Introduction

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are emitted by anything that has electricity flowing within it, for instance, power lines, and electrical appliances. EMF is comprised of electric fields, which come from electric charges, and magnetic fields, which come from the motion of electric charges. This study focuses only on magnetic fields as it is produced by any electric device that is turned on (WHO, 2008). Magnetic fields can come from heaters (electrical equipment), fluorescent lights, motorized clocks, and video displays, to name a few (Alphalab, nd). Around SFU there are many computers, vending machines, and other devices that could potentially be emitting harmful magnetic fields to the students and faculty. It is the intent of this study to establish whether there are any areas in particular that are emitting large amounts of EMF and as a result should be avoided by the general public. The image below shows all locations EMF readings were taken around SFU campus (yellow dots). Some of the locations have been labeled; click the names of the locations to see what that area looks like.

As society becomes more and more dependent on electronic devices, more controversy surrounds EMF since it is produced by such devices. Extremely low frequency EMF (see below for wavelength spectrum and where ELF EMF lies along the spectrum) emitted by these devices has been studied in recent years to determine whether there are in fact harmful effects associated with EMF. If the EMF emitted by the device is high enoughit has the potential to cause nerve and muscle stimulation as well as other harmful effects on the human body; however, the level of EMF required for such effects are widely debated. In a study conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Science it was concluded that extremely low frequency EMF could possibly be carcinogenic although due to limited evidence no concrete decision could really be made. The classification of “possibly carcinogenic” was based on studies conducted on residential and occupation exposure to EMF causing leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, respectively (NIEHS, 1998). It is more likely that EMF promotes cancer or progresses cancer faster rather than being the cause of cancer. However, there was strong evidence that bone repair could be affected by exposure to EMF.

Other studies have been conducted to the affects of EMF on brain physiology. Huber et. al. (2000) concluded that EMF did in fact have an affect on brain physiology, although it is difficult to conclude why EMF has these affects and how harmful they are to the brain function. Ahlbom (2001) reviewed literature on the effects of EMF and concluded that most data that exists shows a weak relation between EMF and neurodegenerative diseases, suicide, and depression. Unfortunately, it is difficult to prove causation when there are so many other factors that could result in a correlation between the factors.

Due to weak results on the harmful effects, more studies should be conducted on long term exposure to extremely low frequency EMF and its effects on health. It is also important to point out that a precautionary approach should be taken for EMF due to mixed results from studies. It is better to reduce EMF exposure in daily life and prevent possible damage rather than continually being exposed to potentially harmful magnetic fields and suffering the consequences later. The generally accepted safe level for magnetic fields is three milligauss and the average everyday strength is between one and three milligauss (Alphalab, nd). These values were used in this study to determine categories for potential areas of high risk.

 

Back to top