Abstract

Electromagnetic fields, even though invisible, are present everywhere and in every home
appliance that we use. These Electro Magnetic Fields are set up where ever current and power is
available. Usage of mobile phones emits signals which are a form of Electro Magnetic
Radiations. Even though all the appliances are helpful for the comfort of humans, they also
cause harmful effects. Natural and many human-made sources generate electromagnetic energy
in the form of electromagnetic waves. The frequency of an electromagnetic wave is simply the
number of oscillations which passes a fixed point per unit of time. It is measured in cycles per
second, or hertz. One cycle per second equals one hertz (Hz). Large divisions commonly used to
describe radio frequency (RF) fields include the kilohertz (kHz), or one thousand cycles per
second, the megahertz (MHz), one million cycles per second, and the gigahertz (GHz), one
billion cycles per second. Several medical applications use electromagnetic fields in the RF
range. Therapeutic applications such as soft tissue healing appliances, hyperthermia for cancer
treatment, or diathermy expose the patient well above the recommended limit values to achieve
the intended biological effects.

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INTRODUCTION
Electromagnetic fields, even though invisible, are present everywhere and in every home
appliance that we use. These Electro Magnetic Fields are set up where ever current and power is
available. Usage of mobile phones emits signals which are a form of Electro Magnetic
Radiations. Even though all the appliances are helpful for the comfort of humans, they also cause
harmful effects. Electricity is used everywhere and in every work that we perform in day to day
life. Let it be cooking in kitchen or rocket propulsion, without electricity, nothing is possible
these days. Associated with electricity, we also have something called as Electro Magnetic Fields
(EMF), which arise when ever electrical energy is used. The EMFs are present around all wires
carrying electricity. The strength of this magnetic field depends upon the amplitude of current
that is flowing, while the amplitude of the current depends upon the voltage applied. One
important thing which is to be noted is electric fields are easily shielded, whereas magnetic fields
are not. Thus the strength of the electric and magnetic field is an important factor upon which the
health of the person is dependant (Anane et al., 2003a).
It is unknown to many people that Electro Magnetic Fields interact with a human body. But it is
very complex to explain such EMF interactions as it varies with the frequency ranges. If a human
body is exposed to such EMFs, the energy is absorbed by the body and thus creates small, very
weak, internal electric fields. The amount of energy absorbed depends on the various factors
such as the type of radiation source, distance between the human and the radiation source, and
many other factors including the physical characteristics like height etc. The extent of EMF
interaction is expressed in terms of dosimetric quantities. These dosimetric quantities
specifications are extremely important in providing the relationship between the EMFs and
health effects (Feychiting et al., 2000).
Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health
Physical Properties and Effects on Biological Systems
Natural and many human-made sources generate electromagnetic energy in the form of
electromagnetic waves. These waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields which
interact differently with biological systems such as cells, plants, animals, or human beings. In
order to better understand these interactions, it is essential to be familiar with the physical
properties of the waves which make up the electromagnetic spectrum.
Electromagnetic waves can be characterized by their wavelength, frequency, or energy. The
three parameters are interrelated. Each influences the effect the field may have on a biological
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system.
The frequency of an electromagnetic wave is simply the number of oscillations which passes a
fixed point per unit of time. It is measured in cycles per second, or hertz. One cycle per second
equals one hertz (Hz). Large divisions commonly used to describe radio frequency (RF) fields
include the kilohertz (kHz), or one thousand cycles per second, the megahertz (MHz), one
million cycles per second, and the gigahertz (GHz), one billion cycles per second.
The shorter the wavelength, the higher the frequency. The middle of the Amplitude Modulation
(AM) broadcast band, for example, has a frequency of one million hertz (1 MHz) and a
wavelength of about 300 metres. Microwave ovens use a frequency of 2.45 billion hertz (2.45
GHz) and a wavelength of 12 centimetres (Anane et al., 2003b).
An electromagnetic wave consists of very small packets of energy called photons. The energy in
each packet or photon is directly proportional to the frequency of the wave: The higher the
frequency, the larger the amount of energy in each photon (Anane et al., 2003).
How electromagnetic waves affect biological systems is determined partly by the intensity of the
field and partly by the amount of energy in each photon. Electromagnetic waves at low
frequencies are referred to as "electromagnetic fields" and those at very high frequencies are
called "electromagnetic radiations". According to their frequency and energy, electromagnetic
waves can be classified as either "ionizing radiations" or "non-ionizing radiations" (NIR).
Ionizing radiations are extremely high frequency electromagnetic waves (X-rays and gamma
rays), which have enough photon energy to produce ionization (create positive and negative
electrically charged atoms or parts of molecules) by breaking the atomic bonds that hold
molecules in cells together (Dockerty et al., 2000).
Non-ionizing radiations (NIR) is a general term for that part of the electromagnetic spectrum
which has photon energies too weak to break atomic bonds. They include ultraviolet (UV)
radiation, visible light, infrared radiation, radiofrequency and microwave fields, extremely low
frequency (ELF) fields, as well as static electric and magnetic fields.
Even high intensity Non Ionization Radiation (NIR) cannot cause ionization in a biological
system. NIR, however, have been shown to produce other biological effects, for instance, by
heating, altering chemical reactions or inducing electrical currents in tissues and cells.
Electromagnetic waves may produce biological effects which may sometimes, but not always,
lead to adverse health effects. It is important to understand the difference between the two:

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A biological effect occurs when exposure to electromagnetic waves causes some noticeable or
detectable physiological change in a biological system (Dockerty et al., 2000).
ELF electric fields exist whenever a charge (voltage) is present, regardless of whether any
current is flowing. Almost none of the electric field penetrates into the human body. At very high
field strengths they can be perceived by hair movement on the skin. However, some studies
suggest that exposure to low levels of these fields is associated with an increased incidence of
childhood cancer or other health consequences. Other studies do not. The International EMF
Project is recommending that more focused research be conducted to improve health risk
assessments (Grumbein et al., 1999).
Static electric and magnetic fields. While the primary action in biological systems by these fields
is the induction of electrical charges and currents, other effects have been established to occur
that could potentially lead to adverse health consequences, but only at very high field strengths.
Static electric fields do not penetrate into the body, but can be perceived by skin hair movement.
Except for electrical discharges from strong static electric fields, they do not seem to have
significant health effects.
Static magnetic fields have virtually the same strength inside the body as outside. Very intense
static magnetic fields can alter blood flow or change normal nerve impulses. But such high field
strengths are not found in everyday life. However, there is insufficient information about the
effects of long-term exposure to static magnetic fields at levels found in the working
environment.
Safety Standards: In order to ensure that human exposure to EMF should not have adverse
health effects, that man-made EMF generating devices are safe and their use does not electrically
interfere with other devices, various international guidelines and standards are adopted. Such
standards are developed following reviews of all the scientific literature by groups of scientists
who look for evidence of consistently reproduced effects with adverse health consequences.
These groups then recommend guidelines for standards for action by the appropriate national and
international bodies. A non-governmental organization formally recognized by WHO in the field
of NIR protection, is the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection
(ICNIRP). ICNIRP has established international guidelines on human exposure limits for all
electromagnetic fields, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light and infrared radiation,
as well as RF fields and microwaves (Dockerty et al., 2000).

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Electromagnetic waves are generated by natural, but mostly by human-made sources. Their
spectrum includes both ionizing and non-ionizing radiations (NIR).
Ionizing radiations (X-rays and gamma rays) have enough energy to create positive and negative
electrically charged atoms or parts of molecules by breaking the atomic bonds that hold
molecules in cells together. This effect is called ionization.
Even high intensity NIR cannot cause ionization in the biological system. NIR, however, have
been shown to produce other biological effects, for instance, by heating, altering normal
chemical reactions or inducing electrical currents in tissues.
The International EMF Project of the World Health Organization deals with the health effects of
static, extremely low frequency (ELF), intermediate frequencies (IF) and radiofrequency (RF)
electromagnetic fields (0-300 GHz) (Baum et al., 1995).
Electromagnetic waves of different frequencies interact differently with biological systems, such
as cells, plants, animals, or human beings. The extent they affect biological systems depends
partly on their intensity and partly on the amount of energy in photons.
Biological effects produced by electromagnetic waves may sometimes, but not always, lead to
adverse health effects (Baum et al., 1995).
Acute Effects
Perception Effects:
These are often experienced as static electric shocks due to the accumulation of charges on the
human body. These effects happen for a frequency of EMF, which is below 100 kHz. The built
up of charges on human body (eg: on hairs), gets excited and rises up. These accumulate and get
discharged when any earthed metal is touched. Thus these may be termed as micro-shocks,
where they directly does not affect any human being, but indirectly may cause loss of
concentration or falls, trips etc. (Ahlbom et al., 2000).
Effects on Central Nervous System
When the EMF frequency is less than 100 kHz, at times, the EMFs may interact with the central
nervous system, thus causing interference in signals between the brain and the limbs. These
could result in temporary or permanent loss in movement of limbs, visual process etc.
Several studies had been published concerning the potential neurotoxic effects of
radiofrequencies emitted by the mobile phones. Transient minor effects were observed on the
electroencephalogram (EEG), sleep structure, and on cognitive processes in human subjects.
Some of the observations could not be replicated and studies with negative outcomes were also
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published (Ahlbom et al., 2004). In animals, some previous studies did show disturbance of work
memory in rats exposed to RF. However, the most surprising effect was that very low SAR
values (mW/kg) caused increased permeability of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) in rats.
Alterations of the BBB had also been found in another study (Neubauer et al., 1990). In rats
exposed to 2 W/kg Fritze and co-workers demonstrated effects on the BBB only at SAR levels
above 7.5 W/kg. The BBB isolates the CNS from the rest of the organism, controls molecule
fluxes, and protects the brain (Anane et al., 2003). Increased permeability of the BBB can allow
unwanted substances to reach the CNS, with possible pathological consequences (inflammation,
neurone death) (Anane et al., 2003).
Body/Tissue Heating
If the EMF frequencies are more than 100 kHz, then depending upon the frequency and the field
strength, the body suffers from partial body or whole body heating. However, these does not
happen in normal circumstances, unless any incidents/accidents in power plants or transformer
stations. Sometimes, the body suffers overload of the thermoregulatory system resulting in heat
stroke (Anderson et al., 1999).
Radio Frequency Shocks and Burns
A typical example would be getting a shock from a RF charged capacitors or any conductors.
Sometimes the shock would result in deep, very severe burns and may take time to heal.
Nowadays the use of RF sources is widespread in our society. Prominent examples are mobile
communication, broadcasting or medical and industrial applications. Information on emissions
arising from RF sources is often available and can be used for compliance assessment or similar
applications such as in-situ measurements. It has to be taken into account that information on the
exposure of individual persons is scarce, such optimize methodology to assess individual
exposure, e.g. by using and further developing existing dosimeters. The existing RF sources are
operated in different frequency bands and can be subdivided in several categories
Medical applications
Several medical applications use electromagnetic fields in the RF range. Therapeutic applications
such as soft tissue healing appliances, hyperthermia for cancer treatment, or diathermy expose
the patient well above the recommended limit values to achieve the intended biological effects.
These include heating of tissue (analgetic applications) or burning cells (to kill cancer cells). In
these cases exposure of therapists or other medical personnel needs to be controlled to avoid that
their exposure exceeds the exposure limit values foreseen by Directive 2004/40/EC for
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occupational exposure. Diagnostic applications, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are
allowed to exceed the basic restrictions of Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC as there is a
benefit for the patient (Anane et al., 2003).
Usual frequencies are those allowed for industrial, scientific, and medical applications similar to
most industrial sources: 27 MHz, 433 MHz and 2.45 GHz. Magnetic resonance imaging devices
in medical diagnostics use RF fields in addition to static and variable fields. Most actual clinical
MRI devices work at 63 MHz (Auvinen, et al., 2002).
Cancer
Studies on cancer in relation to mobile telephone have focused on intracranial tumours because
deposition of energy from RF fields from a mobile phone is mainly within a small area of the
skull near the handset. When whole body exposure is considered, as in some occupational and
environmental studies, also other forms of cancer have been investigated (Auvinen et al., 2002).

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Conclusion
Even though EMF are present everywhere, from every household appliance that we use, in
addition to help humans, they also affect the health and well-being. There also certain
precautions that are to be taken by the employees who are working in Electrical sub-stations as
the strength and frequency of the EMF are comparatively high. Since the adoption of the 2001
opinion, extensive research has been conducted regarding possible health effects of exposure to
low intensity RF fields. This research has investigated a variety of possible effects and has
included epidemiologic, in vivo, and in vitro research. The overall epidemiologic evidence
suggests that mobile phone use of less than 10 years does not pose any increased risk of brain
tumour or acoustic neuroma. For longer use, data are sparse, since only some recent studies have
reasonably large numbers of long-term users. Any conclusion therefore is uncertain and
tentative. From the available data, however, it does appear that there is no increased risk for
brain tumours in long-term users, with the exception of acoustic neuroma for which there is
limited evidence of a weak association. Results of the so-called Interphone study will provide
more insight, but it cannot be ruled out that some questions will remain open.

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