EMF
UK
Welcome to EMF UK - more about EMFs
EMF
UK - Electromagnetic Fields UK is dedicated to providing simple and
cost effective solutions for reducing any potential risk caused by the
presence of electromagnetic fields within the home and workplace.
WHAT ARE EMF's ?
Electromagnetic
fields (EMF's) are a way of describing the influence of electric and
magnetic forces on the physical universe. They can be
envisaged
as waves originating from a source and, unless disturbed, spreading out
equally in all directions so that their intensity diminishes rapidly
with distance. They can however be disturbed by other fields and by
physical objects. They may be absorbed, reflected, refracted,
modulated and
interfered with to produce areas of high and low intensity.
Light can be regarded as an EMF to which human eyesight is
fantastically well adapted. Most EMFs however are completely invisible
to humans. and this is especially true of manmade EMFs..
ARE EMF's RADIATION ?
Radiation is
generally divided into two categories; ionizing and non-ionizing:
Ionizing radiation has sufficient energy to break molecular bonds. Examples include gamma rays, cosmic rays and X-rays. EMF UK surveys do not measure ionizing radiation.
Non-ionizing radiation has less energy. An electromagnetic field is a form of non-ionizing radiation. Electromagnetic fields produced by microwaves, mobile phones and other forms of wireless communication are termed RF (radio frequency) fields. Electromagnetic fields associated with domestic power delivery and appliances are known as ELF (extremely low frequency) fields. Both ELF and RF fields are found in virtually every home in the UK. These fields are carefully evaluated in the relevant EMF UK home survey.
Ionizing radiation has sufficient energy to break molecular bonds. Examples include gamma rays, cosmic rays and X-rays. EMF UK surveys do not measure ionizing radiation.
Non-ionizing radiation has less energy. An electromagnetic field is a form of non-ionizing radiation. Electromagnetic fields produced by microwaves, mobile phones and other forms of wireless communication are termed RF (radio frequency) fields. Electromagnetic fields associated with domestic power delivery and appliances are known as ELF (extremely low frequency) fields. Both ELF and RF fields are found in virtually every home in the UK. These fields are carefully evaluated in the relevant EMF UK home survey.
ARE EMF's DANGEROUS ?
They
can be. The energy in high power RF fields can be converted to heat in
human tissues, causing burns and lasting cell damage (this is why
microwave ovens must be specially shielded). Powerful
ELF fields can
interfere with the human nervous sytem, causing temporary paralysis and
pain (an effect used in weapons such as the Taser). Less
powerful
fields may interfere with the operation of heart pacemakers or other
vital equipment.
Low
power EMFs are not regarded as dangerous in the way that high power
EMFs are. However, there is evidence that long term chronic exposure to
low power EMFs can cause, or at least contribute to, both a number of
medical
conditions and to general ill health. Although inconclusive, this
evidence
has nevertheless prompted a number of authorities to advocate
a
precautionary approach to EMF exposure.
The widespread exposure of the general public to EMFs is a relatively recent phenomenon and the long term effects may not yet be fully apparent. Children may be particularly vulnerable due to a combination of incomplete development and a potentially much longer exposure to EMFs.
The widespread exposure of the general public to EMFs is a relatively recent phenomenon and the long term effects may not yet be fully apparent. Children may be particularly vulnerable due to a combination of incomplete development and a potentially much longer exposure to EMFs.
This building has both overhead power lines directly above....
... and mobile phone antennas mounted on the pylon behind..