Should You Be Worried About EMF Exposure?
Not to be confused with EMP (electromagnetic pulse). An electromagnetic pulse (EMP), also referred to as a transient electromagnetic disturbance (TED), is a brief burst of electromagnetic energy. The origin of an EMP can be natural or artificial and can occur as an electromagnetic field, as an electric field, as a magnetic field, or as a conducted electric current. The electromagnetic interference caused by an EMP can disrupt communications and damage electronic equipment. An EMP such as a lightning strike can physically damage objects such as buildings and aircraft. The management of EMP effects is a branch of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) engineering.
Types of EMF exposure
Radiation exists across what’s called the electromagnetic spectrum. This radiation ranges from very high-energy (called high-frequency) on one end of the spectrum, to very low-energy (or low-frequency) on the other end.
Examples of high-energy radiation include:
x-rays
gamma rays
some higher-energy ultraviolet (UV) rays
This is ionizing radiation, meaning this energy can affect cells on the atomic level by removing an electron from an atom, or “ionizing” it. Ionizing radiation can damage the body’s DNA and cells, which may contribute to genetic mutations and cancer.
On the other end of the spectrum is extremely low-frequency (ELF) radiation. This is a type of non-ionizing radiation. It can move atoms around in the body or make them vibrate, but most researchers agree that it isn’t enough to damage DNA or cells.
In between ELF radiation and high-energy radiation on the spectrum are other types of non-ionizing radiation, like:
radiofrequency (RF) radiation
visible light
infrared
EMPs created by solar flares interrupt satellite communications and terrestrial radio frequencies. In some cases, electronic hardware can be damaged or destroyed. The first recorded damage from an electromagnetic pulse came with the solar storm of August 1859 or the Carrington Event.[1]
Large EMPs create significant auroras and can be viewed at lower altitudes. The earth's gravity influences the aurora display.
These solar events have been studied.
This image illustrates the solar wind velocity around the Sun as measured by the Ulysses spacecraft. Here’s a detailed explanation:
1. **Central Object - The Sun**:
- At the center of the image is the Sun depicted in a vibrant red and yellow hue.
2. **Axes**:
- The image has two primary axes:
- The vertical axis represents the speed of the solar wind in kilometers per second (km/s).
- The horizontal axis indicates the distance from the Sun in Astronomical Units (AU), denoting the position measurements.
3. **Graphical Data**:
- The graph displays four quadrants illustrating solar wind speeds in various directions around the Sun.
- The y-axis ranges from 0 to 1000 km/s, corresponding to the solar wind speed.
- The x-axis does not have a numerical scale but represents the spatial direction around the Sun.
4. **Colors and Symbols**:
- The data lines are differentiated by color:
- **Blue Symbols**: Represent the inward Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) or solar wind measurements.
- **Red Symbols**: Represent the outward IMF or solar wind measurements.
- Each colored line represents the speed of the solar wind in various directions around the Sun.
5. **References**:
- Key projects and organizations involved in gathering this data are noted in the image:
- ULYSSES/SWOOPS: Ulysses Solar Wind Observations Over the Poles of the Sun project.
- ULYSSES/MAG: Magnetic field measurements from Ulysses.
- Institutions: Imperial College, EIT (NASA/GSFC), Mauna Loa MK3 (HAO), and LASCO C2 (NRL).
6. **Data Interpretation**:
- The vertical elongation of the lines indicates higher solar wind speeds.
- The inward and outward IMFs show the solar wind’s expansion and interaction with the Sun’s magnetic field in different hemispheres.
In summary, this image is a graphic representation of solar wind velocities measured by the Ulysses spacecraft, categorizing data into inward and outward flows around the Sun, presenting a comprehensive view of the solar wind dynamics in different directions.
Electric and magnetic fields occur naturally and also come from human-made sources. Scientists and oversight agencies generally agree that low-frequency EMFs pose little danger to human health.
Most of us are used to the electronic conveniences of modern life. But few of us are aware of the possible health risks presented by the gadgets that make our world work.
Our power lines, cellphones, microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, computers, and other appliances send out a stream of invisible energy waves. Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are produced anywhere electricity is used, including at home and in the workplace.
Some experts are concerned about the potential health effects of these fields. But should we be worried?
While most researchers don’t believe most EMFs are dangerous, there are still some scientists who question the safety of EMF exposure. Many say there hasn’t been enough research into understanding whether EMFs are safe. Let’s take a closer look.
Since the beginning of the universe, the sun has sent out waves that create EMFs, or radiation. At the same time, the sun sends out EMFs, we can see its energy radiating out. This is visible light.
At the turn of the 20th century, electric power lines and indoor lighting spread across the world. Scientists realized that the power lines supplying all that energy to the world’s population were sending off EMFs, just like the sun does naturally.
Over the years, scientists learned that many of the emerging electrical appliances also create EMFs. As the medical world advanced, much of its diagnostic and treatment equipment, like imaging devices for X-rays and CT scans, were also found to make EMFs.
Today, 90 percent of the world’s population has access to electricity and uses electrical appliances. That means lots of electricity and EMFs are created around the world.
But even with all those waves, scientists generally don’t think EMFs are a health concern.
The level of EMF exposure varies widely around the world. The map below reveals the percentage of electrification throughout the world. There are many countries, especially in Africa where penetration is less than 50%.
If EMF exposure causes health effects the rate of side effects should be apparent by comparing the incidence between countries with a high penetration of electrical devices.
From a practical point, how does this matter for people on Earth? In general, not much. Astronauts in orbit on long-duration space flights, or on the moon can be affected, and there is some evidence of the effects on astronauts when they return to terra firma.
From ChatGPT:
In the context of astronauts, exposure to EMPs during space missions could potentially impact their health and equipment, though the specific effects are not fully understood. Further research and protective measures may be necessary to ensure the safety of astronauts in the face of potential EMP threats.
Here is how long it would take to download a 1 GB file on different networks:
On a 5G network, it would take about 10 seconds.
On an LTE network, it would take about 2 minutes.
5G operates at a higher frequency than 4G or LTE and therefore has a shorter range. Because of these limitations, more cell towers are necessary and the antennas are positioned to face downward from the towers. The power levels on smart device such as smartphones are very low. Despite concerns about brain tumors being induced by smartphones.There is no credible scientific evidence that 5G technology causes brain tumors or other health issues. The safety of 5G has been extensively studied, and major health organizations have concluded that 5G radio frequency (RF) exposure is not harmful to human health.
Some key points about the safety of 5G:
- The radio frequencies used for 5G are similar to those used for previous cellular networks, which have been in use for decades without proven health effects.
- Numerous studies and reviews by organizations like the World Health Organization have found no adverse health effects from exposure to the RF energy levels used in wireless communications, including 5G.
- 5G uses higher frequency millimeter waves, but these do not penetrate the body deeply and the power levels are well below safety limits.
- There is no mechanism by which 5G could plausibly cause brain tumors or other health problems. The energy levels are simply too low to damage cells or DNA.
So in summary, the scientific consensus is that 5G technology is safe and does not pose a risk of brain tumors or other health issues when used normally. Claims linking 5G to cancer are not supported by scientific evidence.
