they
do their best to drop the level to 1 mG or
below.
Dr. Nancy Wertheimer,
a Ph.D. epidemiologist who has been studying
EMFs for 20 years, has been looking at the
epidemiological data in a different way --
she is trying to associate EMF levels with
health rather than
disease. The level she is coming up with is
a cut off of 1 mG. Russian researchers claim
that 1/1000ths of a mG should be the
standard.
The BioElectric Body
believes that there are several stages of
health between "optimum wellness",
"degenerative disease" and "Cancer". Thus,
we maintain our own living and sleeping
quarters at 0.5mG and below.
Recommended Reading
Cross Currents The
Perils of Electropollution. The Promise of
Electromedicine Robert 0. Becker, M.D.
Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc., 1990
Currents of Death The
Attempt to Cover Up the Threat to Your
Health Paul Brodeur Simon and Schuster, 1989
Electromagnetic Man
Health & Hazard in the Electrical
Environment Cyril W. Smith & Simon Best St.
Martin's Press. Inc. 1989
