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Due to the prevalence of man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in our everyday environments, it’s important to educate ourselves about what they are, the common sources of exposure, the risks they pose to human health and how to reduce our overall exposure.

Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)

Electromagnetic radiation consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space, often modeled as waves.

The frequency of a wave is defined by the number of wave cycles that occur per second and is measured in units of cycles per second also known as Hertz (Hz). The wavelength and frequency of a wave are inversely proportional, meaning the longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency and the shorter the wavelength, the higher the frequency.

From low to high frequency, the electromagnetic radiation spectrum includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, x-rays and gamma rays.

Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)

In general, a “field” is any physical quantity that has different values at different points in space. Therefore, electromagnetic fields can be simply thought of as a mathematical function that describes the strength of the field and the direction of the field at different positions and times.

Since electromagnetic radiation is made up of electromagnetic fields, it is common to describe radiation-emitting technologies as EMF sources. Common manufactured EMF sources fall within the radio wave and microwave range. Specifically within this range, manufactured EMF sources can be categorized into two distinct frequency ranges: extremely low frequency (ELF) EMFs and radiofrequency (RF) EMFs.

Extremely Low Frequency EMFs

The ELF range consists of frequencies between 3 Hz and 3 kHz. Common sources include power lines, electrical wiring and electrical equipment.

Radiofrequency EMFs

Generally, the radiofrequency range is defined as the range of frequencies between 3 kHz and 300 GHz. Common sources include smartphones, cell towers, radios, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, smart meters, microwave ovens and Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as door cameras and baby monitors.

Technology in Everyday Life

Adults and children alike are constantly engaging with manufactured sources of EMFs such as smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, tablets, smartwatches and baby monitors. Most of the technologies we use today are “connected” devices meaning they are connected to the internet via WiFi or a mobile data network, to other devices via Bluetooth, a mobile network to talk and text, or in the case of a smartphone — all three, simultaneously. We know what it means to connect to WiFi, but what exactly is WiFi, and how does it work?

WiFi

WiFi uses radiofrequency signals to create a wireless local network, and the WiFi router allows devices authenticated on the local network to then connect to the internet. Radiofrequency signals are sent from a wireless router to nearby WiFi-enabled devices, such as a smartphone or tablet. A wireless router, although itself connected to the internet via a cable, transmits signals wirelessly to nearby devices which then convert the radiofrequency signals into information that can be interpreted by the user. These signals are sent back and forth between the router and the device, forming an active connection.

A WiFi network is formed when a wireless router, the central hub of the network, enables multiple WiFi-enabled devices to communicate with each other and share an internet connection. This allows devices connected via the same WiFi network to “interact,” e.g., allowing a user to print a document from a computer without having to connect the two devices with a wire.

Most WiFi routers use either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies to transmit signals to and from the router, which correspond to wavelengths of approximately 12 centimeters, and 6 centimeters, respectively. The range of a WiFi router depends on many different factors, such as the strength of the transmitter, the presence of physical obstructions and the protocol it runs on. Therefore, physical barriers such as walls and metals can significantly reduce the range of a WiFi network by around 25% or more. Generally, the range of a router that operates on a 2.4 GHz band will extend up to 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors, while the range of a router operating on a 5 GHz band, will be around 10 to 15 feet less.

To reduce exposure:

Bluetooth

Bluetooth uses radiofrequency signals that enable devices to connect and exchange data over a relatively short distance such as connecting a mouse and keyboard to your computer wirelessly, or connecting your smartphone to your car without a wire. Similar to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth signals use frequencies of approximately 2.4 GHz, which correspond to wavelengths of around 12 centimeters. In order to establish a Bluetooth connection, a device such as a Bluetooth speaker transmits signals that can be detected by other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a smartphone. Once the smartphone discovers the device, such as the speaker, the devices can “pair” via a Bluetooth signal, and data can be exchanged between the devices. In the case of a speaker and smartphone, sound can be projected from the Bluetooth speaker, rather than the smartphone’s built-in speaker.

To reduce exposure:

Mobile Networks

Like WiFi and Bluetooth, mobile networks use radio frequency signals to transmit information between devices, however there are key differences. Mobile networks are different from WiFi networks in that signals are not transmitted to and from a single central hub to a small network of devices, such as a WiFi router. They are also different from Bluetooth technology in that signals are not transmitted directly from one device to another. Rather, mobile networks consist of many overlapping geographic regions called “cells,” each of which contain a base station that allows a device to temporarily authenticate and use the base station as a gateway to the wireless provider’s core network. If the device moves out of the range of one base station it is “handed off” to the next appropriate base station. Base stations form an interconnected global network of transmitters and receivers (transceivers) which are used to transmit voice, text and digital data between devices on the provider’s network or on other interconnected networks.

To reduce exposure:

Satellites

Artificial satellites are objects in space that are launched into orbit around the Earth using rockets. They have a variety of functions and are generally used for navigation systems, commonly known as GPS, weather forecasting, Earth and space observation and communications. Communication satellites are used to service TV, phones and the internet. Currently, there are around five thousand satellites orbiting Earth, approximately three thousand of which belong to the U.S. A satellite operates by transmitting and receiving radiofrequency signals from ground stations on the Earth.

Recently, the FCC has authorized Elon Musk’s SpaceX to deploy around a million ground antennas and 12 thousand satellites, designed to provide internet access to rural areas where 5G networks are not well suited. These satellites will deploy high frequency bands of around 10 to 13 GHz, significantly increasing radiation exposure. Additionally, other companies are asking the FCC for approval to launch an additional 38 thousand new broadband satellites.

Powerlines 

Electricity from the grid is delivered from power plants to homes and buildings via power lines, usually operating at extremely low frequencies of 50 or 60 Hz. Power lines generally use alternating current (AC), which is a type of current that periodically reverses directions and continuously changes its magnitude. As electrical energy is transferred via the powerlines, they emit electric and magnetic fields. The electric field is present as long as the power line is operational. The magnetic field is dependent on voltage and load-current or demand, the latter of which is determined by the amount of energy being used at any given time, resulting in significantly different field strengths at different points in time. High voltage transmission lines carry high-current, emitting powerful electric and magnetic fields. While electric fields poorly penetrate common building materials, magnetic fields are able to deeply penetrate most materials. As distance from the source increases, in this case, distance from the power lines, the strength of the magnetic field decreases.

A multitude of health effects from power lines have been reported, including an increase in Alzheimer’s disease, miscarriage, childhood leukemia and protein and DNA reactions.

Electrical Devices

Common electrical devices and appliances such as TVs, computers, hairdryers, kettles, toaster ovens, refrigerators and washing machines are sources of extremely low frequency EMFs.

More Ways to Reduce EMF Exposure

What is 5G? How does it work?

5G is the 5th Generation of mobile network technology after 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G. 5G technology can handle traditional cellular frequencies and higher frequency bands not previously used by mobile systems. A 5G network can operate in these bands:

• Low band: Less than 1 GHz.
• Mid band: 1 to 6 GHz.
• High band: 24 to 95 GHz.
• Unlicensed bands: 6 GHz and above 95 GHz.

While the low- and mid-band frequencies overlap with 4G wireless networks, the high band uses millimeter waves which have not been deployed in previous generations of mobile networks. 5G networks also introduce more pulsed microwave radiation (PMR) signals which are a known health risk. Additionally, many 5G networks overlay 4G networks, thereby increasing overall EMF exposure. Proponents of 5G claim that it will deliver higher data speeds and ultra low latency. It deploys a variety of new technologies including millimeter waves (MMW), small cells, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), beamforming phased arrays and full duplex.

Millimeter Waves

Millimeter waves correspond to the part of the RF spectrum with wavelengths between one and ten millimeters. On the extreme ends of this range, one-millimeter waves correspond to 300 GHz, and 10-millimeter waves correspond to 30 GHz. As a comparison, the maximum frequency deployed in 4G networks is 6 GHz, which corresponds to wavelengths of roughly 5 centimeters. Proponents of 5G are interested in using MMW because it offers the ability to transmit data in a new part of the spectrum, resulting in greater bandwidth.

However, the relatively shorter wavelengths of MMW make them poor penetrators of large physical objects such as buildings and the energy can be absorbed by trees and rain. This in turn results in poor signal transmission. The relatively short effective range requires additional infrastructure known as small cell technology, which brings base station transmitters much closer to users. The telecommunications industry is already thinking beyond the MMW of 5G, and is proposing the sixth generation of mobile networks, 6G which will deploy a yet higher range of the spectrum, up to 3 Terahertz (THz).

Small Cells

The telecommunications industry is pushing for denser networks to bring faster and higher quality connectivity to more customers, through the deployment of small cell technology. Small cells are individual wireless transmitters distributed roughly every 100-450 meters. Before 5G, most wireless networks were built using a system of macro transmitters in the form of cellular towers. The 5G network, however, uses both cellular towers and small cells. According to the telecommunication industry, small cells will deliver superior coverage and signal penetration in the densest urban areas, such as downtown areas, shopping centers and college campuses. These small cells and 5G networks will also support a large portion of the anticipated huge increase in wireless communications created by the Internet of Things. 5G-IoT is promoted by the promise of “smart” cities, leading to what will supposedly be a more convenient and efficient life.

Massive MIMO

Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) is another component of the 5G infrastructure. It allows for an increase in the number of antenna ports that can be supported by cell tower base stations. 4G base stations support around 12 ports, whereas massive MIMO would support around 100 ports, resulting in a 22-fold increase in the capacity of mobile networks. However, a greater number of antennas would in turn result in greater signal interference and additional, perhaps harmful, EMF exposure.

Beamforming Phased Arrays

Beamforming is a means of reducing signal interference by using algorithms to identify the most efficient delivery route to a user. Therefore, rather than radiating outwards, beamforming enables the transmission of signals in a particular direction, similar to adjustable-focus flashlights. The emitter’s total output may stay the same, but the amount of energy directed in a particular direction is significantly increased. While the main beam radiates in a particular direction, the other waves used to generate the main beam radiate undesired radiation in unnecessary directions. Theoretical exposures from beamforming phased arrays have been simulated using numerical models.

Full Duplex

Full duplex is the technology that enables 5G networks to transmit and receive data simultaneously on the same frequency. However, this technology also results in high levels of signal interference, whose effects are yet unknown.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Technology?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a massive network of real-world objects that are embedded with sensors and other types of technology, to collect information about the physical environment of the object, for the purpose of analyzing and exchanging that information with other devices via the internet. In other words, the IoT can be thought of as the transformation of objects into internet-enabled devices.

IoT technology such as smart devices are electronic devices that connect, share and interact with users and other smart devices via wireless protocols such as WiFi or Bluetooth. Well-known examples of smart devices include smartphones, smart cars, smart meters, smart thermostats, smart doorbells, smart speakers and smartwatches.

The term “IoT” was coined by Kevin Ashton who states, “In the twentieth century, computers were brains without senses — they only knew what we told them. That was a huge limitation: there is many billion times more information in the world than people could possibly type in through a keyboard or scan with a barcode. In the twenty-first century, because of the Internet of Things, computers can sense things for themselves.”

To some extent, wireless internet has already enabled the IoT. Some examples include the Global Positioning System (GPS) in smartphones that track a user’s location to navigate from point A to point B, a wearable device such as a smartwatch that monitors heart rate, a smart home security system that uses cameras to monitor a property or a smart personal assistant that uses microphone and speaker systems to respond to voice commands. While there were an estimated 8.74 billion IoT devices in 2020, this number is expected to grow to 25.4 billion by 2030. 5G industry expert Ericsson states “5G is the foundation for realizing the full potential of IoT.” IoT is expected to be worth between $4 trillion to $11 trillion by 2025. Proponents of the IoT state that applications of the IoT include “a person with a heart monitor implant, a farm animal with a biochip transponder … or any other natural or man-made object that can be assigned an IP address and provided with the ability to transfer data over a network.”

The line between “things” and “bodies” quickly becomes blurred with this technology. The World Economic Forum (WEF) describes the Internet of Bodies (IoB) as “the network of human bodies and data through connected sensors.” It further states that these sensors can be “attached to, implanted within or ingested into human bodies to monitor, analyze and even modify human bodies and behavior.”

Global citizens must be made aware of the implications of 5G technology, including the IoT and the IoB, on the security and privacy of their personal data, their health and their fundamental human rights.

Data Harvesting

Data harvesting is the process of extracting and analyzing large sets of data collected from internet-connected devices. This combined with the concept of IoT and IoB, essentially gives data harvesters and miners the ability to extract a massive and diverse range of valuable and personal information about individuals. As more information becomes accessible through the increased use of wirelessly connected devices, the greater the potential will be for security and privacy threats.