Frequently Asked questions

What is EMF Radiation?

 

Electromagnetic field radiation (EMF) is an unseen form of energy that is all around us. Generally it is created by electricity and the movement of electrons. A good analogy is water flowing through a pipe. Just as water requires pressure to move, voltage pushes electrons through a wire and therefore as voltage increases, the electric field also increases in strength.

EMF energy is created by anything that requires electricity to function – like a kettle or your laptop. When you are close to these devices, the electro-magnetic field is strong, and as you move away the field loses strength. Even when turned off, the electric field can remain.

All electric devices cause EMF radiation, as well as pylons, substations and other electric grids. Electric fields are shielded by things like walls, trees and other objects. Magnetic fields on the other pass through everything including buildings, living things and other materials.

There are two types of EMF radiation:

1. High frequency EMFs include gamma rays and x-rays which can damage DNA and cells.
2. Low to mid frequency EMFs include static fields, magnetic fields and do not cause direct damage to DNS or cells directly.

EMF radiation can be both man-mage and natural. In fact our own bodies create these fields and they’re necessary for our wellbeing. The Earth also produces natural EMFs. This being said, it’s the man-made EMFs that are the most concerning. Over the last century these have been increasing rapidly in line with the growing use of electricity and electronic devices.

 

---

 

Is EMF radiation harmful?

It is true that not all EMF exposure is bad for us. We can happily listen to music or use a computer and although these activities cause a change to our bodies, this is generally not harmful. With low exposure EMFs do not generally cause any significant health issues.

With this said, some research does indicate that EMFs can impact our nervous system functioning and also interfere with the nerve messages to our brains. Existing research indicates that EMF exposure can also cause:

• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia
• Cell damage
• Depression
• Headache/migraine
• Tiredness
• Lack of concentration
• Memory changes
• Dysesthesia (painful, itchy sensation)
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite/weight loss
• Restlessness/anxiety
• Nausea
• And more

As these symptoms are common to many illnesses it is sometimes difficult to understand which health issue is being causing by EMF exposure. Existing research does point to a possible tie between EMF radiation and specific types of cancer, such as childhood leukaemia. More research is definitely required to understand the link between increased EMF exposure and detrimental impacts on our health.

 

---

 

What is an EMF Survey?

EMF surveys involve using sophisticated tools to understand the level of EMF exposure in your home or your workplace. They are used to determine whether EMF radiation from a pylon or substation is under the level that is deemed biologically safe.

If you are considering purchasing a home close to an Electrical Substation or Pylon, a Site-Survey provides electromagnetic mapping – direct onto frequency charts. Therefore, providing conclusive evidence on the safety of the location.

All our findings are supported by the real-time data-charts, which form part of our “electronically witnessed” written assessment. No other UK company has testing expertise to this standard.

Above all, EMF surveys provide you the peace of mind from both a health and property resale perspective.

 

---

 

What is included in an EMF survey report?

If you are considering purchasing a home close to an Electrical Substation or Pylon, our Site-Survey provides electromagnetic mapping – direct onto frequency charts. Therefore, providing conclusive evidence on the safety of the location.

For this type of bio-electromagnetic survey, we test the property against the biological safety standard of no risk and electronically data-file the following frequencies.
1) “X” 50 Hz (first field axis)
2) “Y” 50 Hz (second field axis)
3) “Z” 50 Hz  (third field axis)
4) “ALL 3D” (all the above together)
5) First Harmonic (double the field 100 Hz)
6) Second Harmonic (triple the field 150 Hz)

All our findings are supported by the real-time data-charts, which form part of our “electronically witnessed” written assessment. No other UK company has testing expertise to this standard.

Electromagnetic Surveys provide a clear breakdown of all the magnetic flux density values radiating from the electrical distribution system. These levels are clearly evaluated against the no risk biological health guidelines for prudent electromagnetic safety

Our clients always have the opportunity to liaise directly with the site engineer; ensuring complete clarification of the reports and spectrum calculus.

 

---

 

How do you measure electromagnetic radiation?

Based on the most prudent EMR exposure guidelines available, limits for human environmental assault have been set in place. Following an electromagnetic survey, the subsequent report analysis would be supplied as soon as possible.

Due to our unique pricing structure, we expedite the transcription of the engineers’ written assessments. Following completion of the analysis, we aim to deliver the report within 2/3 business days.

All report calculus is supplied in the following three parts:

In addition, our clients always have the opportunity to liaise directly with the site engineer ensuring complete clarification of the documentation and spectrum calculus.

 

---

 

What is EMF business compliance?

Each business in the UK must manage the health and safety of their employees and the workplace. This is due to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSW). It’s necessary to consider what could be harmful to the people that work for you and what steps need to be taken to make the work environment safer. This includes the possible exposure of people to EMFs in work areas. This type of assessment is usually done through an EMF site survey.

Back in July 2016, the UK passed the CEMFAW Regulations (the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations). The CEMFAW Regulations have introduced limits of EMF exposure in the workplace.

The ruling was passed due to the ongoing concerns of whether extremely low frequency (ELF) EMF exposure can cause health problems. Some researchers have found that long term exposure to high levels of EMFs can cause health issues, depending on the type of RF energy. Even at low frequencies, EMF exposure can cause changes in people’s central nervous system. On the other hand, high frequencies generally cause a heating effect; think of how food heats up in the microwave oven. This is similar to what can occur in a human, even raising body temperature.

The regulations apply to all industries, but especially those that use welding, along with the consumer goods industry.

 

---

 

IS IT POSSIBLE TO USE AN EMF METER AT HOME?

This is a common question—the short answer is yes. It is possible to use an EMF meter yourself.

You can buy EMF meters from online stores, such as Amazon, or from specialised shops. However, there are some things to keep in mind before buying a meter.

Meters that are available to buy for personal use tend to be VERY limited in their sensitivity. They also have limited ability when it comes to what they can detect. The EMF meters used by most professionals are able to measure EM fields to a value of +-0.01 nanoTesla, most personal meters (particularly the ones available on sites like Amazon) measure to an accuracy of +- 100 nanoTesla. Which is a huge difference and when cross referencing the results with the biological guidelines of 400nT, the discrepancy in accuracy is far too high to be able to say with confidence that you’re underneath the threshold.