Electromagnetic Fields - EMF
All populations are exposed to electromagnetic fields to varying degrees. Exposure to EMFs is not a recent phenomenon, but all fields of electromagnetic frequencies represent one of the most common and one of the fastest growing environmental influences, about which people are becoming more and more concerned. As technology advances we will be increasingly exposed to EMFs.
EMFs consist of both an electrical field and a magnetic field, and occur in a wide range of frequencies, spanning what is called the electromagnetic spectrum. EMFs are invisible lines of force that result from the motion of an electric charge. They can be produced naturally eg natural light, uv light, thunderstorms, or by human action eg electric power lines, electrical wiring, E-rays, radios, microwave ovens, mobile phones and computers.
Electromagnetic fields differ in their frequency or corresponding wavelength. These different EMFs interact with our body in different ways. Like electric fields, magnetic fields are strongest close to their origin and rapidly decrease at greater distances from their source. EMFs are not easily blocked eg the walls of a building will make no difference.
The health impacts of exposure to EMF seem to develop slowly over a number of years. For example, it may take 5 to 10 years for leukemia to develop. The health impacts that are occuring today through the ever increasing exposure to EMF is not even knowable at this point in time. The cumulative nature of the exposure means our bodies are being subjected to levels of electromagnetic fields that parallel other toxins in our living environment.
Mobile phones produce electromagnetic fields with a radiofrequency of 10 MHz to 300 GHz. These fields induce currents within the human body with effects that vary depending on their amplitude and frequency range.