Electrosmog: the current state of affairs

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om e of

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Briefing Paper

Copper BeneluxJuly 2008

Electrosmog: the CurrentState of Affairs



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www.leonardo-energy.org

Electrosmog: the current state of affairsThe influence of electricity and transmitters on our healthThe 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 andmagnetic 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.





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Source: BBEMG

Electromagnetic waves (high frequency)Possible sources of electromagnetic waves are transmitters (GMS and UMTS), wirelessapplications (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), computer monitors and television sets, and lamps(low-energy lamps and halogen lamps). Radio-frequency fields between 1 MHz and10 GHz penetrate into human tissue and produce a warming of that tissue.

• Unit: W/m 2 (watt per square metre)The unit of μ W/m 2 (microwatt or 10-6 W per square metre) is alsocommonly used in standards.

• Electromagnetic field strength for:

◊ The natural environment: less than 0.000001 μ W/m 2

◊ Mobile phone during a phone conversation, next to the user’shead: more than 10 W/m 2 Mobile phone, standby at 2 m: more than 0.03 W/m 2 Mobile phone, standby at 10 m: more than 0.001 W/m 2

◊ Cordless (DECT) phone base station at 2 m: more than 0.002 W/m2 Cordless phone next to the user’s head: more than 1 W/m 2

Contact currentsAside from the influence of external electric fields, a growing body of research is beingconducted on the influence of electric currents that flow through our bodies due to poorlyearthed electronic equipment. However these contact currents and other fields, such asstatic electric fields, static magnetic fields, radioactivity, and terrestrial disturbances, arenot the subject of this brochure and are not discussed further here.

The scientific answer is complicated

No clear-cut research results as yetThe potential effects of electromagnetic fields on our health have been studied for manyyears already. However, up to the present researchers have not been able to confirmany negative effects, nor have they been able to prove that no effects exist . Scientificproof is thus difficult to provide.



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Diverse obstaclesMost studies that have been carried out have covered only a relatively short period of

time and do not take into account possible delays in the occurrence of certain symptoms.There is also very little well-designed research available concerning the consequences of long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields. In addition, the various types of researchonly deal with specific aspects of the problem:

• Epidemiological studies look for a possible statistical correlationbetween a particular factor and the incidence of a disease

• Laboratory research studies the working mechanisms of the fields onsamples of human cells and on animals

• Experiments with human subjects : controlled exposure of volunteers to fields for short periods

• Theoretical models use computer models to simulate exposure andthe effects thereof on the human body

Confirmation of results by different research methods is necessary before we cansay that true scientific proof is available.

For example, it has been inferred from epidemiological studies that children between theages of 0 and 15 have twice as high a relative risk of developing leukaemia if they areexposed to a 50-Hz magnetic field with a strength of 0.4 μ T or higher every day.However, this is merely a statistical relationship. This result is not sufficient to draw the

conclusion that there is a causal relationship. Nevertheless, various media have usedsuch results from epidemiological studies as proof of the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation.

The precautionary principleThe question is whether potential relationships are sufficient to conclude that a risk ispresent and to take specific action. Or is it more prudent to wait until scientific proof isavailable? Asbestos is often cited here as an example of a substance for which thedangerous side effects were only seriously assessed at a very late date.

The ‘golden mean’ is to apply the precautionary principle , or ‘sensible avoidance’, until

well-founded research results provide a better basis for a definitive answer. According tothe World Health Organization (WHO), individuals can take inexpensive measures to limittheir exposure to electromagnetic fields. However, there is no scientific evidence thatthese measures will effectively reduce the risks. Individuals can choose the measuresthey wish to take according to how they personally estimate the risks.

What about electrosensitivity?More and more people are exhibiting a broad spectrum of non-specific complaints that they ascribe to electricity. The most commonly occurring symptoms are fatigue,dermatological problems, a heavy feeling in the head, irritation of the eyes, a stuffy nose,headaches, etc. In many cases, the symptoms cannot be medically explained, but they

are nevertheless real and have a negative impact on health. Such persons are said tosuffer from electromagnetic hypersensitivity or electrosensitivity .



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The complaints often occur at frequencies and intensities that are well below theinternational recommendations (see elsewhere in this brochure) and that do not cause

any sort of reaction among the general population. With most electrosensitive persons,the symptoms disappear rapidly when the distance from the source is increased.However, with highly sensitive persons, the perception of poor health can be so strongthat they isolate themselves completely. Although the symptoms cannot yet be ascribedto electromagnetic fields, the Superior Health Council of Belgium is already preparingrecommendations with regard to electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

What does the law say?

Point of departure

Various measurable limits ( reference values ) are set for exposure to electromagneticfields depending on the frequency range in hertz (Hz). These reference values arederived from so-called ‘basic restrictions’ , which are based on proven effects. Anadditional safety factor is applied to these values.

In this document, we only discuss the limits for the 50 Hz power frequency fields. Atthis frequency, there is a potential health risk at a current density of 100 mA/m 2 or morein the body due to stimulation of the nerve and heart tissue. This value thus forms thepoint of departure for generating all standards and recommendations related to the 50Hz frequency range.

Recommendations of the ICNIRP (1998)The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) is anindependent commission recognized by WHO. The ICNIRP applies a safety factor to thebase value of 100 mA/m 2 when generating its recommendations.

The safety factor is 10 for the professional environment. The value for the generalpopulation is 50. This more severe restriction takes into account the heterogeneousnature of the general population (adults, children, sensitive persons, etc.) and the longer duration of daily exposure. As a result, the exposure limit here is set at 2 mA/m 2.

As it is difficult to measure this value in the human body, the ICNIRP uses in its

recommendations other units that are easier to measure. These include the intensity of external electric and magnetic fields that can cause an induced current of 2 mA/m 2 in thebody.

The maximum exposure limits are:Electric field at 50 Hz : 5 kV/mMagnetic field at 50 Hz : 100 μ T

Recommendations of the Council of the European UnionThe Council of the European Union accepts the recommendations of the ICNIRP for thegeneral population.





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• Unplug cables from electrical sockets and use bipolar switches thatalso disconnect the neutral conductor

• Preferably purchase earthed equipment

• Keep enough distance from your computer screenThe 50-Hz magnetic field can be reduced in a passive manner by fitting sheets of mu-metal (a nickel-iron alloy), copper or aluminium. This solution is often used in theprofessional environment to prevent interference to sensitive equipment or workstations.

Some measures for restricting the possible impact of high-frequency electromagneticwaves:

• It is preferable to use cabling for your Internet connection instead of awireless link

• If possible, use a fixed telephone instead of a mobile telephone or cordless (DECT) phone (a DECT telephone constantly transmitspulsed microwaves)

• Check the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) when you buy a mobiletelephone. The lower this value, the less radio-frequency energy isabsorbed by your body during exposure

• Avoid letting children use mobile telephones too often or when theyare very young.

Fields from outside

It is more difficult to take action against electromagnetic fields that come from outside.Measures to minimize the impact — such as paints and films — have not proven to besufficiently effective up to now, and they are usually expensive. If in doubt regarding thestrength of external electromagnetic fields such as from a high-tension transmission line,you can have the degree of exposure measured before you take any specific measures.




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Various opinions

We sought the opinions of three persons who are regularly confronted withelectrosmog in their professional activities.

The opinion of Charles Claessens, building biologist

Charles Claessens advises persons who experience health problems in their domestic or work environment due to environmental conditions.

‘During my home investigations, I regularly come into contact with electrosensitivepeople. With most of the electromagnetic field values that I measure in the homes of these persons, the majority of the population would not have encountered any problem.However, it’s a completely different story for someone who is hypersensitive. Then, eventhe lowest amount of exposure is enough to cause physical reactions. Electrosensitivity isstrongly underestimated. I think everyone gradually builds up an electrosensitivity, eventhough we may not notice it right away. I often compare this with a bucket of water. Thebucket fills up gradually without any consequences, but once it is full, each simple dropsuffices to cause it to run over. The current standards are subsequently inadequate for electrosensitive persons. For this reason, we always follow the stricter German SBMstandards for building biology.’

The opinion of André Pirenne, electrical installer

André Pirenne is co-owner of Pirenne & Ooms BVBA, a Walloon electrical contractingand consulting company.

‘After more than ten years of experience as a traditional electrical installer, I decided tospecialize in biocompatible electricity installations. I received more and more questions

from customers who wanted to modify their electric installation for health reasons. Weadvise our customers on the best way to use electrical equipment, and we install and



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distribute biocompatible electrical materials. For example, with our bipolar Biorupteur switch, also called a mains disconnect switch, we can make a bedroom completely free

of electric fields at night. This kind of switch continually measures the currentconsumption in a branch circuit and completely disconnects the circuit when electricitydemand is nil. This system can only work under the condition that there are noappliances in the room that constantly draw current, such as a television set in standbymode or a clock radio. The Biorupteur switches on again as soon as a load is connected.This sort of switch is not expensive, and it can easily be fitted in the electrical cabinet.’

‘A more elaborate solution is to install shielded, absorbent installation cables. They canbe used everywhere in the house except the bathroom. Due to the materials used, our VMVB cable protects the surrounding area against all electromagnetic fields andfrequencies present in the cable. VMVB cable can be installed just as easily asconventional cable. We also recommend using metal distribution boxes, earthing themproperly, and routing the electrical supply cable so that it passes as little as possiblebeneath the house on its way inside.’




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The opinion of Gilbert Decat, researcher

Gilbert Decat is project manager for non-ionising radiation at the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO).

‘Our project group specializes in measuring and assessing electromagnetic fields andtheir effects on human health. It is brought to our attention, virtually every day that thereis a need for reliable information on electrosmog, not only on the part of governmentbodies but also among the general population. For this reason, we try to keep up to dateon all aspects of electrosmog. In addition, it is always important to examine newtechnologies with a critical eye and to closely monitor the progress of various studies. Inmy opinion, the precautionary principle is justified.

With regard to health risks, I rely primarily on the latest SCENIHR report (2007) and thefindings of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Based on the incidence of childhood leukaemia, the International Agency for Researchon Cancer (IARC) has classified ELF magnetic fields as ‘potentially carcinogenic’.However, this is not supported by any mechanisms that can explain a possibleconnection between ELF magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia. According to recentstudies, a connection with breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases is also unlikely,and up to now, no connection with hypersensitivity has been shown (source: SCENIHR,2007).

At present, the results of epidemiological studies suggest that the use of mobile phonesby persons under the age of 10 creates no risk of brain tumours. However, there is some

evidence of an association with acoustic neuroma. Very few epidemiological studies areavailable for diseases other than cancer (source: SCENIHR, 2007). Exposure to RFfields from transmitter towers is also not considered to be a health hazard in the short or long term. As wireless networks usually produce even weaker RF signals, this applies tothem as well (source: WHO).’

The persons quoted here bear responsibility only for the parts of this document in which they are quoted explicitly. Their contribution to this article does not necessarily imply that they agree with the opinions of other quoted persons or with the entire content of the document.

Documents

Electrosmog: the current state of affairs