Electromagnetic Radiation

1
Electromagnetic Radiation

• By Beatrix Cruz

2
About Me

• I home-school my two children
• Social Science major
• Graduating this summer

3
Introduction

• Electromagnetic radiation is all around us. We
  are being bombarded with unseen waves of electric
  and magnetic charges that may be physically
  harmful to our bodies.

4
What is Electromagnetic Radiation?

• Waves of energy propagated through space as a
  result of electric charges. These charges are
  emitted from devices that produce, transmit, or
  use electric power.

5
Two views regarding EMR

• EMR is safe

• EMR is harmful

6
Is EMR harmful?

• The evidence available to us is incomplete and
  sometimes contradictory. There are indications
  that EMR may be linked to certain serious medical
  conditions. Until further research confirms one
  view or the other it seems prudent to err on the
  side of caution, therefore this presentation will
  take the 2nd position.

7
There are indications that EMR may be linked to .
. .

• Brain Cancer
• Leukemia
• Breast Cancer
• Miscarriages
• Abnormal Fetal Development
• Learning Disorders
• Etc.

8
Potential Harmful Effects of EMR

• Affects the growth of developing tissue
• Contributes to miscarriage or birth defects
• Promotes the growth of cancer cells
• Interferes with cell processes and functions
• Alters neurological functions
• Alters the production of neurohormones
• Affects the function of the pineal gland and its
  hormone, melatonin
• Influences the dopamine, opiate, and pineal
  systems, which in turn interact with the immune
  system

9
What is a Gauss?

• The unit of measure for the strength and
  direction of a magnetic field

10
Sources of EMR and their field emission levels in
milligauss (1 ft)

• Baby monitor 1
• Blender 10
• Can opener 150
• Color T.V./CRT 7
• Copy machine 20
• Dishwasher 10
• Electric drill 30
• Electric range 8

• Microwave oven 40
• Pencil sharpener 70
• Portable heater 20
• Power saw 40
• Refrigerator 2
• Toaster 3
• Vacuum cleaner 60
• VDT (color) 5

11
EMR and VDT studies Does EMR adversely affect
pregnancy or fetal development?

• 1986 McDonald Negative
• 1988 Goldhaber Positive
• 1988 Nurminen/Kurppa Negative
• 1991 Schnorr Negative
• 1992 Lindbohm Positive

12
Steps you can take.

• Use CRTs that conform to Swedish National Board
  of Testing
• Sit at least 2 feet away from VDT
• Avoid sitting near sides back of monitors
• Turn monitors off when not in use
• Use LCDs (they do not emit radiation)
• Limit computer use if you are pregnant

13
Bibliography

• http//www.ergonomics.ucla.edu/articles/emrandcomp
  .pdf
• http//www.em-hazard-therapy.com/
• http//www.laleva.cc/environment/freiburger_appeal
  .html
• The EMF Book, Mark A. Pinsky, 1995, Time Warner
  Company