Electromagnetism, Man and the Environment

Electromagnetic pollution is the permeation of the environment with undesirable static and alternating electric and magnetic fields. The undesirable fields are usually man-made. Electromagnetic pollution is different from other types of pollution, such as air, water, and noise pollution, in two ways. First, it is almost always invisible, and second, there are sometimes therapeutic effects. This book is mainly concerned with the effects of electromagnetism on the physiology of man. The most prevalent sources of man-made electromagnetic fields are the generation, the transmission and distribution systems of electrical power, and the countless number of electrical devices which use electricity. The world’s use of electricity has increased exponentially as the standard of living of man has improved. Specific sources of man-made electromagnetic fields are listed and described. Some of the obvious thermal effects on man, particularly from ultra-high-frequency and microwaves, are cited, as well as lesser known non-thermal physiological effects. Related to these are the therapeutic uses of electric and magnetic fields. In addition to electrodiathermy, electrotherapy is widely used in Eastern European countries, and electric fields have been used to promote bone regeneration in the USA. The controversy over the legitimacy of non-thermal electrotherapy is of great importance to the final judgment regarding the significance of electromagnetic pollution. A convenient method of specifying what is meant by low-level electromagnetic fields is the examination of human exposure standards which have been established by regulatory agencies. The book lists the standards the USA, Russia, and other countries have formulated, and discusses the significance of the large differences in allowable exposure levels. Finally, the book provides an overall discussion of the effects of electromagnetic fields.