It's commonly observed that individuals, on average, spend 90% of their time indoors, surrounded by countless electrical devices or appliances. However, such extensive exposure leads to a very valid concern – how safe are the unseen electromagnetic fields that come from everything electric!
As people grow increasingly quite rightly concerned about the potential for negative health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs), the question of how to measure magnetic fields in one's house becomes more and more relevant. As more people become aware of the correlation between their surroundings and their health, it is helpful to know how to educate yourself just a little bit to understand how to measure the magnetic fields so that you can help in making some interventions towards better living conditions with the power of knowledge.
In this blog, we shall concentrate on the rationale behind measuring such fields, what you can measure them with, and the precautionary measures against electromagnetic risks you can undertake to provide protection to yourself and your loved ones.
Understanding Magnetic Fields: A Brief Overview
Electric currents and magnetic materials create invisible spatial forces known as magnetic fields. At home, such fields could emanate from a range of sources, including electrical equipment, electrical wires (including the unseen ones in your walls), switchboards, solar systems, and even some furniture. Since magnetic fields are present in every home, it is necessary to know about them and, more collaboratively, how they have the potential to negatively influence a person's health.
Where do Magnetic Fields Come from Within the Home
Common sources of magnetic fields can be categorised into two main types:
Natural Sources: These include geomagnetic fields and natural occurrences such as lightning.
Artificial Sources: The most widespread include:
Wiring in the walls
In-house devices such as refractors, microwaves and TV devices
High-voltage cables outside the house
Switchboards, fuse boards, solar inverters, power storage systems
It is important to know how strong these forces are within one's home as this information helps in knowing the amount of exposure one is at risk of and empowers you to assess the risks involved with one's home.
Consequences of Prolonged High Magnetic Field Exposure can led to the following health problems:
Increased stress levels.
Sleep disturbances.
Potential damage to the immune systems.
Effects of Exposure to High Magnetic Fields
Long-term exposure to elevated magnetic field levels has been associated with various health risks, including:
- Increased stress levels
- Disruption in sleep patterns
- Potential detrimental impacts on the immune system
Who is most at risk?
Pregnant women, children, and those with underlying health issues tend to be highly influenced by magnetic fields. Their exposure should be eliminated or reduced as much as possible.
Magnetic Fields Measuring Devices:
EMF Household Tester
Measure magnetic fields in the house with this simple-to-use EMF Meter by Grounded Kiwi.
Use in various locations and around electrical items. Measure anywhere you spend a lot of time! Especially around the bed, including above and below, at the head and the feet. Check where you sit to work or relax. Check where your pet sleeps! Magnetic fields are just as bad for them as they are for us humans.
Measurements should be taken at different times of the day, as field strength depends on energy levels.
Assessing and evaluating the presence of magnetic fields within the household can be pretty scary, but don't worry; there are actions that can be taken to ensure and maintain the health standards of the environment.
Guide to Magnetic Field Measurements in the House
With the right tools, measuring magnetic fields in the home is fast and easy. By adhering to the procedures outlined below, you will measure the magnetic fields and know how much electromagnetic exposure your living space offers.
How to Use a Magnetic Field Meter: Step-By-Step Instructions
Choose Your Location: Begin with areas in your house where you suspect the presence of very high magnetic fields, such as regions near high-powered electrical items or wiring systems.
Turn on Your Meter: Confirm that the button to the magnetic field meter turned is on the correct measurement option. More often than not the meter will come with options for either AC magnetic field measurement or DC magnetic field measurement, amongst others.
Take Initial Readings:
Maintain a distance of a few inches from the actual source so that measurements taken are as accurate as possible.
It is important to take measurements at different angles and distances in order to confirm some of the readings taken.
Record Your Data: In this case, it means that the measurements must be taken and accompanied by specific locations in order to facilitate future pattern recognition or pinpointing of areas of concern.
Repeat Measurements: Depending on the time of the day, relocation can also be considered since the levels of the magnetic field may be different based on the frequency of use at home.
Best Practices for Accurate Measurements
In order to achieve a higher degree of accuracy in your process, especially when taking measurements of the electric and magnetic fields in the house, consider the following tips:
Stay Away From Other Electronics: If possible, stay away from other electronics while testing so that no interference can occur.
Allow Time for Stabilisation: Wait for a few seconds before taking actual readings, for the meter's meter does not fluctuate.
Common Areas to Test in Your Home
In which areas of the house should one focus in regards to performing magnetics controls:
Living Room: Close to televisions, speakers, lights, lamps, powerboards and gaming consoles.
Kitchen: In the vicinity of the oven, near the fridge, microwave, and other electrical items.
Bedroom: The bed (Headboard, foot of bed, above and below), table lamps, alarm clock, TVs, electric blankets.
Home Office: Immediate vicinity of a computer, a printer and other electric gadgets, including Wifi routers
By observing the steps highlighted above, the magnetic fields within the house can be successfully gauged, enabling you to have a better view of their surroundings and the likely health risks that may be incurred when residing in areas with high magnetic fields for long periods of time.
Analysing Your Measurements
After measuring, the next step is to comprehend and evaluate the data acquired to determine whether the levels are fit for safety. With the necessary equipment, you will be in a better position to measure the factors that can pose a risk to your surroundings.
Understanding the Units of Measurement
Magnetic fields can be measured in units such as:
Gauss (G): A degree or unit for the strength of a magnetic field.
Tesla (T): Compared to Gauss, this is a larger unit of measuring size, where 1 T equals 10,000 Gauss.
Milligauss (mG): A term that is familiar with the discussions on home or residential exposure – 1/1000 of a Gauss.
Interpreting Magnetic Field Levels
After taking your measurements, the next step is to interpret them and look for any safety limit against the results you have obtained. Below is a broad guideline on how the data may be interpreted:
Please note that the levels below are the current understanding of the WHO. In effect, you really want the level to be under 0.5 if you spend considerable time in this area.
0 - 1 mG: Normal level high; according to standards, children and adults are not at risk.
1 - 3 mG: Level four; has been advised to operate with caution, these levels of exposure deserve concern especially in areas where they are used more.
3 - 10 mG: Level five; longer exposure time is more dangerous compared to the first three ranges.
10 mG high and above: Level six; it is advisable to reduce the relevant exposure by either creating more distance, moving the sources away, or by using other shielding measures.
High levels of the magnetic field for a short period of time may be bearable but should be monitored because chronic exposure is a concern.
Also, children and pregnant women are more vulnerable to these effects and hence instances of exposure in ordinary household areas should be avoided.
If your measurements indicate elevated magnetic field levels, you must take action to minimise exposure. Implementing mitigation strategies can help create a healthier living environment for you and your family.
Guidelines for Improving Your Way of Living
Once you've identified the sources, consider the following strategies for minimising magnetic field exposure:
Increase Distance:
Relocate furniture or appliances from areas of the home that are frequently used for sitting or sleeping, such as bedrooms or office rooms. If you have identified a magnetic field, consider moving the bed away from the wall or source of the high reading. If you are not able to do this, move rooms or, at the very least, keep the head away from this area.
If there is a television set then try and place it at least six feet from the sitting area or the bed if at all possible.
Turn Off Devices When Not in Use:
Unplug appliances that you don't utilise that often. This is to take care of high exposure risks that are not necessary. Elimination of this source of magnectic energy can only happen when the plug is removed, not just switched off.
Establish a routine of switching off the electronic appliances every night including the Wifi!
Utilise Shielding Techniques:
Employ screens or paints developed to shield the area from MGFs. Grounded Kiwi has a range of EMF-blocking fabrics, screens, and tapes that can be used to create barriers to redirect or reduce EMFs.
If the problem persists, look for specialists specifically with electromagnetic identification and shielding.
Create "Low-Energy" Zones:
Select some spots in the house, as where there will be no or little usage of electronics and make them low-energy interference zones.
Create or promote so activities that do not rely on screen exposure such as reading and outside activities.
Countermeasures that are Effective in the Long Term
Electrical Upgrades: Think about rewiring or changing an electrical system to new technologies that operate at rather low emissions of electromagnetic field.
Ongoing Monitoring: Continue to conduct measurements of the magnetic fields in the house regularly and also after any changes have been made in order to determine whether or not the measures have worked
Further Resources and Conclusion
Learning more about how to measure magnetic fields in the house will, in turn, make you more proactive and determined to improve the state of your habitation and your health. Many tools and references are out there for you to learn about electromagnetic, their effects, and their practices.
Recommended Books and Articles
- "Electromagnetic Fields and Health: A Scientific Review" - This comprehensive book delves into the research surrounding electromagnetic fields, providing an in-depth look at potential health implications and safety guidelines.
- "EMF Practical Guide: Understanding the Science of Electromagnetic Fields" - This practical guide offers insights into both measuring and mitigating the effects of electromagnetic fields, making it suitable for homeowners looking for actionable solutions.
- "The EMF Book: What You Need to Know About Electromagnetic Fields" is an informative resource that provides easy-to-understand explanations, tips, and strategies for reducing exposure to electromagnetic fields in everyday life.
Taking charge of your environment by measuring magnetic fields in the home can lead to meaningful improvements in your quality of life. Stay grounded and informed as you embark on this journey toward better health and well-being!