Powerful electromagnetic radiation sweet. The influence of electromagnetic radiation on humans

Technological progress also has a downside. The global use of various electrically powered equipment has caused pollution, which is given the name electromagnetic noise. In this article we will look at the nature of this phenomenon, the degree of its impact on the human body and protective measures.

What is it and sources of radiation

Electromagnetic radiation is electromagnetic waves that arise when a magnetic or electric field is disturbed. Modern physics interprets this process within the framework of the theory of wave-particle duality. That is, the minimum portion of electromagnetic radiation is a quantum, but at the same time it has frequency-wave properties that determine its main characteristics.

The spectrum of frequencies of electromagnetic field radiation allows us to classify it into the following types:

radio frequency (these include radio waves);
thermal (infrared);
optical (that is, visible to the eye);
radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum and hard (ionized).

A detailed illustration of the spectral range (electromagnetic radiation scale) can be seen in the figure below.

Nature of radiation sources

Depending on their origin, sources of radiation of electromagnetic waves in world practice are usually classified into two types, namely:

disturbances of the electromagnetic field of artificial origin;
radiation coming from natural sources.

Radiations emanating from the magnetic field around the Earth, electrical processes in the atmosphere of our planet, nuclear fusion in the depths of the sun - they are all of natural origin.

As for artificial sources, they are a side effect caused by the operation of various electrical mechanisms and devices.

The radiation emanating from them can be low-level and high-level. The degree of intensity of the electromagnetic field radiation completely depends on the power levels of the sources.

Examples of sources with high levels of EMR include:

Power lines are usually high-voltage;
all types of electric transport, as well as the accompanying infrastructure;
television and radio towers, as well as mobile and mobile communication stations;
installations for converting the voltage of the electrical network (in particular, waves emanating from a transformer or distribution substation);
elevators and other types of lifting equipment that use an electromechanical power plant.

Typical sources emitting low-level radiation include the following electrical equipment:

almost all devices with a CRT display (for example: payment terminal or computer);
various types of household appliances, ranging from irons to climate control systems;
engineering systems that provide electricity supply to various objects (this includes not only power cables, but related equipment, such as sockets and electricity meters).

Separately, it is worth highlighting special equipment used in medicine that emits hard radiation (X-ray machines, MRI, etc.).

Impact on humans

In the course of numerous studies, radiobiologists have come to a disappointing conclusion - long-term radiation of electromagnetic waves can cause an “explosion” of diseases, that is, it causes the rapid development of pathological processes in the human body. Moreover, many of them cause disturbances at the genetic level.

Video: How electromagnetic radiation affects people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYWgXyHW93Q

This is due to the fact that the electromagnetic field has a high level of biological activity, which negatively affects living organisms. The influence factor depends on the following components:

the nature of the radiation produced;
how long and with what intensity it continues.

The effect on human health of radiation, which is of an electromagnetic nature, directly depends on the location. It can be either local or general. In the latter case, large-scale exposure occurs, for example, radiation produced by power lines.

Accordingly, local irradiation refers to exposure to certain areas of the body. Electromagnetic waves emanating from an electronic watch or mobile phone are a vivid example of local influence.

Separately, it is necessary to note the thermal effect of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation on living matter. The field energy is converted into thermal energy (due to the vibration of molecules); this effect is the basis for the operation of industrial microwave emitters used to heat various substances. In contrast to its benefits in production processes, thermal effects on the human body can be detrimental. From a radiobiological point of view, being near “warm” electrical equipment is not recommended.

It is necessary to take into account that in everyday life we are regularly exposed to radiation, and this happens not only at work, but also at home or when moving around the city. Over time, the biological effect accumulates and intensifies. As electromagnetic noise increases, the number of characteristic diseases of the brain or nervous system increases. Note that radiobiology is a fairly young science, so the harm caused to living organisms from electromagnetic radiation has not been thoroughly studied.

The figure shows the level of electromagnetic waves produced by conventional household appliances.

Note that the field strength level decreases significantly with distance. That is, to reduce its effect, it is enough to move away from the source at a certain distance.

The formula for calculating the norm (standardization) of electromagnetic field radiation is specified in the relevant GOSTs and SanPiNs.

Radiation protection

In production, absorbing (protective) screens are actively used as means of protecting against radiation. Unfortunately, it is not possible to protect yourself from electromagnetic field radiation using such equipment at home, since it is not designed for this.

in order to reduce the impact of electromagnetic field radiation to almost zero, you should move away from power lines, radio and television towers at a distance of at least 25 meters (the power of the source must be taken into account);
for CRT monitors and TVs this distance is much smaller - about 30 cm;
Electronic watches should not be placed close to the pillow; the optimal distance for them is more than 5 cm;
As for radios and cell phones, bringing them closer than 2.5 centimeters is not recommended.

Note that many people know how dangerous it is to stand next to high-voltage power lines, but most people do not attach importance to ordinary household electrical appliances. Although it is enough to place the system unit on the floor or move it further away, and you will protect yourself and your loved ones. We advise you to do this, and then measure the background from the computer using an electromagnetic field radiation detector to clearly verify its reduction.

This advice also applies to the placement of the refrigerator; many people place it near the kitchen table, which is practical, but unsafe.

No table can indicate the exact safe distance from a specific electrical equipment, since radiation may vary, both depending on the device model and the country of manufacture. At the moment, there is no single international standard, so standards in different countries may have significant differences.

The radiation intensity can be accurately determined using a special device - a fluxmeter. According to the standards adopted in Russia, the maximum permissible dose should not exceed 0.2 µT. We recommend taking measurements in the apartment using the above-mentioned device for measuring the degree of electromagnetic field radiation.

Fluxmeter - a device for measuring the degree of radiation of an electromagnetic field

Try to reduce the time you are exposed to radiation, that is, do not stay near operating electrical devices for a long time. For example, it is not at all necessary to constantly stand at the electric stove or microwave oven while cooking. Regarding electrical equipment, you can notice that warm does not always mean safe.

Always turn off electrical appliances when not in use. People often leave various devices turned on, not taking into account that at this time electromagnetic radiation is emanating from electrical equipment. Turn off your laptop, printer or other equipment; there is no need to expose yourself to radiation again; remember your safety.

Every apartment is fraught with danger. We don’t even suspect that we live surrounded by electromagnetic fields (EMF), which a person can neither see nor feel, but this does not mean that they do not exist.

Since the very beginning of life, there has been a stable electromagnetic background (EMF) on our planet. For a long time it was practically unchanged. But, with the development of humanity, the intensity of this background began to grow at incredible speed. Power lines, an increasing number of electrical appliances, cellular communications - all these innovations have become sources of “electromagnetic pollution”. How does the electromagnetic field affect the human body, and what might be the consequences of this influence?

What is electromagnetic radiation?

In addition to the natural EMF created by electromagnetic waves (EMW) of various frequencies coming to us from space, there is another radiation - household radiation, which occurs during the operation of various electrical equipment found in every apartment or office. Every household appliance, take at least an ordinary hair dryer, passes electric current through itself during operation, forming an electromagnetic field around it. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is the force that manifests itself when current passes through any electrical device, affecting everything that is near it, including a person, who is also a source of electromagnetic radiation. The greater the current passing through the device, the more powerful the radiation.

Most often, a person does not experience a noticeable impact of EMR, but this does not mean that it does not affect us. Electromagnetic waves pass through objects imperceptibly, but sometimes the most sensitive people feel a certain tingling or tingling sensation.

We all react differently to EMR. The body of some can neutralize its effects, but there are individuals who are maximally susceptible to this influence, which can cause various pathologies in them. Long-term exposure to EMR is especially dangerous for humans. For example, if his house is located near a high-voltage transmission line.

Depending on the wavelength, EMR can be divided into:

Visible light is the radiation that a person is able to perceive visually. Light wavelengths range from 380 to 780 nm (nanometers), meaning visible light wavelengths are very short;
Infrared radiation lies on the electromagnetic spectrum between light radiation and radio waves. The length of infrared waves is longer than light and is in the range of 780 nm - 1 mm;
radio waves. They are also microwaves that are emitted by a microwave oven. These are the longest waves. These include all electromagnetic radiation with waves longer than half a millimeter;
ultraviolet radiation, which is harmful to most living things. The length of such waves is 10-400 nm, and they are located in the range between visible and x-ray radiation;
X-ray radiation is emitted by electrons and has a wide range of wavelengths - from 8·10 - 6 to 10 - 12 cm. This radiation is known to everyone from medical devices;
Gamma radiation is the shortest wavelength (the wavelength is less than 2·10−10 m), and has the highest radiation energy. This type of EMR is the most dangerous for humans.

The picture below shows the entire spectrum of electromagnetic radiation.

Radiation sources

There are many EMR sources around us that emit electromagnetic waves into space that are not safe for the human body. It is impossible to list them all.

I would like to focus on more global ones, such as:

high-voltage power lines with high voltage and high levels of radiation. And if residential buildings are located closer than 1000 meters to these lines, then the risk of cancer among residents of such houses increases;
electric transport - electric and metro trains, trams and trolleybuses, as well as ordinary elevators;
radio and television towers, the radiation of which is also particularly dangerous for human health, especially those installed in violation of sanitary standards;
functional transmitters - radars, locators that create EMR at a distance of up to 1000 meters, therefore, airports and weather stations try to be located as far as possible from the residential sector.

And on simple ones:

household appliances, such as a microwave oven, computer, TV, hair dryer, chargers, energy-saving lamps, etc., which are found in every home and are an integral part of our life;
mobile phones, around which an electromagnetic field is formed, affecting the human head;
electrical wiring and sockets;
medical devices - X-rays, computed tomographs, etc., which we encounter when visiting medical institutions that have the strongest radiation.

Some of these sources have a powerful effect on humans, others not so much. All the same, we have used and will continue to use these devices. It is important to be extremely careful when using them and be able to protect yourself from negative effects in order to minimize the harm they cause.

Examples of sources of electromagnetic radiation are shown in the figure.

Effect of EMR on humans

It is believed that electromagnetic radiation has a negative impact on both human health and his behavior, vitality, physiological functions and even thoughts. The person himself is also a source of such radiation, and if other, more intense sources begin to influence our electromagnetic field, then complete chaos can occur in the human body, which will lead to various diseases.

Scientists have found that it is not the waves themselves that are harmful, but their torsion (information) component, which is present in any electromagnetic radiation, that is, it is the torsion fields that have the wrong effect on health, transmitting negative information to a person.

The danger of radiation also lies in the fact that it can accumulate in the human body, and if you use, for example, a computer, mobile phone, etc. for a long time, then headaches, high fatigue, constant stress, decreased immunity are possible, and the likelihood of diseases of the nervous system and brain. Even weak fields, especially those that coincide in frequency with human EMR, can harm health by distorting our own radiation, and thereby causing various diseases.

Electromagnetic radiation factors have a huge impact on human health, such as:

source power and nature of radiation;
its intensity;
duration of exposure.

It is also worth noting that exposure to radiation can be general or local. That is, if you take a mobile phone, it affects only a separate human organ - the brain, but the radar irradiates the entire body.

What kind of radiation arises from certain household appliances, and their range, can be seen from the figure.

Looking at this table, you can understand for yourself that the further the radiation source is located from a person, the less its harmful effect on the body. If a hairdryer is in close proximity to the head, and its impact causes significant harm to a person, then the refrigerator has practically no effect on our health.

How to protect yourself from electromagnetic radiation

The danger of EMR lies in the fact that a person does not feel its influence in any way, but it exists and greatly harms our health. While workplaces have special protective equipment, things are much worse at home.

But it is still possible to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of household appliances if you follow simple recommendations:

purchase a dosimeter that determines the intensity of radiation and measure the background from various household appliances;
do not turn on several electrical appliances at once;
keep your distance from them if possible;
place devices so that they are located as far as possible from places where people spend a long time, for example, a dining table or a recreation area;
children's rooms should contain as few radiation sources as possible;
there is no need to group electrical appliances in one place;
The mobile phone should not be brought closer to the ear than 2.5 cm;
keep the telephone base away from the bedroom or desk:
do not be located close to a TV or computer monitor;
turn off appliances you don't need. If you are not currently using a computer or TV, you do not need to keep them turned on;
try to reduce the time you use the device, do not stay near it all the time.

Modern technology has firmly entered our everyday life. We cannot imagine life without a mobile phone or computer, as well as a microwave oven, which many have not only at home, but also in the workplace. It’s unlikely that anyone will want to give them up, but it’s within our power to use them wisely.

What is it and sources of radiation

The spectrum of frequencies of electromagnetic field radiation allows us to classify it into the following types:

radio frequency (these include radio waves);
thermal (infrared);
optical (that is, visible to the eye);
radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum and hard (ionized).

A detailed illustration of the spectral range (electromagnetic radiation scale) can be seen in the figure below.

Nature of radiation sources

Depending on their origin, sources of radiation of electromagnetic waves in world practice are usually classified into two types, namely:

disturbances of the electromagnetic field of artificial origin;
radiation coming from natural sources.

Radiations emanating from the magnetic field around the Earth, electrical processes in the atmosphere of our planet, nuclear fusion in the depths of the sun - they are all of natural origin.

As for artificial sources, they are a side effect caused by the operation of various electrical mechanisms and devices.

The radiation emanating from them can be low-level and high-level. The degree of intensity of the electromagnetic field radiation completely depends on the power levels of the sources.

Examples of sources with high levels of EMR include:

Power lines are usually high-voltage;
all types of electric transport, as well as the accompanying infrastructure;
television and radio towers, as well as mobile and mobile communication stations;
installations for converting the voltage of the electrical network (in particular, waves emanating from a transformer or distribution substation);
elevators and other types of lifting equipment that use an electromechanical power plant.

Typical sources emitting low-level radiation include the following electrical equipment:

almost all devices with a CRT display (for example: payment terminal or computer);
various types of household appliances, ranging from irons to climate control systems;
engineering systems that provide electricity supply to various objects (this includes not only power cables, but related equipment, such as sockets and electricity meters).

Separately, it is worth highlighting special equipment used in medicine that emits hard radiation (X-ray machines, MRI, etc.).

Impact on humans

Video: How electromagnetic radiation affects people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYWgXyHW93Q

the nature of the radiation produced;
how long and with what intensity it continues.

Accordingly, local irradiation refers to exposure to certain areas of the body. Electromagnetic waves emanating from an electronic watch or mobile phone are a vivid example of local influence.

The figure shows the level of electromagnetic waves produced by conventional household appliances.

Note that the field strength level decreases significantly with distance. That is, to reduce its effect, it is enough to move away from the source at a certain distance.

The formula for calculating the norm (standardization) of electromagnetic field radiation is specified in the relevant GOSTs and SanPiNs.

Radiation protection

in order to reduce the impact of electromagnetic field radiation to almost zero, you should move away from power lines, radio and television towers at a distance of at least 25 meters (the power of the source must be taken into account);
for CRT monitors and TVs this distance is much smaller - about 30 cm;
Electronic watches should not be placed close to the pillow; the optimal distance for them is more than 5 cm;
As for radios and cell phones, bringing them closer than 2.5 centimeters is not recommended.

This advice also applies to the placement of the refrigerator; many people place it near the kitchen table, which is practical, but unsafe.

Fluxmeter - a device for measuring the degree of radiation of an electromagnetic field

In recent years, due to the development of technology, the human body has been exposed to a high level of exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which could not but cause serious concern throughout the world.

What is the effect on living organisms? Their consequences depend on which category of radiation - ionizing or not - they belong to. The first type has a high energy potential, which acts on atoms in cells and leads to a change in their natural state. It can be deadly as it causes cancer and other diseases. Non-ionizing radiation includes electromagnetic radiation in the form of radio waves, microwave radiation and electrical vibrations. Although it cannot change the structure of the atom, its impact can lead to irreversible consequences.

Invisible danger

Publications in the scientific literature have raised the issue of the adverse effects on individuals and society as a whole of non-ionizing EMF radiation emanating from power, electrical and wireless devices in the home, at work, in educational and public institutions. Despite numerous challenges in establishing conclusive scientific evidence of harm and gaps in understanding the precise mechanisms by which it occurs, epidemiological analysis increasingly suggests a significant potential for injury from non-ionizing radiation exposure. Protection against electromagnetic radiation is becoming increasingly important.

Because medical education does not emphasize environmental health, some physicians are not fully aware of the potential health problems associated with EMR and, as a result, non-ionizing radiation events may be misdiagnosed and treated ineffectively.

While the possibility of damage to tissues and cells associated with exposure to X-ray radiation is beyond doubt, the impact of electromagnetic radiation on living organisms, when it comes from power lines, mobile phones, electrical appliances and some machines, has only recently begun to attract attention as a potential threat. health.

Electromagnetic spectrum

Refers to a type of energy that emanates or radiates far beyond its source. Electromagnetic radiation energy exists in various forms, each of which has different physical properties. They can be measured and expressed using frequency or wavelength. Some waves have a high frequency, others have a medium frequency, and others have a low frequency. The range of electromagnetic radiation includes many different forms of energy coming from different sources. Their name is used to classify types of EMR.

The short wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, corresponding to high frequency, is a characteristic of gamma rays, x-rays and ultraviolet radiation. More spectrum includes microwave radiation and radio waves. Light radiation belongs to the middle part of the EMR spectrum; it provides normal vision and is the light that we perceive. Infrared energy is responsible for human perception of heat.

Most forms of energy, such as X-rays, ultraviolet and radio waves, are invisible and undetectable to humans. Their detection requires measuring electromagnetic radiation using special instruments, and, as a result, people cannot assess the extent of exposure to energy fields in these ranges.

Despite the lack of perception, exposure to high-frequency energy, including X-rays, called ionizing radiation, is potentially harmful to human cells. By changing the atomic composition of cellular structures, breaking chemical bonds and inducing the formation of free radicals, sufficient exposure to ionizing radiation can damage the genetic code in DNA or provoke mutations, thereby increasing the risk of malignancy or cell death.

Anthropogenic EMP

The effect of electromagnetic radiation on the body, especially non-ionizing radiation, which refers to forms of energy with lower frequencies, has been underestimated by many scientists. It was not believed to produce adverse effects at normal exposure levels. Recently, however, growing evidence suggests that some frequencies of non-ionizing radiation may potentially cause biological harm. Most studies of their health effects have focused on the following three main types of anthropogenic EMR:

lower scale of electromagnetic radiation from power lines, electrical appliances and electronic equipment;
microwave and radio emissions from wireless communications devices such as cell phones, cell towers, antennas, and television and radio towers;
electrical pollution due to the operation of certain types of equipment (for example, plasma TVs, some energy-saving appliances, variable speed motors, etc.) that produce signals whose frequency of electromagnetic radiation is in the range of 3-150 kHz (propagated and re-radiated by wiring).

Currents in the ground, which are sometimes called stray currents, are not limited by wires. Current follows the path of least resistance and can pass through any available paths, including the ground, wires, and various objects. Accordingly, electrical voltage is also transmitted through the ground and through building structures through metal water or sewer pipes, resulting in non-ionizing radiation being released into the immediate environment.

EMR and human health

While studies examining the negative effects of electromagnetic radiation have sometimes produced conflicting results, findings of reproductive dysfunction and cancer susceptibility appear to support suspicions that EMF exposure may pose a threat to human health. Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm births, altered sex ratios, and congenital anomalies have all been associated with maternal exposure to EMR.

A large prospective study published in the journal Epidemiology, for example, reported peak EMR exposure in 1,063 pregnant women in the San Francisco area. Participants in the experiment wore magnetic field detectors, and the scientists found a significant increase in fetal mortality as the level of maximum EMF exposure increased.

EMR and cancer

Claims that intense exposure to certain EMR frequencies may be carcinogenic have been studied. For example, the International Journal of Cancer recently published an important case-control study on the association between childhood leukemia and magnetic fields in Japan. By assessing levels of electromagnetic radiation in bedrooms, scientists confirmed that high levels of exposure lead to a significantly greater risk of childhood leukemia.

Physical and psychological impact

People with electromagnetic hypersensitivity often suffer from exhaustion, which can affect any part of the body, including the central nervous system, musculoskeletal system, gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system. These symptoms often lead to constant psychological stress and fear of being affected by EMP. Many patients become incapacitated by the mere thought that an invisible wireless signal at any time and anywhere can provoke painful sensations in their body. Constant fear and concern about health problems affect well-being up to the development of phobia and fear of electricity, which in some people makes them want to leave civilization.

Mobile phones and telecommunications

Cell phones transmit and receive signals using EMF, which are partially absorbed by their users. Since these sources of electromagnetic radiation are usually in close proximity to the head, this feature has led to concerns about the possible adverse effects of their use on human health.

One problem in extrapolating results from their use in experimental rodent studies is that the frequency of maximum absorption of RF energy depends on body size, shape, orientation and position.

Resonant absorption in rats is in the range of microwaves and operating frequencies of mobile phones used in experiments (from 0.5 to 3 GHz), but on the scale of the human body it occurs at 100 MHz. This factor can be taken into account when calculating absorbed dose rate, but poses a problem for those studies in which only the external field strength is used to determine the level of exposure.

The relative depth of penetration in laboratory animals compared to the size of the human head is greater, and the tissue parameters and the mechanism of heat redistribution differ. Another potential source of inaccuracy in exposure levels is the effect of radiofrequency radiation on the cell.

Effect of high-voltage radiation on people and the environment

Power lines with voltages above 100 kV are the most powerful sources of electromagnetic radiation. Research into radiation effects on technical personnel began with the start of construction of the first 220 kV power lines, when cases of deteriorating health of workers appeared. The commissioning of 400 kV power lines led to the publication of numerous works in this area, which subsequently became the basis for the adoption of the first regulations limiting the effect of the 50-Hz electric field.

Power lines with a voltage of more than 500 kV have an impact on the environment in the form of:

electric field with a frequency of 50 Hz;
radiation;
magnetic field of industrial frequency.

EMF and the nervous system

The mammalian blood-brain barrier consists of endothelial cells associated with the zona septa, as well as adjacent pericytes and extracellular matrix. Helps maintain a highly stable extracellular environment necessary for accurate synaptic transmission and protects neural tissue from damage. Increasing its low permeability to hydrophilic and charged molecules can be harmful to health.

Ambient temperatures that exceed the limits of mammalian thermoregulation increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier to macromolecules. Neuronal uptake of albumin in various areas of the brain depends on its temperature and appears when it increases by 1 °C or higher. Since sufficiently strong radiofrequency fields can lead to tissue heating, it is logical to assume that the influence of electromagnetic radiation on humans results in increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier.

EMF and sleep

The upper scale of electromagnetic radiation has some effect on sleep. This topic has become relevant for several reasons. Among other symptoms, complaints of sleep disturbances have been mentioned in anecdotal reports of people believing that they are being affected by EMR. This has led to speculation that electromagnetic fields may interfere with normal sleep patterns, with attendant health consequences. The potential risk of sleep disturbance must be considered in light of the fact that it is a very complex biological process controlled by the central nervous system. Although the exact neurobiological mechanisms have not yet been established, regular alternation between waking and resting states is a necessary requirement for proper brain function, metabolic homeostasis and the immune system.

In addition, sleep appears to be precisely the physiological system whose study will make it possible to clarify the influence of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation on humans, since in this biological state the body reacts sensitively to external stimuli. There is evidence that weak EMFs, the intensity of which is well below that which would cause a rise in temperature, can also cause biological effects.

Currently, research into the effects of non-ionizing high-frequency EMR is clearly focused on the risk of cancer, due to concerns about the carcinogenic properties of ionizing radiation.

Negative manifestations

Thus, the influence of electromagnetic radiation on humans, even non-ionizing ones, occurs, especially in the case of high-voltage power lines and the corona effect. Microwave radiation affects the nervous, cardiovascular, immune and reproductive systems, including causing damage to the nervous system, changing its reaction, electroencephalogram, blood-brain barrier, causing disturbances (wakefulness - sleep) by interfering with the functioning of the pineal gland and creating hormonal imbalance , changes in heart rate and blood pressure, impairing immunity to pathogens, causing weakness, exhaustion, growth problems, DNA damage and cancer.

It is recommended to construct buildings away from EMI sources, and protection from electromagnetic radiation of high-voltage power lines must be mandatory. In cities, cables must be laid underground, and equipment that neutralizes the effects of EMR must be used.

Based on the results of a correlation analysis based on experimental data, it was concluded that the influence of electromagnetic radiation from power lines on humans can be significantly reduced by reducing the distance of wire sag, which will lead to an increase in the distance between the conductive line and the measurement point. In addition, this distance is also influenced by the terrain under the power line.

Precautionary measures

Electricity is an integral part of life in modern society. This means that EMP will always be around us. And in order for EMFs to make our lives easier, not shorter, we should take some precautions:

Children should not be allowed to play near power lines, transformers, satellite transmitters, or microwave sources.
Places where the density exceeds 1 mG should be avoided. It is necessary to measure the EMF level of devices in the off and operating state.
It is necessary to rearrange the office or home in such a way as not to be exposed to the field of electrical appliances and computers.
You should not sit too close in front of the computer. Monitors vary greatly in the strength of their EMR. Do not stand near a running microwave oven.
Move electrical appliances at least 2 m from the bed. Wiring should not be allowed under the bed. Remove dimmers and 3-way switches.
Precautions should be taken when using cordless devices such as electric toothbrushes and razors.
It is also recommended to wear as little jewelry as possible and remove it at night.
It is also necessary to remember that EMR passes through walls, and take into account sources in the next room or behind the walls of the room.

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) accompanies modern man everywhere. Any technique whose action is based on electricity emits waves of energy. Some types of such radiation are constantly talked about - radiation, ultraviolet and radiation, the danger of which has long been known to everyone. But people try not to think about the impact of electromagnetic fields on the human body, if it occurs due to a working TV or smartphone.

Types of electromagnetic radiation

Before describing the danger of this or that type of radiation, it is necessary to understand what we are talking about. A school physics course teaches that energy travels in the form of waves. Depending on their frequency and length, a large number of types of radiation are distinguished. So electromagnetic waves include:

High frequency radiation. It includes X-rays and gamma rays. They are also known as ionizing radiation.
Mid-frequency radiation. This is the visible spectrum, which people perceive as light. In the upper and lower frequency scales there are ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
Low frequency radiation. This includes radio and microwaves.

To explain the effect of electromagnetic radiation on the human body, all these types are divided into 2 large categories - ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. The difference between them is quite simple:

Ionizing radiation affects the atomic structure of matter. Because of this, the cell structure of biological organisms is disrupted, DNA is modified, and tumors appear.
Non-ionizing radiation has long been considered harmless. But recent research by scientists demonstrates that with high power and prolonged exposure, it is no less dangerous to health.

EMR sources

Non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and radiation surround humans everywhere. They are emitted by any electronic equipment. In addition, we must not forget about power lines through which powerful charges of electricity pass. EMR is also emitted by transformers, elevators and other technical devices that provide comfortable living conditions.

Thus, it is enough to turn on the TV or talk on the phone for sources of electromagnetic radiation to begin to affect the body. Even something as seemingly safe as an electronic alarm clock can affect your health over time.

Devices measuring EMR

To determine how strongly a particular source of EMR affects the body, instruments are used to measure electromagnetic fields. The simplest and most widely known is the indicator screwdriver. The LED at its end burns brighter with a powerful radiation source.

There are also professional devices - flux meters. Such an electromagnetic radiation detector is able to determine the power of the source and provide its numerical characteristics. They can then be recorded on a computer and processed using various examples of measured quantities and frequencies.

For humans, according to Russian Federation standards, an EMR dose of 0.2 μT is considered safe.

More accurate and detailed tables are presented in GOSTs and SanPiNs. In them you can find formulas with which you can calculate how dangerous the EMR source is and how to measure electromagnetic radiation depending on the location of the equipment and the size of the room.

If radiation is measured in R/h (the number of roentgens per hour), then EMR is measured in V/m2 (volts per square meter of area). The following indicators are considered a safe norm for humans, depending on the wave frequency, measured in hertz:

up to 300 kHz – 25 V/m2;
3 MHz – 15 V/m2;
30 MHz – 10 V/m2;
300 MHz – 3 V/m2;
Above 0.3 GHz – 10 µV/cm2.

It is thanks to the measurements of these indicators that the safety of a particular EMR source for humans is determined.

How does electromagnetic radiation affect humans?

Considering that many people have been in constant contact with electrical devices since childhood, a logical question arises: is EMR really that dangerous? Unlike radiation, it does not lead to radiation sickness and its effect is invisible. And is it worth complying with electromagnetic radiation standards?

Scientists also asked this question back in the 60s of the 20th century. More than 50 years of research have shown that the human electromagnetic field is modified by other radiation. This leads to the development of the so-called “radio wave disease”.

Extraneous electromagnetic radiation and interference disrupt the functioning of many organ systems. But the nervous and cardiovascular systems are the most sensitive to their effects.

According to statistics from recent years, about a third of the population is susceptible to radio wave sickness. It manifests itself through symptoms familiar to many:

depression;
chronic fatigue;
insomnia;
headache;
disturbances in concentration;
dizziness.

At the same time, the negative impact of electromagnetic radiation on human health is most dangerous because doctors still cannot diagnose it. After examination and tests, the patient goes home with the diagnosis: “Healthy!” At the same time, if nothing is done, the disease will develop and enter the chronic stage.

Each organ system will respond to electromagnetic stimulation differently. The central nervous system is most sensitive to the effects of electromagnetic fields on humans.

EMR impairs the passage of the signal through the neurons of the brain. As a result, this affects the functioning of the body as a whole.

Also, over time, negative consequences for the psyche appear - attention and memory are impaired, and in the worst cases, problems transform into delusions, hallucinations and suicidal tendencies.

The influence of electromagnetic waves on living organisms also has a large-scale effect through the circulatory system.

Red blood cells, platelets and other bodies have their own potentials. Under the influence of electromagnetic radiation on a person, they can stick together. As a result, blockage of blood vessels occurs and the transport function of blood deteriorates.

EMR also reduces the permeability of cell membranes. As a result, all tissues exposed to radiation do not receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients. In addition, the efficiency of hematopoietic functions decreases. The heart, in turn, reacts to this problem with arrhythmia and a drop in myocardial conductivity.

The influence of electromagnetic waves on the human body destroys the immune system. Due to the clumping of blood cells, lymphocytes and leukocytes become blocked. Accordingly, the infection simply does not meet resistance from defense systems. As a result, not only does the frequency of colds increase, but also an exacerbation of chronic ailments occurs.

Another consequence of harm from electromagnetic radiation is disruption of hormone production. The effect on the brain and circulatory system stimulates the work of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands and other glands.

The reproductive system is also sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, the effect on a person can be catastrophic. Given the disturbances in the production of hormones, potency in men decreases. But for women, the consequences are more serious - during the first trimester of pregnancy, a strong dose of radiation can lead to miscarriage. And if this does not happen, then a disturbance in the electromagnetic field can disrupt the normal process of cell division, damaging DNA. The result is pathologies of child development.

The effect of electromagnetic fields on the human body is destructive, which has been confirmed by numerous studies.

Considering that modern medicine can do practically nothing against radio wave disease, you must try to protect yourself on your own.

EMI protection

Taking into account all the possible harm that the influence of the electromagnetic field brings on living organisms, simple and reliable safety rules have been developed. In enterprises where people are constantly exposed to high levels of EMF, special protective shields and equipment are provided for workers.

But at home, sources of electromagnetic fields cannot be shielded in this way. At the very least it will be inconvenient. Therefore, you should understand how to protect yourself in other ways. In total, there are 3 rules that must be followed constantly in order to reduce the impact of the electromagnetic field on human health:

Stay as far away from EMR sources as possible. For power lines, 25 meters is enough. And the screen of a monitor or TV is dangerous if it is located closer than 30 cm. It is enough to carry smartphones and tablets not in pockets, but in handbags or purses 3 cm from the body.
Reduce the time of contact with EMR. This means that you do not need to stand for a long time near working sources of electromagnetic fields. Even if you want to supervise the cooking on an electric stove or warm up by the heater.
Turn off electrical appliances that are not in use. This will not only reduce the level of electromagnetic radiation, but also help you save money on your energy bills.

You can also carry out a set of preventive measures to ensure that the impact of electromagnetic waves is minimal. For example, having measured the radiation power of various devices using a dosimeter, you need to record the EMF readings. The emitters can then be distributed throughout the room to reduce the load on certain areas of the area. It is also important to consider that the steel case shields EMI well.

Do not forget that electromagnetic radiation in the radio frequency range from communications equipment constantly affects human fields while these devices are turned on. Therefore, before going to bed and during work, it is better to put them away.