Electromagnetic pollution is caused by electromagnetic field or EMF radiation. EMF is a combination of electric and magnetic fields that occur in our environment both naturally and artificially.
Of the two, artificial EMF poses a greater risk to human health. Its sources include:
Of the two, artificial EMF poses a greater risk to human health. Its sources include:
- power lines
- mobile phone base stations
- and numerous modern appliances powered by electricity, batteries and motor
Prolonged EMF exposure or exposure to high levels of human-made EMF radiation can
- damage brain cells and DNA
- cause cancer (leukemia in children and brain tumor in adults)
- and adversely affect central nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems
Studies linked electromagnetic pollution to:
- decreased testosterone levels in men
- miscarriages in pregnant women
- birth defects in babies
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cataracts
- depression and suicides
- chronic fatigue and more
According to World Health Organization (WHO), "Electromagnetic fields of all frequencies represent one of the most common and fastest growing environmental influences, about which anxiety and speculation are spreading."
The office of Technology Assessment of the Congress of United States recommends a policy of "prudent avoidance" of man-made electromagnetic fields.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - the research arm of WHO - classifies extremely low-frequency magnetic fields as Group 2B carcinogen (considered possibly carcinogenic to humans).
Sweden lists electromagnetic field as Class 2 Carcinogens, right along with tobacco.
Jittery over potential lawsuits, several industries and utility providers have resorted to rerouting power lines or locating them underground, and redesigning products (computer monitors and electric blankets) to minimize EMF exposure.
In the US for example, over $1 billion was spent on rerouting power lines in 1998 alone.
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