A recently published research article looks at potential health consequences of dirty electricity and calls for investigations into its role in unexplained illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and ADHD.

the amount of electromagnetic radiation we are exposed to on a daily basis, in our homes, places of work, schools, and practically everywhere else, is increasing at a rapid rate. This electromagnetic pollution is present in the form of dirty electricity, ground current, and radio frequency radiation from wireless devices.

his trend is set to continue as the electronic devices we have come to rely on become ever more ubiquitous, and new "must have" devices are developed. There are not many people in the western world who don't spend the majority of their day in proximity to electronics such as televisions, computers, cells phones, and countless other devices. This situation has led an increasing number of people to wonder what effects this constant barrage of electromagnetic radiation might be having on the human body.

increasingly visible in the academic and medical worlds

article was published by Dr. Magda Havas from the Environmental and Resource Studies Department at Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

regarding symptoms suspected of being caused by electromagnetic radiation, particularly so called "dirty electricity". It also looks at several instances in which symptoms have disappeared once measures to reduce exposure to electromagnetic radiation had been taken.

Symptoms associated with dirty electricity are reported to have been reduced when special filters, known as Graham-Stetzer (GS) filters, have been installed in public buildings such as schools

the rise in electromagnetic pollution has paralleled increases in the number of people suffering from "invisible illnesses" such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as learning disabilities such as ADD/ADHD and autism. People suffering from these unexplained syndromes often suspect that electronic equipment may be contributing to their illnesses, and now a growing number researchers are calling for more research to determine if this might be true.

Other sources

ground current and radio frequency radiation.

he wires returning to the power stations can't carry all the electrical current that they need to so the current instead passes through the surface of the Earth. This electrical energy which likely already contains high frequency contamination can pick up more as it goes along and may enter the wiring system of your home and other buildings

These devices include cell phones, cordless home phones, and wireless internet equipment, contributing to the electromagnetic pollution already present in the home, school or office.

World Health Organization announced that Electrical Hypersensitivity (EHS) is a "growing worldwide health concern"

In 2005

EMF's have also been linked to diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis , ADD/ADHD, depression and chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as to many of the sleep disorders plaguing western society. The effect is thought to depend on an individual ’s sensitivity, as well as the magnitude, duration of exposure, and path the waves take through one's body.

2. What are the sources of exposure to radio frequency (RF) fields?

1.2 Exposure to electromagnetic fields triggers immediate biological effects if they are strong enough. Effects range from stimulation of nerves and muscles to heating of the body tissues, depending on the frequency. Exposure guidelines have been established to protect against these effects

Most man-made electromagnetic fields reverse their direction with time at a specific frequency, ranging from high radio frequencies (RF) – such as used by mobile phones – through intermediate frequencies (IF) – such as generated by computer screens – to extremely low frequencies (ELF) – such as generated by power lines.

Radio frequency (RF) fields have many applications in modern communications

mobile phones, cordless phones, local wireless networks and radio transmission towers. Medical scanners, radar systems and microwave ovens also use radio frequency fields. Radio frequencies range from 100 kHz to 300 GHz.

When exposed to radio frequency fields, the body absorbs energy over time

distance from the various sources

a person may absorb more energy from a device used at close quarters –

a handheld mobile phone, for example – than from a more powerful source, like a radio transmission tower, that is farther away

Europe

For handheld mobile phones, these limits are given in terms of the energy absorbed by the head, the part of the body most exposed during use. Other wireless devices used in close quarters, like cordless phones and wireless computer networks, also generate radio waves but exposure from these sources is generally lower than from mobile phones.

2 Mobile phone base stations and radio transmission towers are structures designed to support antennas that transmit radio signals

Because the field strength decreases rapidly with distance, most people are exposed to only a fraction of the maximum recommended. People who live or work near transmission towers are most exposed because that is where the fields are strongest

In recent years many studies have investigated whether mobile phones and radio frequency (RF) fields in general could cause cancer. Epidemiological studies on mobile phone users have focused on cancers originating in the head, especially brain tumours. Overall, research indicates that mobile phone use does not increase the risk of cancer, especially when used less than 10 years. More research is needed before a risk can be ruled out for use beyond 10 years.

Some studies have raised concern of a link between mobile phone use and benign tumours of the auditory nerve, which is responsible for balance and hearing. People who have been using mobile phones for less than 10 years do not appear to have a higher risk of this benign tumour (acoustic neuroma). But there is some evidence of a risk beyond 10 years, and more study is needed

Some people attribute headaches, fatigue and dizziness to radio frequency (RF) fields. Such complaints have raised concern that certain individuals may be more sensitive than others to electromagnetic energy. Present knowledge suggests that these symptoms are not linked to exposure to radio frequency fields, but few studies have addressed this issue directly.

Because mobile phones are used near the head, there have been concerns they could affect the brain.

Minor changes in the brain functions of people exposed to radio frequency fields have been observed in some studies but not in others. Suspicions that radio frequency fields could affect memory and learning have not been confirmed. Conflicting results were reported on whether low levels of radio frequency fields increase the permeability of the barrier that keeps harmful substances from reaching the brain (blood-brain barrier)

3.1 In recent years many studies have investigated whether mobile phones and radio frequency (RF) fields in general could cause cancer. Epidemiological studies on mobile phone users have focused on cancers originating in the head, especially brain tumours. Overall, research indicates that mobile phone use does not increase the risk of cancer, especially when used less than 10 years. More research is needed before a risk can be ruled out for use beyond 10 years. Some studies have raised concern of a link between mobile phone use and benign tumours of the auditory nerve, which is responsible for balance and hearing. People who have been using mobile phones for less than 10 years do not appear to have a higher risk of this benign tumour (acoustic neuroma). But there is some evidence of a risk beyond 10 years, and more study is needed

Some people attribute headaches, fatigue and dizziness to radio frequency (RF) fields. Such complaints have raised concern that certain individuals may be more sensitive than others to electromagnetic energy. Present knowledge suggests that these symptoms are not linked to exposure to radio frequency fields, but few studies have addressed this issue directly.

Because mobile phones are used near the head, there have been concerns they could affect the brain. Minor changes in the brain functions of people exposed to radio frequency fields have been observed in some studies but not in others. Suspicions that radio frequency fields could affect memory and learning have not been confirmed. Conflicting results were reported on whether low levels of radio frequency fields increase the permeability of the barrier that keeps harmful substances from reaching the brain (blood-brain barrier).

Static magnetic fields like those used in medical imaging MRI scanners use static magnetic fieldsCredit: Kasuga Huang 8.1 Static magnetic fields such as those generated by a permanent magnet do not vary over time, and as such do not have a frequency (0 Hz). Man-made static magnetic fields are generated wherever electricity is used in the form of direct current (DC), for instance in some rail and subway systems, in aluminium production and in welding. In medicine, MRI scanners use static magnetic fields to provide three-dimensional images of the brain and other body parts. In this application the exposure can exceed the usual recommended limit, both for the MRI operator and the patien

2nd group were less clear

by means of the device MTU 500H, Therapy System (Brno, Czech Republic) for 5 days, two times daily for 30 minutes

1st group showed an improvement of FVC of about 70 ml, IVC of about 110 ml, FEV1 of about 80 ml, MEF75 of about 30 ml, PEF of about 480 ml, PIF of about 550 ml

he flow-volume loop showed a mild improvement in 14 children. This improvement in the 2nd group was less significant

We believe that the pulsatile electro-magnetotherapy in children suffering from asthma is effective.

 The effects of chronic exposure to environmental electric and magnetic fields (EMF) have been the subject of intensive research leading to no definitive answers (1). Possible risks for childhood and adult leukemia have been acknowledged (1, 2), but many other health outcomes are still under study. Among them are breast cancer (3, 4), neuropsychological disorders (5, 6), and reproductive outcomes (7). An underlying mechanism that could explain all of these potential effects is alteration of melatonin secretion as a result of EMF exposure (8). Melatonin secretion is important in the regulation of circadian rhythms and sleep (9) but could also be involved in the aging process (10), carcinogenesis (11), and reproduction (12).

A decrease in nocturnal melatonin secretion in rodents chronically exposed to EMF has frequently been reported (1, 4). Experiments on humans acutely exposed to EMF for one night have not resulted in reproducible effects on serum melatonin or urinary excretion of its main metabolite, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-OHMS) (1, 4, 13–15). However, recent epidemiologic studies have suggested an effect of chronic EMF exposure on melatonin secretion. Reduced morning excretion of 6-OHMS has been reported in electrical train workers in Switzerland exposed to 20-µT magnetic fields (16) and in US electric utility workers exposed to levels of 0.2 µT with low variability (17). To our knowledge, only one study has evaluated the effect of chronic residential exposure to magnetic fields; it was carried out in Seattle, Washington, among women exposed to mean levels of 0.1 µT (18). This study found an effect of nocturnal magnetic field exposure on morning 6-OHMS excretion among women using beta blockers and other related drugs, leading to the hypothesis of a particular vulnerability among these persons.

In a previous study, several of the authors (P. L., D. G, and S. G.) reported that people living near high-voltage power lines are particularly exposed to power-frequency EMF (19). In this paper, we present the results of an epidemiologic study in which we tested the hypothesis that chronic exposure to 60-Hz EMF emanating from power lines is associated with reduced 6-OHMS urinary excretion in women aged 20–74 years. In addition, we evaluated whether some characteristics of participants known to reduce melatonin secretion, such as age and medication use, could modify the effect of exposure to magnetic fields.

However

However

 Mean age was similar in the two groups: 45.5 years (standard deviation, 11.2) in the group living near the lines and 45.8 years (standard deviation, 12.4) in the group living away from the lines (p = 0.81). Other general characteristics were mostly comparable (table 1). However, women living near the lines were less educated (p = 0.04). Potential risk factors associated with melatonin secretion also were compared (results presented in table 2). Only daylight length during data collection was significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.04); a slightly larger proportion of subjects living near power lines was studied in photoperiods shorter than 12 hours. Interestingly, time between evening and morning urination was similar in the two groups, as was bedtime (p = 0.52; data not shown). Self-reported health status was comparable. In particular, the proportion of subjects having made at least one medical visit in the last year was similar (85 percent in the group near the lines and 79 percent in the control group, p = 0.16), and reasons for consultation were distributed equally in the two groups (data not shown). No subject reported renal or hepatic disease.

here is more EMF exposure from radio and TV, and the wiring in our homes and the electrical appliances we use

No one can avoid electromagnetic radiation. It is everywhere. We are constantly exposed to it from light, commercial radio and television transmissions, police 2-way transmissions, walkie-talkies, etc.

It is not very likely that the average person has anything to worry about from power lines cell phones, microwave ovens, cordless phones, baby monitors, or Wi-Fi. Most of us do not get that close to power lines to be significantly affected by their EMFs. Our exposure to them, even if they are nearby, is not direct, up close, and constant. The energy emitted by cell phones, cordless phones, and baby monitors (10 milliwatts) is pretty weak. T here is more EMF exposure from radio and TV, and the wiring in our homes and the electrical appliances we use , than from our cell phones or Wi-Fi. No one can avoid electromagnetic radiation. It is everywhere. We are constantly exposed to it from light, commercial radio and television transmissions, police 2-way transmissions, walkie-talkies, etc. Furthermore, "while electrical fields are easily screened, magnetic fields make their way unimpeded through most substances" (Pool, 1990). In fact, it is curious that while fear of EMFs is on the rise so is magnet therapy as a panacea and source of positive energy for the healthful-minded New Ager. 

In 1997, The New England Journal of Medicine published the results of the largest, most detailed study of the relationship between EMFs and cancer ever done. Dr. Martha S. Linet, director of the study, said: "We found no evidence that magnetic field levels in the home increased the risk for childhood leukemia." The study took eight years and involved measuring the exposure to magnetic fields generated by nearby power lines. A group of 638 children under age 15 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia were compared to a group of 620 healthy children. "The researchers measured magnetic fields in all the houses where the children had lived for five years before the discovery of their cancer, as well as in the homes where their mothers lived while pregnant." The study was criticized because it is impossible to know exactly what the EMFs were at the times the mothers or their children were exposed. All measurements must be done after the exposure has taken place and assumptions must be made that the level of EMFs was not substantially different during exposure. It is unlikely, however, anyone except the intellectual descendants of Nazi doctor Joseph Mengele will ever do a control study on humans which systematically controls exposure to EMFs from the moment of conception through early childhood.

An electromagnetic field (also called electromagnetic radiation) is a region in space through which energy passes that has been created by electrically charged particles. EMFs are produced by such things as power lines, electric appliances, radio waves, and microwaves.