Electromagnetic fields

In the past electromagnetic fields (EMFs) were not of great concern in a time where electricity was not in constant use and great demand. It is known that EMFs are having an effect on human and animal health due to high levels of exposure to sources of EMF. The full extent of exposure to EMFs over long periods of time is beginning to be noticed. As such EMFs are now classes as a new type of pollution.

What are electromagnetic fields?
When you fly on a plane you are asked to turn off all electrical items before you take off, this is to stop EMF interference with the operational systems on the plane. Also know as electromagnetic radiation (EMR), EMFs are a type of non-ionising radiation which are found both naturally in the environment and from man made sources. Natural EMFs are known to be beneficial to health as they are weak and of an extremely low frequency. In the modern world electricity is our main energy source. Mad made EMFs are created by electricity moving from power stations to regional power grids and into your home through wiring, appliances and machines covering all frequencies (e.g. mobile phones, TV, radio, microwave etc). Simply everywhere that has electricity supply is creating EMFs either through mains electricity or through wireless connections. The higher the voltage levels of the electrical item, the higher the levels of EMFs. The source of EMFs have higher levels of EMFs which decrease the further away you are.

What are the health risks?
The complexities of electromagnetic fields and the effects on the human body are not currently known. EMFs cause changes in your body; disrupting cell growth, weakening your immune system and altering your energy levels. Simply it cannot fully adapt to high levels of EMF exposure.

Associated health problems to high levels of EMFs:
* Immune system impairment
* Disturbed sleep
* Loss of memory
* Depression
* Central nervous system problems; affecting physically & emotionally
* Tiredness, lethargy, fatigue
* Fertility & pregnancy problems
* Skin problems
* Children behavioural problems
* Leukaemia in children
* Other types of cancer

The following people may be more at risk to EMF exposure:
* The elderly
* Pregnant women
* Children
* History of cancer in the family
* People with weak immune systems

EMFs in your home
Your home is full of electrical equipment and electromagnetic fields from various sources. Most homes are predicted to have higher levels of EMFs than recommended. EMFs are caused by electricity running through wiring and appliances as well as transmission through TV, satellite, radio and microwaves.

Sources of EMFs in your home
Bedroom: hairdryers, electric blankets, electric water bed heaters, baby monitor, clock radio
Kitchen: fridge, freezer, food mixer, electric tin opener, oven, washing machine, tumbler dryer, dishwasher, coffee machine, toaster, microwave
Bathroom: electric shavers, electric toothbrush
Lounge: TV, DVD, games console, PC, laptop, stereo, wireless internet, telephone answering machines, mobile phones, cordless phones
General: air conditioning system, dehumidifiers, fluorescent lights, halogen lights, burglar alarms, portable heaters, night storage heaters, Hoover, electricity meter cupboards, fuse boxes, all wiring circuits, transformers, chargers, electric door bells

When moving home it is a good idea to either carry out an EMF reading yourself or to hire a professional to survey your home both the interior and exterior.

What can you do in your home?
1. Take out any plugs, transformers, power strips, extension cables and charges when not in use.
2. Make sure that you are at a minimum distance of 2 metres away from household appliances when you are resting, sitting or lying.
2. Look around your bedroom and lounge to remove any unnecessary portable electrical items that are close to the bed/sofa. Look for plug sockets and light switches that have hidden wiring that are close by to the bed/sofa and consider moving the furniture away from these sources.
3. This applies to any area in your home that you choose to spend time in e.g. home office, study, kitchen etc all depending on your individual lifestyle.

How can you detect electromagnetic fields?
A special hand held meter can measure electrical, magnetic, radio and microwave signals in your home or at work. From these readings you can identify areas of high exposure (known as hot spots) so that you can take steps e.g. move the furniture around to minimise exposure to EMFs. Alternatively you can hire a professional to carry out an EMF survey in your home.

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