What are EMFs??

Electromagnetic Fields and Radiofrequencies

Many people ask the question - What are EMFs?  and why should we be concerned about EMFs?

Bijlsma (2018) identifies that ‘electromagnetic fields are waves that vary in their length and frequency (number of waves that pass per second)’ and this electromagnetic spectrum includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared rays, light rays, UV rays, X-rays and gamma rays which are transmitted through empty space at the speed of light (ARPANSA, 2022). The EMFs which are focused on primarily as part of EMF assessments and found in the built environment are AC Magnetic Fields, Radiofrequencies and Dirty Electricity, which are all non-ionizing forms of radiation.

The following are just some examples of potential sources of these EMFs:

• AC Magnetic Fields – solar inverters, metal panels, HVTL, fridge, oven, smart meter

• Radiofrequencies – Smart Meter, mobile phone, wifi, mobile phone towers, Baby monitors, microwaves

• Dirty Electricity – solar inverters, dimmer switches, induction cooktops, photocopiers, computers

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Potential for Adverse Health Effects arising from exposure to EMFs

In 1979, Wertheimer & Leeper (1979) raised the first concerns about EMF in the built environment, finding a link between the doubling of incidences of childhood leukaemia and exposure to high voltage power lines (exposures above 4mG).

In May 2011 the World Health Organisation classifed radiofrequency electromagnetic fields used in wireless technologies as a Group 2B Carcinogen. This means that wireless technologies are possibly cancer-causing to humans.

Exposure Standards in Australia

Whilst there are no legally enforceable exposure standards in Australia that relate to long term exposures to RF the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) sets the safety standards for exposure to radiation, whilst devices which are emitting radiofrequencies are regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). 

ARPANSA standards were derived from those set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). ICNIRP standards were established using only data that assessed short term (6 minute) and immediate biological effects (tissue heating) by high level exposures on a fully grown adult male and not the ongoing long-term, low-level exposures and direct tissue penetration which are considered to be of more concern to adults, teenagers, children and babies alike. 

Standards really should be developed to take into consideration the ongoing long-term, low level exposure, which is often what persons are experiencing daily as they use multiple forms of technology and are exposed to various sources of AC MF and EMFs.  

Looking at exposure standards set on an international scale it is considered relevent to note that some countries like Switzerland, France, Poland, China, and Italy have implemented exposure standards, which in some instances are 100 times stricter than the Australian ARPANSA/ICNIRP guidelines. Based on this, alongside the numerous studies of adverse health effects from EMF exposure, it is considered imperative that people start adopting a precautionary approach to EMFs and the potential dangers associated with exposure. 

Let's not wait for disease to happen, when precautions can be taken to minimise risk to persons.