No one can escape the sign of progress in this country. The day begins with the use of electrical appliances such as electric alarm clock, electric toothbrush or toaster. On the way to work one encounters again everywhere electro-electro-electrical. A car is becoming more and more of an electronic toy, the streetcar runs on electricity, and the ever-present tinkling of cell phones has become a standard feature of public transport journeys. Some people have panic attacks when the battery of their cell phone gives up the ghost. You could miss something important. Even in the office one is affected by "electronic attacks" not spared. Computers are taken for granted today. But cordless phones, copiers and lighting also create an "exciting" atmosphere Environment.
When you come home in the evening, TV, radio and DVD player provide good entertainment and the microwave oven provides stress-free cooking without work. Ready menu in, microwave on and already the meal is ready. The list of examples of the use of electrical appliances could be continued indefinitely. But one thing should have become clear: Everyone is exposed to electricity, and this does not only bring advantages. Because where electricity is in, electricity comes out, an electric field and the so-called electrosmog are created. For this purpose, the device does not even have to be "on the air" the stand-by mode is sufficient. For a long time, electric waves were considered harmless, but now the number of skeptics is growing. Maybe electrosmog does affect our health after all. Is responsible for many a disease?
Definition of electrosmog
The term "electrosmog" was created End of the seventies. Its word component "smog is made up of the two words "smoke" and "electricity" (smoke) and "fog (fog) together. If you add the actual term for smog (dirt), electrosmog means "pollution" of the human environment with electromagnetic radiation. In contrast to the "normal" Smog is electrosmog but not to be seen or smelled. It can only be detected and proven with special electrosmog measuring devices. For the layman, electrosmog is electrosmog, but the expert distinguishes between different types of electrosmog. Wherever electric lines and electrical appliances are connected to the power grid, they cause alternating electric fields in the immediate vicinity. It does not have to be consumed thereby at all current.
Flowing alternating current in devices, installations, lines, motors, coils, transformers and other power consumers also creates an alternating magnetic field when the devices are switched on. In order to supply all these devices with electricity, extensive facilities had to be created for the generation and distribution of the energy. This starts at the power station, continues with substations and high and medium voltage lines and ends with the domestic installation. Here, too, electrical. Magnetic fields. For radio and television, amateur and mobile radio, telecommunications, radar, military surveillance or directional radio, powerful transmitters emit electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves are emitted wirelessly at higher frequencies, with electric and magnetic fields merging to form an electromagnetic wave. We are exposed to these artificially generated fields practically everywhere, whether we like it or not. In addition, we are affected by the gravitational field caused by the earth's gravity and other natural electric and electromagnetic fields.
How large are the electric fields?
Electric and magnetic fields are measured in different units of measurement. While the electric field is measured in volts per meter (V/m), the magnetic field is measured in Tesla (T). Since the strength of the magnetic field is much smaller than one Tesla, it is given in millionths of a Tesla (µT).
A) electric fields
B) Magnetic fields
This is how electrosmog works
For a long time, the opinion prevailed that the dangers of electrosmog were pure scaremongering. This opinion has been refuted in the meantime. In the meantime, it can be assumed that electrosmog affects humans in many different ways. But not every person reacts the same way. With the same symptoms to the effects of electrosmog. Depending on their disposition, some people are very sensitive to electromagnetic waves and fields, while others feel nothing at all. In addition, the effects are also related to the frequency. The intensity of the radiation. But also individual characteristics like body shape. Body size plays a role. Typical symptoms that can be caused by electrosmog are, for example, sleep disturbances, nervousness, headaches, fatigue, tension and memory problems. If the exposure is prolonged, cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory problems, visual and brain disorders may occur.
Electrosmog and mobile radio
The awareness of the dangers of electrosmog has been strengthened mainly by the rapid growth of the mobile phone market in recent years. Numerous discussions between mobile radio opponents. Mobile phone advocates were the result. Both sides believe to be able to pull the general public on their side with expertises. Some blame headaches or other ailments on other environmental influences, such as air pollution. The others say that even the most minimal exposure to artificial electromagnetic waves can have fatal effects on health. But clarity is not created with it, if so-called experts come to completely different results. No one can say at the moment exactly what effects the transmission masts and the cell phone have on the human body. Influences on the central nervous system. Cognitive functions as well as effects on heart diseases are suspected.
It is undisputed, however, that the high-frequency waves of mobile phone systems lead to a heating of the body. Short-term heating, such as during sports, is compensated by the body through sweating. But the radiation of the transmission masts is always there. This also means that the warming of the body temperature is permanent. According to the law, however, certain limits must be observed. Thus health effects by mobile radio are to be excluded. A dispute of the scholars about this limit value does not let a reassuring feeling arise with the population besides. It is sometimes difficult to determine whether the headache is caused by bad air, electrosmog or too much alcohol.
How to protect yourself from electrosmog?
Even if you think that the dangers of electrosmog are just scaremongering and humbug, you should not challenge the risk. Who knows what will happen in twenty years?? With asbestos one had at first also no doubts, and what is now? There are some ways to protect yourself from electrosmog in your private environment. If you are unsure of the level of exposure in your home, you can have an electrosmog measurement taken and thus identify the "worst" ones Eliminate hot spots. Otherwise, there are some basic rules that lead to protection from electromagnetic radiation:
– Each electrical device should be switched off immediately after use. Turn on the lights only when they are really needed. – In the case of devices that remain under power with part of their circuitry (stand-by) after being switched off, such as radios or televisions, the mains plug should be pulled out when not in use. – Many old devices such as televisions or computers have a very high radiation effect. When buying a new device, make sure that it is low-radiation. – Brick or concrete walls can greatly reduce or even shield electric fields. Wooden walls may have to be shielded by a special foil. – In the case of magnetic fields, on the other hand, the only thing that helps is to put as much distance as possible between oneself and the source. Tvs, radios and other devices with transformers should be removed from the bedroom. – In the bedroom, electric floor and night storage heaters should be avoided, as should electric blankets and electrically heated waterbeds. – In the interior, do not use materials that are prone to static charges. Natural materials such as stone, wood, cork, linoleum, goat hair, cotton, etc. Are recommended.
Wood, as already mentioned, does not protect against electric fields. However, the prefabricated house industry has reacted to the possible danger of electrosmog and offers houses that are equipped with a protective cover against electromagnetic waves. Windows and doors are also increasingly being designed to protect against electrosmog.