Human exposure to EMF

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2 Wavecontrol Human exposure to EMF Electromagnetic fields and Workers safety

3 Index 1 Introduction to EMF 2 EMF health effects 3 Standards and normative 4 Applications and sectors 5 Wavecontrol solutions: EMF assessment 6 Measurement in the field - examples 7 Measurement demo

4 EMF: what is it? They are invisible and perfectly silent: if you live in an area with electrical power and mobile phone service, some level of artificial (man-made) EMF is surrounding you. There are two types of EMF Natural EMFs - We are surrounded by these : The earth produces an electromagnetic field (EMF), The human body does as well. These are extremely low frequency ELF s. In fact, scientific research has demonstrated that every cell in your body may have it s own EMF, helping to regulate important functions and keep you healthy. Natural EMFs or ELF s are low in intensity; for example, a healthy human body resonates with the earth's magnetic field at around 10 hertz. Artificial EMFs - we are surrounded by theses too. These are man-made and emanate from all things electrical and electronic. Everything from hairdryers and mobile phones to high voltage wires, to the mains cable running around building - they all create EMFs. Some are stronger than others and some studies have been shown them disturb the human body s natural energetic field with variable effects. Fact: We re exposed to 100 million times greater artificial EMF radiation than our grandparents were, and that exposure grows each year.

5 what makes EMF? An electromagnetic field (EMF) is made of: an electric field and a magnetic field. The electric field: Created by electric charges, or voltage (the force of the electricity) Always there when an appliance is plugged in (even if the appliance is turned off) Can be shielded or blocked by metal housing and other barriers. Measured in units of hertz The magnetic field Created by moving electric charges (electric current) Only there when the appliance is operating (when current is flowing) Hard to shield: can penetrate steel, concrete and human bodies (human bodies have the same permeability as air when it comes to magnetic fields, which is why x-rays work so well). The more powerful the current is, the more powerful the magnetic field it creates Measured in units of gauss (G), Tesla or A/m.

6 Characteristics of a wave Wave length (λ). It is the distance between two consecutive peaks. It is measured in units of length (meters, for example) Period (T). It is the time required for the oscillation movement of the wave to describe a complete cycle Frequency (f). It is the number of complete cycles elapsed per unit of time (in a second, for example)

7 Electromagnetic waves Electromagnetic radiation is a combination of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, which propagate through space, transporting energy from one place to another. These waves do not need a material means to propagate (they can do it in a vacuum)

8 Laws and equations

9 Sources of EMF The number of sources of EMFs has grown significantly over the past 30 years

10 Index 1 Introduction to EMF 2 EMF health effects 3 Standards and normative 4 Applications and sectors 5 Wavecontrol solutions: EMF assessment 6 Measurement in the field - examples 7 Measurement demo

11 Who is taking care of EMF? ICNIRP: International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection WHO: World Health Organization IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

12 Low frequencies (1 Hz 100 khz) biological effects Neurobehavior Perception of surface electric charge Stimulation of myelinated nerve fibres of the human peripheral nervous system (PNS) Stimulation of myelinated nerve fibers of the central nervous system (CNS) Stimulation of muscle tissue Induction of phosphenes in the electrically excitable cells in the retina Indirect scientific evidence that brain functions such as visual processing and motor co-ordination can be transiently affected by induced electric fields

13 Low frequencies biological effects Neurodegenerative disorders Some reports suggest that people employed in electrical occupations might have an increased risk for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) So far only one residential study is available, indicating an increased risk for Alzheimer s disease after long-term exposure, but based on very small numbers of cases Overall, the evidence for the association between low frequency exposure and Alzheimer s disease and ALS is inconclusive.

14 Low frequencies biological effects Cardiovascular disorders hazardous cardiovascular effects associated with low frequency fields are unlikely to occur at exposure levels commonly encountered environmentally or occupationally.

15 Low frequencies biological effects Cancer Research has suggested that there may be a weak association between the higher levels of exposure to residential Hz magnetic fields and childhood leukemia risk, although it is unclear whether it is causal. Overall, in contrast to the epidemiological evidence of an association between childhood leukemia and prolonged exposure to power frequency magnetic fields, the animal cancer data, particularly those from large-scale lifetime studies, are almost universally negative.

16 Low frequencies Summary Accute effects There are a number of well established acute effects of exposure to lowfrequency EMFs on the nervous system: the direct stimulation of nerve and muscle tissue and the induction of retinal phosphenes. There is also indirect scientific evidence that brain functions such as visual processing and motor coordination can be transiently affected by induced electric fields. Chronic effects WHO s cancer research institute, IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), evaluated low frequency magnetic fields in 2002 and classified them in category 2 B, which translates to possibly carcinogenic to humans. The basis for this classification was the epidemiologic results on childhood leukemia.

17 High frequencies (100 khz GHz) Biological effects Exposure to electromagnetic fields at frequencies above about 100 khz can lead to significant absorption of energy and temperature increases.

18 High frequencies (100 khz GHz) Regarding absorption of energy, EMF can be divided into four ranges: From about 100 khz to less than about 20 MHz: absorption in the trunk decreases rapidly with decreasing frequency, significant absorption may occur in the neck and legs. From about 20 MHz to 300 MHz: relatively high absorption can occur in the whole body, and even higher values if partial body (e.g., head) resonances are considered. From about 300 MHz to several GHz, at which significant local, nonuniform absorption occurs. Above about 10 GHz: energy absorption occurs primarily at the body surface.

19 Static fields (0 1 Hz) Direct effects: Induction of electrical flow potentials across blood vessels due to the movement of electrolytes in the blood Forces on paramagnetic and diamagnetic components of tissues Changes in chemical reactions due to altered spin chemistry Deflection of ionic currents due to magnetic (Lorentz) force.

20 Static fields (0 1 Hz) Movement-induced effects: When the static magnetic field exceeds 2 T, the movement-induced electric field in the head may be high enough to: Evoke vertigo Nausea Visual sensations (magnetophosphenes) Metallic taste in the mouth Possibility of acute neurocognitive effects, with subtle changes in attention, concentration and visuospatial orientation

21 Indirect coupling mechanisms Two indirect coupling mechanisms have been reported: Contact currents that result when the human body comes into contact with an object at a different electric potential. Coupling of EMF to medical devices worn by, or implanted in, an individual.

22 Index 1 Introduction to EMF 2 EMF health effects 3 Standards and normative 4 Applications and sectors 5 Wavecontrol solutions: EMF assessment 6 Measurement in the field - examples 7 Measurement demo

23 ICNIRP ICNIRP: International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. It aims to protect people and the environment against adverse effects of non-ionizing radiation (NIR). ICNIRP develops and disseminates science-based advice and guidelines on limiting exposure to nonionizing radiation.

24 ICNIRP guidelines ICNIRP 98 and 2010 guidelines for Electric field ICNIRP 98 and 2010 guidelines for Magnetic field

25 European Union EMF framework General public Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC of 12 July 1999 Occupational safety Council Directive 89/391/EEC (Framework Directive) 20th directive EMF Directive 2013/35/EU...

26 EMF Directive 2013/35/EU

27 Not only Europe United States: IEEE, FCC, OSHA China Russia Japan Australia Rest of the world: usually ICNIRP

28 E (kv/m) EMF Directive 2013/35/EU Action Levels Low and High Action Levels for Electric field Table B1. ALs for exposure to electric fields from 1 Hz to 10MHz Frequency range Electric field strength Low ALs (E)[Vm -1 ] (RMS) Electric field strength High ALs (E) [Vm -1 ] (RMS) ICNIRP (V/m) 100 E field - 1 Hz to 10 MHz (ICNIRP = Low ALs) 1 f < 25 Hz 2, , , f < 50 Hz 5, /f 2, , /f 50 Hz f < 1,64 khz 5, /f 1, /f 5, /f 1,64 f < 3 khz 5, /f 6, , /f 3 khz f 10 MHz 1, , , Low ALs 1 High ALs ICNIRP Reference levels 0, Frequency (Hz)

29 B (ut) EMF Directive 2013/35/EU Action Levels Low and High Action Levels for Magnetic field Table B2. ALs for exposure to magnetic fields from 1 Hz to 10 MHz Frequency range Magnetic flux density Low ALs(B)[µT] (RMS) Magnetic flux density High ALs(B) [µt] (RMS) ICNIRP [µt] H field 1 Hz to 10 MHz (ICNIRP = Low ALs) 1 f < 8 Hz 2, /f 2 3, /f 2, /f 2 8 f < 25 Hz 2, /f 3, /f 2, /f 25 f < 300 Hz 1, , /f 1, Hz f < 3 khz 3, /f 3, /f 3, /f 3 khz f 10 MHz 1, , , Low ALs High ALs ICNIRP Reference levels Frequency (Hz)

30 EMF Directive 2013/35/EU Action Levels High, Low and Limb Action Levels for Magnetic field

31 EMF Directive 2013/35/EU Action Levels Table B1. ALs for exposure to electric and magnetic fields from 100 khz to 300 GHz. Frequency range Electric field strength ALs(E) [Vm -1 ] (RMS) Magnetic flux density ALs(B) [µt] (RMS) Power density ALs(S) [Wm -2 ] ICNIRP (V/m) 100 khz f < 1 MHz 6, , /f - 6, f < 10 MHz 6, /f 2, /f - 6, /f 10 f < 400 MHz 61 0, MHz f < 2 GHz f ½ 1, f ½ f ½ 2 f < 6 GHz 1, , f 300 GHz 1, ,

32 E (V/m) EMF Directive 2013/35/EU Action Levels 1000 E field 100 khz to 300 GHz (ICNIRP = ALs) 100 ALs (E) ICNIRP Reference levels 10 0, Frequency (MHz)

33 Introduction: International Standards International Europe ICNIRP Guidelines CENELEC International Electro technical Commission European Directive 2013/35/EU American IEEE C IEEE C IEEE C IEEE C IEEE C IEEE C IEEE C FCC/OET Bulletin 65 Workers Exposure Assessment Human Exposure Assessment EN EN Canadian Safety Code 6 Chinese GB Japanese JIS C1910:2004

34 Introduction: Main Normative Railway Energy Welding EN50500 Medical IEC IEC/EN EN EN50444 Household Appliances RFID/EAS Induction Heating (LF) Electronic/Electrical Equipment IEC/EN EN EN50364 EN IEC/EN EN50519 IEC/EN TELECOMUNICATIONS Wireless Telecom Networks Broadcast IEC EN EN EN EN IEC EN EN EN and many other standards/laws all around the world

35 Index 1 Introduction to EMF 2 EMF health effects 3 Standards and normative 4 Applications and sectors 5 Wavecontrol solutions: EMF assessment 6 Measurement in the field - examples 7 Measurement demo

36 Applications: Where?

37 Working Environment Categories Category I: Action levels will/may not be exceeded Employers need to assess non-standard situations Category III Category II: ELV Action level may be exceeded Employers must assess EMF strengths Category III: Action level will be exceeded Exposure Limit Value may be exceeded Employers must assess EMF strengths Action Levels Category II Category I

38 Working Environment: Category I Action levels will/may not be exceeded. Employers need to assess non-standard situations Equipment and use Offices: computer equipment, cable networks, phones, Household and similar electrical appliances Electric installation: - low voltage network < 1000 V - low voltage components with power < 200 kva - power transformers connected to low voltage networks Electric motors and electric pumps with power being lower than 200 kva Testing instruments Mobile telephones Audio and video equipment Lighting equipment

39 Working Environment: Category I Equipment and use Installation and maintenance of electric hand-held tools Detection of articles and people - EAS GHz (non-linear microwaves) - RFID 1 Hz khz - RFID 2-30 MHz (power transmission < 2 W and duty cycle < 0.05) - RFID MHz (power transmission < 2 W and duty cycle < 0.05) - RFID 2.45 and 5.8 GHz (power transmission < 2 W and duty cycle < 0.05) - hand-held metal detectors - EAS-deactivators

40 Working Environment: Category II Action level may be exceeded Employers must assess EMF strengths Category II-a (yellow color): only brief instructions are needed, e.g. keeping a safe distance. Category II-b (orange color): technical actions as shielding the radiation source, placing a fence or placing warning signs will be required. Equipment and use Detection of articles and people - EAS khz (magnetic) - EAS khz (resonant inductive) - EAS 1-20 MHz (radio frequency resonant inductive) - Metal detectors - RFID systems (transmitting power> 2 W or duty cycle > 0.05)

41 Working Environment: Category II Equipment and use Dielectric heating - Plastic sealers - Wood gluing equipment Electricity production and distribution - Power stations - Air cooled coils in capacitor banks Electrochemical processes - Current supply systems (bus bars) - Electrolysis hall Induction heating - With open coils - Larger furnaces Welding - Arc welding - cable - Arc welding electrode holder

42 Working Environment: Category II Equipment and use Medical applications - MRI - scanning - Short wave and microwave diathermy - Deep hyperthermia - Electro-surgery Microwave drying Transport and haulage systems - Rail transport powered by alternating current (50 Hz; HSLs) Transmitters - Base stations for mobile telephony (GSM, UMTS) - TETRA transmitters in masts - TETRA transmitters on vehicles, power 10 W - WLL systems - Beam transmitters - Small broadcasting transmitters (on roofs) - Amateur radio transmitters - Radar systems (navigational)

43 Working Environment: Category II Equipment and use Other working environments - Tape erasers - Radio frequency and microwave lighting - Non-destructive magnetic testing

44 Working Environment: Category III This category contains all the working environments where extensive measures will be needed Action level will be exceeded, exposure Limit Value may be exceeded Employers must assess EMF strengths Equipment and use Electrochemical process: - Rectifiers Induction heating - Smaller smelting furnaces (alloying) Welding - Spot and induction welding, semi-automated Medical applications: - MRI - intervention activities Transmitters - Large broadcasting transmitters

45 Index 1 Introduction to EMF 2 EMF health effects 3 Standards and normative 4 Applications and sectors 5 Wavecontrol solutions: EMF assessment 6 Measurement in the field - examples 7 Measurement demo

46 Introduction: highlights 21 years (since 1997) +60 countries ISO 9001 certified company delivered instruments 5 continents ISO accredited calibration lab Continuous R+D ILAC accredited calibrations

47 LabCal Wavecontrol ISO accredited field probe calibration laboratory. All equipment delivered with accredited calibration under LabCal scope. Calibration services for 3rd party products. ILAC accredited calibration accepted Worldwide.

48 Introduction: Distribution Network

49 Distribution Network Official distributor in South Africa Phone: St. Andrews Way Mzingazi Golf Estate, Meer En See Richards Bay 3901

50 PRODUCTS PORTABLE MONITORS PERSONAL SERVICES Portable Meters Area Monitors Personal Monitor Available Services SMP2 MonitEM MonitEM - LAB cmonitem WaveMon Calibrations Workshops Trainings

51 SMP2: Electromagnetic Field Meter 3 INSTRUMENTS IN 1: Maximize your investment - DC Field measurement - Spectrum analysis - FFT (DC to 400 khz) - Broadband measurement (DC to 40 GHz) One Single Meter for all probes Integrated GPS (optional) Weighted Peak Method (WPM) Check compliance with standard limits YouTube Video Link Probes: Isotropic, Linear, RMS High-accuracy field probes. 0 Hz 40 GHz. Probe auto-detect capability Delivered with accredited Calibration. Easy Steps for ensuring compliance to multiple standards ICNIRP, EU, USA, Canada, China,. All limits embedded in a single meter USB, Fiber Optic Download data for automatic reporting. Remote control. Firmwave Upgrade Easy download and fast install. Upgrade for future needs at no cost.

52 Field probes - one meter for all probe Static magnetic field probe Fast response capability of WPF18 & WPF40 ideal for Radar applications Low frequency field probes HP Option: For High Field applications High frequency field probes Mobile bands field probe Magnetic field probes

53 Software PC: SMP2 Reader Remote control Allows SMP2 remote control and remote measurements Display SMP2 parameters Real time measurements Measurements visualization Graph format Table format Google map location (if GPS was ON) Import Measurements Screenshots Export Export data to control center software Report generator Automatic report to Excel format

54 MonitEM-Lab: Indoor Area Monitor Continuous monitoring 24/365 Broadband measurement allows an easy monitoring of EMF human exposure Alarms in real time Easy to install AC supply and Ethernet communication Visua l Audible Ethernet communication with PC software and control center Compliance with ITU-T K.83 direct, easy and comprehensible comparison with regulated limits

55 MonitEM-Lab: How does it work? AREA TO MONITOR - Workers safety - RF testing - High power test benches - Production & Manufacturing plants EMF Sources: Magnetic & Electric Induction Electrical RF Microwave MonitEM-Lab measures electromagnetic fields continuously (24hx7d) User defines safe threshold level to trigger alarms Visual Alarm Real time graph Audible Alarm

56 MonitEM: Outdoor Area Monitor Continuous monitoring 24/365 Robust and environmental protection IP66 AC / DC Power Autonomous: solar panel for battery power Easy to install Broadband measurement allows an easy monitoring of EMF human exposure: BTS antenna, broadcasting TV/Radio, High power lines, Communication with remote Control Centre: data transfer Real-time alarms messages In accordance with recommendation ITU-K.83

57 MonitEM: How it works? EMF sources MonitEM Control Center Reception, recording, data analysis, visualization, and Reporting BTS antennas, broadcasting antennas, power lines, and more. Sensitive areas to be monitored. WWW public access to data available

58 MonitEM: Control Center

59 WaveMon: Personal Protective Monitor GPS and Altimeter (optional) Wearable One hand Operation Adjustable Threshold Levels Autonomy 1 month battery autonomy > events data log Isotropic and RMS Measurements Electric and Magnetic Fields Weighted response to international standards: ICNIRP, EU Directive, FCC, SC6. 6 LEDs for EMF level indication Software to make reports USB for data and charge YouTube Video Link Tripod thread

60 WaveMon: Personal Protective Monitor Important features: - High accuracy for E and H sensors - Different models for distinct standards - Time averaging logging capacity - Isotropic sensors - Alarm: vibration + audible + LEDs Unique features: - Rechargeable standard AA batteries - Huge data logger capacity - Easy and secure attachment

61 Index 1 Introduction to EMF 2 EMF health effects 3 Standards and normative 4 Applications and sectors 5 Wavecontrol solutions: EMF assessment 6 Measurement in the field - Examples 7 Conclusions

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77 Index 1 Introduction to EMF 2 EMF health effects 3 Standards and normative 4 Applications and sectors 5 Wavecontrol solutions: EMF assessment 6 Measurement in the field - Examples 7 Conclusions

78 The natural world, including your body, produces electromagnetic fields. But these fields are low in intensity. Technology produces much more intense electromagnetic fields, and these fields can cause health risks. You cannot see or hear them. But if you live where there is cell phone service or power lines, for example, you are exposed to artificial EMFs. To comply with the standards and regulations, it s necessary to perform an EMF assessment. This assessment has to follow three stages: Exposure assessment. Risk assessment. Action plan.

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