Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are created from electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Man-made EMR is emitted from most everything electrical and electronic in our modern world — power lines, transformers, electrical panels, building wiring, computers, lights, clocks, appliances, televisions, hairdryers, cell phones, cordless phones, microwave ovens, TV/radio/cell towers Wi-Fi routers and other devices. In general, the term “EMF” is used to refer to the wide range of electromagnetic frequencies slower than visible light, called “non-ionizing” radiation. In contrast, the frequencies faster than visible light including x-rays and nuclear radiations are even more dangerous and are called “ionizing” radiation.

Frequency is measured in hertz (cycles per second). In the US our electricity supply operates in the 60 Hz frequency range. FM radio operates in the mega hertz (MHz) range- 98.6 MHz = 98,600,000 hertz. Cell phones and wireless devices operate mainly in the giga hertz (GHz) range- 1GHz = 1,000,000,000 Hz.

Signal strength is also a factor. At any given frequency, 50Hz or 98.6 MHz or 1.8 GHz, you can have different signal strengths which refers to the magnitude of the field measured at a distance from the source. These different signal strengths are measured in different units, Gauss, Volts, Watts etc. according to the source and type of EMR.

Radio Frequency & Microwave – RF

Radio frequency includes the higher frequency fields and microwaves emitted by cell towers, cell phones, cordless phones, TV/radio broadcast towers, Wi-Fi routers, wireless computer devices, microwave ovens, and many electronics. They generate pulsed digital frequencies that are not well tolerated by the human physiology and can produce harmful effect on the natural bioelectric processes of the body, causing stress and reducing our energy and vitality. The electric and magnetic parts of RF fields are not separated so you only need one type of meter to measure. However you do need different meters to cover multiple frequency ranges. Measured in microwatts per meters squared (μW/m²),  a recommended level of less than 100 μW/m²  for daily exposures and less than 10 in sleeping areas. Of course 0 is the best.

Magnetic Fields – ELF

Magnetic fields are most often linked to serious health effects such as childhood leukemia, adult brain cancer, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and miscarriages just to name a few. They’re formed by anything drawing electrical current, e.g., power lines, building wiring and appliances. The more current the stronger the radiation. These fields pass through almost everything which makes mitigation more complicated. If it’s being generated by an internal source, it might be moved/repaired. If the radiation is coming from an external source, it might be time to relocate. Measured in milligauss (mG), less that 1mG should be the goal for your home.

Electrical Fields/Body Voltage

Electric fields are measured in Volts per meter (V/m) for radiant fields or millivolts (mV) when using the body voltage method of testing. E fields are always present on charged electrical wires and all devices plugged into live outlets. The fields can radiate from sources with poor shielding and/or grounding. Romex home wiring or appliance power cords are common offenders. E fields take the path of least resistance and can couple to the human body. Recommended levels of below 1 V/m for radiant fields and less than 10 millivolts (mV) on the body in sleeping areas.

Dirty Electricity / Microsurge Electrical Pollution

Dirty electricity is another form of electromagnetic pollution. It’s a high-powered EMF that is emitted by electrical wiring and electrical devices on contaminated circuits. Most of this bi-product energy is in the radio frequency kilohertz (kHz) range which is considered to be harmful (biologically active) and can radiate several feet into a room, even when electrical devices are not turned on. It’s become a growing problem in recent years due to our increased use of CFL light bulbs, computers, dimmer switches and most electronics. These modern conveniences induce high levels of transients (high frequency spikes) and harmonics (multiples of the fundamental 60Hz frequency) back into a building’s electrical system. These electromagnetic contaminants ride along on a building’s electrical system and can affect an entire building and even homes nearby. Symptoms can include headaches, irritability, neurological symptoms, fatigue, depression, and memory loss.