High Quality
Open the downloaded document, and select print from the file menu (PDF reader required).
H om e of t h eF u t ur e
Briefing Paper
Copper Benelux
July 2008
Electrosmog: the CurrentState of Affairs
Home of the Future
2www.leonardo-energy.org
Electrosmog: the current state of affairs
The influence of electricity and transmitters on our health
The term ‘electrosmog’ is being used more and more often. Questions have beenraised as to whether this phenomenon is the cause of certain diseases andperhaps even some types of cancer. Should we be concerned? Are there ways toreduce the influence of electrosmog? And what exactly is electrosmog? In thisbriefing paper, we attempt to provide candid and unbiased answers and sketch thecurrent state of knowledge. We also discuss legislation and possible preventivemeasures.
The possible effects of electromagnetic fields on our health are currently the subject of avery lively debate. Not only in the media, but also among responsible scientific andgovernment bodies. For example, a few months ago, the Flemish government, acting onthe principle that prevention is better than cure (see below), took the precaution of distributing a folder aimed at reducing mobile phone use by children. In Germany, theMinistry for the Environment has warned against the harmful effects of using Wi-Fi. Somepeople prefer to banish all electronic equipment from their lives, while others think thatthe situation is not all that serious. The debate seems far from over.
Introduction and definitions
Electromagnetic fields
When people talk about
electrosmog
, they are usually referring to the
effects of electromagnetic fields
.
Electromagnetic fields
are defined as both
electric
and
magnetic direct and alternating fields
that occur naturally or are generated artificiallyby man-made devices. The best-known sources of electrosmog are power lines andcables that transport electricity, electronic equipment, and wireless communicationdevices. The strength of the fields decreases as you move further away from the source.There is a significant difference in the effects of low, medium, and high frequency fields.
•
The electricity network and all equipment and machinery connected toit generate extremely low frequency (ELF fields) in the range of 0 to300 Hz.
◊
An ELF electric field occurs when a potential difference ispresent (even when the equipment is switched off).
◊
An ELF magnetic field occurs as soon as there is an electriccurrent flowing through the wire (when the equipment is switchedon).
•
Wireless communication devices (mobile phones, Wi-Fi, andtransmitting antennas) generate high-frequency fields (frequencieshigher than 3 MHz). At such frequencies, the electric and magneticfields are not separable, and thus collectively referred to aselectromagnetic waves.
Electrosmog: the Current State of Affairs
3www.leonardo-energy.orgThe various types of fields are discussed in greater detail in the sections that follow.
Alternating electric fields (ELF)
Alternating electric fields occur when an electric voltage is present. They occur in thevicinity of cables, electronic equipment, walls, floors, etc. High-tension transmission linesalso produce alternating electric fields.
•
Unit: V/m (volts per metre)
•
Intensity of the electric field for:
◊
Electric alarm clock (at a distance of 10 cm): 210 – 600 V/mElectric alarm clock (at a distance of 2 m): less than 1 V/m
◊
Non-earthed extension cable (at 30 cm): 50 – 150 V/mEarthed extension cable (at 30 cm): 5 – 25 V/m
◊
Electric blanket, switched on (at 1 cm): 1000 – 3500 V/mElectric blanket, switched off (at 1 cm): 80 – 300 V/m
◊
Homes beneath a high-tension transmission line: a few V/mOpen fields beneath a high-tension transmission line: 10,000 V/m
Alternating magnetic fields (ELF)
If an electric current flows through the distribution network or any piece of equipment,alternating magnetic fields are generated in addition to the electric fields. This means thatthey are produced when electrical equipment is switched on.
•
Unit:
μ
T (microtesla or 10
-6
T)
•
The former unit was gauss: 1 G = 10
-4
T
•
Intensity of the magnetic field for:
◊
Electric alarm clock at a distance of 5 cm: more than 20
μ
TElectric alarm clock at a distance of 1 m: less than 0.01
μ
TBattery-powered alarm clock at a distance of 1 cm: 0.01
μ
T (staticfield)
◊
Incandescent lamp (25 – 100 W): less than 0.02
μ
TLow-energy lamp: 3 - 9.5
μ
T
◊
High-tension transmission line, 220/380 kV, at 10 m: up to 10
μ
THigh-tension transmission line, 220/380 kV, at 100 m: less than 1
μ
T(The field strength here also depends on the current load on thetransmission line.)(Source: Michiel Haas, PhD Eng, Elektrostress & Gezondheid)
Add a Comment