Introduction

Perhaps the most dangerous, damaging form of pollution facing developing countries every
minute of every day is invisible, soundless, and cannot be touched or felt. It is electromagnetic
field radiation (EMF) and it is emanating from virtually every single electrical appliance,
computer, electric wire, TV, radio, microwaves and especially high voltage lines (overhead and
buried) which are carrying current.

Electric fields are measured in units of volts per meter or V/m.

Magnetic fields are measured in milli-Gauss or mG. The field is
always strongest near the source and diminishes as you move
away from the source. These energies have the ability to
influence particles at great distances. For example, the radiation
from a radio tower influences the atoms within a distant radio
antenna, allowing it to pick up the signal.

Despite the many wonderful conveniences of electrical

technology, the effects of EMF on biological tissue remains the
most controversial aspect of the EMF issue with virtually all
scientists agreeing that more research is necessary to determine
safe or dangerous levels.

Iron, necessary for healthy blood and stored in the brain, is

highly effected by EMF. The permeability of the cell membrane
of our nerves, blood vessels, skin, and other organs is effected.
The intricate DNA of the chromosomes has been shown to be
effected by EMFs as well. In fact, throughout our bodies, every
biochemical process involves precisely choreographed
movement of EMF-sensitive atoms, molecules, and ions.

Danger of EMFs

After more than 25 years of intensive study. The Swedish government has established a safety
limit for exposure to ELF magnetic field at 2.5 mG, and VLF magnetic fields at only 0.25
mG.This possibly means, someone who consistently experiences exposure which exceeds the
standard, that person could be at risk for developing health problems which can range from
headaches, fatigue, and dizziness to skin rashes, miscarriage, leukemia, and cancer.

The potential health effects of the very low frequency EMFs surrounding power lines and
electrical devices are the subject of on-going research and a significant amount of public debate.
In workplace environments, where EMF exposures can be up to 10,000 times greater than the
average, the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued some
cautionary advisories but stresses that the data is currently too limited to draw good conclusions.
The existing evidence does not suggest that the low-power, low-frequency, electromagnetic
radiation associated with household current constitutes a short or long term health hazard. Some
studies have found statistical correlations between various diseases and living or working near
power lines, but no adverse health effects have been substantiated for people not living close to
powerlines.[19]

There are established biological effects for acute high level exposure to magnetic fields well
above 100 µT. In a residential setting, there is "limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans
and less than sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity in experimental animals", in particular,
childhood leukaemia, associated with average exposure to residential power-frequency magnetic
field above 0.3 to 0.4 µT. These levels exceed average residential power-frequency magnetic
fields in homes which are about 0.07 µT in Europe and 0.11 µT in North America.

Malaysia’s electricity is primarily derived from 50 Hz AC which create an EMF that penetrates
every cell in the body. The primary health risks caused by EMF's, result from the conversion of
AC electricity into a DC pattern of energy. The actual conversion of AC electricity into DC is
primarily accomplished by the use of transformers and electric motors.

Overhead power lines and 'step-down' transformers present the biggest dangers to the average
citizen. Step-down transformers look like large metal canisters and are found hanging on many
utility poles and are commonly seen throughout residential neighborhoods. Electric motors are
found everywhere from vacuum cleaners to hair dryers to refrigerators.
WHO recommendations on precaution

The following is the section on "Protective Measures" from Chapter One, "Summary and
recommendations for further work", from WHO Environmental Health Criteria Monograph No
238 published in 2007. 

Protective measures

It is essential that exposure limits be implemented in order to protect against the established
adverse effects of exposure to ELF electric and magnetic fields. These exposure limits should be
based on a thorough examination of all the relevant scientific evidence.

As well as these established acute effects, there are uncertainties about the existence of chronic
effects, because of the limited evidence for a link between exposure to ELF magnetic fields and
childhood leukaemia. Therefore the use of precautionary approaches is warranted.

Implementing other suitable precautionary procedures to reduce exposure is reasonable and

warranted. However, electric power brings obvious health, social and economic benefits, and
precautionary approaches should not compromise these benefits. Thus the costs of precautionary
measures should be very low. The costs of implementing exposure reductions will vary from one
country to another..

In view of the above, the following recommendations are given.

 Policy-makers should establish guidelines for ELF field exposure for both the general
public and workers. The best source of guidance for both exposure levels and the
principles of scientific review are the international guidelines.
 Policy-makers should establish an ELF EMF protection programme that includes
measurements of fields from all sources to ensure that the exposure limits are not
exceeded either for the general public or workers.
 Provided that the health, social and economic benefits of electric power are not
compromised, implementing very low-cost precautionary procedures to reduce exposure
is reasonable and warranted.
 Policy-makers, community planners and manufacturers should implement very low-cost
measures when constructing new facilities and designing new equipment including
appliances.
 Changes to engineering practice to reduce ELF exposure from equipment or devices
should be considered, provided that they yield other additional benefits, such as greater
safety, or little or no cost.
 When changes to existing ELF sources are contemplated, ELF field reduction should be
considered alongside safety, reliability and economic aspects.
 Local authorities should enforce wiring regulations to reduce unintentional ground
currents when building new or rewiring existing facilities, while maintaining safety.
 Proactive measures to identify violations or existing problems in wiring would be
expensive and unlikely to be justified.
 National authorities should implement an effective and open communication strategy to
enable informed decision-making by all stakeholders; this should include information on
how individuals can reduce their own exposure.
 Local authorities should improve planning of ELF EMF-emitting facilities, including
better consultation between industry, local government, and citizens when siting major
ELF EMF-emitting sources.
 Government and industry should promote research programmes to reduce the uncertainty
of the scientific evidence on the health effects of ELF field exposure.

What Can You Do About EMFs?

The Office of Technology Assessment of the Congress of the United States recommends a
policy of "prudent avoidance" with respect to EMF. Prudent avoidance means to measure fields,
determine the sources, and act to reduce exposure.

1. Detect EMFs in your home and work environment.

You have to know where the sources of EMF are in your everyday world and how strong these
sources are. Is there wiring in the wall behind your bed that you don't even know about? Is the
vaporizer emitting strong fields in the baby's room? How much EMF are you and your family
getting from the power lines in the street? Get a meter, share it with your friends, and test the
areas where you spend time.

2. Diminish your exposure to the EMFs you find.

 Determine how far you must stay away from the EMF emitters in your home &
work environment to achieve less than 2.5 mG of exposure... the microwave oven,
the alarm clock, the computer, and so on.
 Rearrange your furniture (especially the beds, desks, and couches where you
spend the most time) away from heaters, wiring, and fluorescent lights, electric
doorbells, and other EMF "hot spots".
 Test electrical appliances before you buy with a hand held meter in the store.
Know what you are buying and buy the lowest EMF emitter. Where practical,
replace your electric appliances with non-electric devices.
 Contact your local utility if you suspect high radiation from power lines near your
home, schools, or workplace. They will come out and test. If they find high levels
of EMF (ask for the report!) they may be required to re-route the power lines,
move them higher, or bury them.
 Have an electrician correct faulty high EMF wiring and help you eliminate
dangerous stray ground currents. Consult a qualified EMF engineer if necessary.
3. Shield yourself.

Use shielding devices on your computer screen and cellular phone. Add shielding to your
household wiring, circuit box, and transformers. Use shielding-enhanced materials in your
bedding or your clothing if you must be exposed to EMFs.