EMF/RF Surveys

Know Your EMF

Alternating Current (AC) and direct current (DC), magnetic and electric fields, low or high frequencies, ionizing radiation, modulated and pulsed signals, time and code division multiplexing, wireless, WLAN and Bluetooth technologies have significantly altered our electromagnetic environment. Environmental Solutions Group can assess your EMF environment and make appropriate recommendations.

Types of electromagnetic fields for which ESG can test:

• low frequency electric and magnetic radiation using a Gauss meter
• electricity using a special meter for detecting high frequency EMF
• wireless (RF) frequencies using a meter that detects RF from nearby cell towers & wireless networks

Alternating Current (AC) Magnetic Fields are created by electrical current flowing in a conductor (wire) and are commonly referred by the public as EMF. Common EMF sources are transmission lines, the electrical grid, building wiring system, transformers and appliances. However, high magnetic fields are often caused by flaws in a buildings internal wiring system and stray current traveling on water and gas lines and grounding systems. Magnetic fields (magnetic flux density) are commonly measured in milliGauss (mG). We conduct spot measurements, source identifications, long-term monitoring, provide mitigation specifications and management plans for you.

Dirty Electricity is created by micro-surges of electrical current and is a growing problem due to our increased use of energy-efficient lighting, dimmer switches, computers and entertainment centers. These efficient systems tend to induce high levels of transients (i.e., dirty electricity) back into the building's electrical system where it can ride along wiring to contaminate the building and neighboring structures on the grid. Therefore, your building can be affected by a neighboring building that is producing dirty electricity.

Wireless (WiFi and RF) from cell towers and wireless transmitters in buildings create high frequency waves that can affect individuals who are electrically sensitive.

EMFs are Dangerous to Your Health Studies have shown that EMF contamination affects children more than adults, and the huge increase in electromagnetic energy over the past 50 years coincides with an alarming increase in new-age ailments such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, childhood cancers, asthma, autism, ADD/ADHD and behavioral problems in children. EMFs have also been linked to breast cancer.

In April 2009 the European Parliament adopted a report urging the European Commission to set limits on how close mobile phone masts, antennas, high-voltage power lines and other electromagnetic field (EMF)-transmitting devices can be to neighborhoods, schools and health care facilities. The report asks the commission to review the safety and accuracy of current EMF limits and recommends the annual publication of a map showing areas of EMF exposure, labeling requirements to state EMF levels of wireless devices, and increased education about the safe use and potential dangers of mobile phones, particularly for teenagers and children.

For a very comprehensive booklet on electromagnetic fields, read Questions and Answers About EMF from the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences and U.S. Department of Energy.

Additional resources include Dirty Electricity and Electromagnetic Health.org