Beatrice Lang
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible areas of energy, often referred to as radiation, associated with electrical power and various forms of artificial and natural lighting. EMF meters are used to measure these fields and are particularly useful for detecting electromagnetic radiation in the home. EMF radiation is emitted by a variety of electric sources, including power lines, electrical wiring, personal appliances, and wireless devices. EMF meters are therefore useful for understanding the degree of radiation emitted by these sources and can help individuals reduce their exposure to EMFs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of field | Electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, radiofrequency, microwave, dirty electricity |
| Sources | Power lines, electrical wiring, personal appliances, wireless devices, cell phones, smart meters, tablets, laptop computers, radio and television signals, radar, satellite stations, MRI machines, vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, washing machines, refrigerators, tanning beds, phototherapy, welding torches, X-rays, gamma rays, cloud formations, lightning |
| Frequency | 50 and 60 Hz alternating fields (frequency of European and US mains electricity), 20 Hz (less common, more expensive to measure) |
| Intensity | Measured in watts per square meter (W/m2) |
| Distance | EMF exposure intensity decreases as you increase your distance from the object that’s sending out waves |
| Accuracy | Generally low |
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What You'll Learn
Power lines and electrical wiring
The magnetic portion of EMFs is considered more dangerous due to its ability to penetrate the human body. The strength of this magnetic field depends on the amount of current flowing, the voltage, and the configuration of the wires. Since power lines carry large amounts of current, often at high voltages, they create substantial electromagnetic fields. The EMF is strongest directly underneath the power lines and gradually decreases with distance.
High-voltage transmission lines and neighbourhood power lines both pose a radiation hazard. The strength of the electromagnetic field, particularly the magnetic component, is what determines the level of risk. The configuration of power transmission lines significantly impacts the EMF. For example, high-voltage, high-current-carrying power transmission lines can generate a magnetic field well above normal household ambient levels at distances up to 200 meters. However, most suburban power lines produce a much smaller EMF.
Underground cables typically emit low electromagnetic radiation due to the opposing electromagnetic forces created by currents flowing in adjacent wires, rather than their buried location. The EMF from underground cables is highest during periods of peak current flow, which usually occurs during the day in industrial and commercial areas and during the early morning and early evening in residential areas.
EMF exposure intensity decreases as you move away from the source. Therefore, increasing the distance between yourself and power lines or electrical wiring can help reduce potential health risks associated with EMF exposure.
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Household appliances
Some common household appliances that generate EMF include:
- Electric shavers
- Hair dryers
- Electric blankets
- Wireless telecommunication devices (e.g. cell phones, tablets, and laptop computers)
- Electric ovens and induction stoves, especially the latter, as they use electromagnetic fields to heat cookware directly
- Refrigerators
- Microwaves
- Washing machines
- Kettles
- TVs
It is important to note that the EMF strength around appliances diminishes rapidly with distance. At 1 foot away from most appliances, the magnetic fields are more than 100 times lower than the limit in the ICNERP guidelines for the general public. Therefore, one of the best ways to avoid EMF exposure is to keep your distance from appliances and not linger near them.
EMF meters can be used to measure the electromagnetic fields in your home and identify the most dangerous radiation sources. However, it is worth noting that most EMF meters available for purchase are calibrated to measure 50 and 60 Hz alternating fields (the frequency of European and US mains electricity) and may not be accurate for very high frequencies.
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Wireless telecommunication devices
EMF meters are scientific instruments used to measure electromagnetic fields, specifically AC electromagnetic fields emitted by man-made sources. While EMF meters are available for purchase, their accuracy is generally low, and they may not be suitable for measuring high frequencies. More advanced meters capable of measuring lower frequencies tend to be more expensive and are typically used for specific research purposes.
To address health concerns, various international reference standards have been established for telecommunication infrastructures. For example, the IEC 62232 and EN 50492 standards apply to base stations, while EN 50364 and IEC/EN 62369-1 standards are relevant for RFID and electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems commonly found in public spaces. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) and public health agencies worldwide have assessed the health effects of RF emissions from Wi-Fi and smart meters, concluding that there are no established health impacts associated with exposure to these devices.
In summary, while wireless telecommunication devices do emit RF-EMFs that can be detected by EMF meters, the exposure levels are generally low and within safe limits. Nevertheless, ongoing assessments and adherence to international standards are crucial to address health concerns related to the increasing use of these technologies.
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Natural sources
Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are produced anywhere electricity is used, including at home and in the workplace. EMFs occur naturally and also come from human-made sources.
The Earth's magnetic field, which causes a compass needle to point north, is an example of a naturally occurring EMF. Other natural sources of EMFs include UV radiation from the sun, radon gas, the earth’s radioactive elements, and cosmic rays that enter the atmosphere from beyond the solar system.
The Earth's magnetic field is a DC field and can be measured using a gaussmeter or magnetometer. Most EMF meters, however, are designed to measure AC electromagnetic fields, which are usually emitted from man-made sources.
The strength of a magnetic field decreases rapidly with increasing distance from its source. Magnetic fields are measured in microteslas (μT). Electric fields are produced whether or not a device is turned on, while magnetic fields are only produced when a current is flowing, which usually requires a device to be turned on. Power lines produce magnetic fields continuously because the current is always flowing through them.
Some common household appliances that emit EMFs include refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, and other electrical appliances. EMF radiation drops off sharply as you move away from these appliances.
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Industrial appliances
Electricity and EMFs are generated by industrial appliances, which contribute to the 90% of the world's population with access to electricity and its usage.
Some industrial appliances that set off EMF meters include:
- Large appliances like refrigerators emit low-frequency EMF due to their motors and compressors.
- Modern smart TVs and computer monitors, particularly wireless ones, generate both low- and high-frequency EMF.
- Smart meters installed by utility companies to measure consumption transmit usage data via radiofrequency signals, contributing to EMF exposure.
- Industrial-grade motors, compressors, and other heavy machinery can generate significant EMFs due to their high power requirements.
- Industrial lighting systems, especially older fluorescent or incandescent bulbs, can emit low-frequency EMFs due to the ballasts or transformers used.
- Industrial-scale kitchen appliances, such as large ovens or refrigerators, can emit EMFs similar to those in homes but at a larger scale.
It is important to note that EMF levels drop off significantly with distance from these industrial appliances, and most EMF meters available are calibrated to measure 50 and 60 Hz alternating fields, which is the standard for European and US mains electricity.
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Frequently asked questions
EMF meters are used to measure electromagnetic fields (EMFs). EMFs are invisible areas of energy, often referred to as radiation, and are associated with electrical power and various forms of artificial and natural lighting.
EMF meters are set off by electric fields, which are emitted by power lines, lights, wall outlets, electrical switches, and ungrounded appliances.
EMF meters can measure AC electromagnetic fields, which are usually emitted from man-made sources such as electrical wiring. Gaussmeters or magnetometers measure DC fields, which occur naturally in the Earth's geomagnetic field.
Electric sources that set off EMF meters include household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, cell phones, washing machines, and refrigerators.
