Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiations

Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) is energy emitted and absorbed by charged particles that exhibit wave-
like behavior as they travel through space. EMR is produced when charged particles are accelerated by
forces acting on them. Electrons are responsible for the emission of most EMR because they have low
mass and are therefore easily accelerated. EMR exhibits wave properties and particle characteristics at
the same time. Most EMR sources of concern are man-made and propagate from electronic equipment,
such as radar, microwaves, computer terminals, and radio/television transmitters. EMR waves come in a
variety of lengths and are categorized along the electromagnetic spectrum.

Types of EMF exposures:

There are two types of EMF exposure based on the radiation’s capacity to ionize atoms and interfere
with chemical bonds.

1. Low -level radiation: They also called non-ionizing radiation. It is less energetic
radiation not capable of stripping electrons, but can still cause changes in vibrational and
rotational energies of molecules usually dissipated in the form of heat. There effect is mild and
thought to be less harmful to people. Their hazard increase with exposure time and distance
from them. Non-ionizing radiation includes:
 Microwaves
 Radio waves
 Infrared light
 Visible light
Some appliances which emit it are computers, house energy meters, wireless (Wi-Fi) routers,
cellphones, Bluetooth devices, power lines, MRIs etc
 High-level radiation
2. High-level radiation: They are also called ionizing radiation; they have sufficient
energy to strip away electrons from atoms in the media which it passes through. Ionizing
radiation includes:
 Ultraviolet light
 X-rays

Hazards Associated with EMR

1. Biological hazards:
I. Cancer risk
 The World Health Organization reported that the population exposed to radiation
had a significant increase in cancer risk at doses >100 mSv by using wireless
equipment.
  The scientific studies have been showed that long-term use of the wireless device
increases the risk of cancer.
 The International Agency Research on Cancer categorized radiofrequency radiation in
the frequency range from 30 kHz to 300 GHz to be carcinogen.
II. Effect on reproduction system
 EMR exposure is associated with reducing sperm count, concentration and motility,
as well as altered cell structure and causing DNA damage.
III. Neurotoxic effects
 EMR exposure alters the neuronal activities of the brain and affects learning and
memory process of the brain.
IV. Oxidative stress
 Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the productions of tissue-damaging free
radical and ability of the body to detoxify the harmful effects through neutralization
by antioxidants.
 Widespread use of cell phones also increases the anxiety and stress level due to
EMR(radiofrequency) exposure.
V. Cardiovascular system
 EMR (Wi-Fi radiations) may affect the cardiovascular system, and probably increase
heart rate and changes blood pressure.
VI. Sleep
 EMR can alter the quality of sleep by delaying entrance into deep non rapid eye
movement (NREM) sleep and decreasing time spent in this stage of sleep.

2. Electrical hazards :
Very strong radiation can induce current capable of delivering an electric shock. • Extremely
high power electromagnetic radiation can cause electric currents strong enough to create
sparks.
I. Electrical Spark
 Very strong radiation can induce current capable of delivering an electric shock.
EMR can cause electric currents in conductive materials that is strong enough to
create sparks (electrical arcs) when an induced voltage exceeds the breakdown
voltage of the surrounding medium.

Danger levels
An organization called the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)
maintains international guidelines for EMF exposure.

 Natural electromagnetic fields (like those created by the sun): 200 V/m
 Power mains (not close to power lines): 100 V/m
 Power mains (close to power lines): 10,000 V/m
 Electric trains and trams: 300 V/m
 TV and computer screens: 10 V/m
 TV and radio transmitters: 6 V/m
 Mobile phone base stations: 6 V/m
 radars: 9 V/m
 Microwave ovens: 14 V/m

References
 https://www.dau.edu/cop/esoh/pages/topics/Electromagnetic%20Radiation.aspx
 https://www.jpionline.org/index.php/ijpi/article/download/303/326/