Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi

Faculty of Chemical Engineering and

Environmental Protection
Section: Environmental Management
and Sustainable Energy

Biological effects of Electromagnetic

Fields on Humans health
Supervisor:
Prof.dr.ing.Valeriu David

Students:
Vitelaru Razvan
Zara Maria
Iasi, 2014

CONTENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Introduction
Mechanism of propagation
Electromagnetic field
Classification of electromagnetic waves
Source of electromagnetic pollution
Measuring system
Biological effects of electromagnetic fields
Conclusions
References

1. INTRODUCTION

Electromagnetic radiation (EM radiation or EMR) is a fundamental phenomenon of

electromagnetism, behaving as waves and also as particles called photons which travel through
space carrying radiant energy. In a vacuum, it propagates at the speed of light, normally in
straight lines. EMR is emitted and absorbed by charged particles. As an electromagnetic wave, it
has both electric and magnetic field components, which synchronously oscillate perpendicular to
each other and perpendicular to the direction of energy and wave propagation.
In classical physics, EMR is produced when charged particles are accelerated by forces
acting on them. Electrons are responsible for emission of most EMR because they have low
mass, and therefore are easily accelerated by a variety of mechanisms. Quantum processes can
also produce EMR, such as when atomic nuclei undergo gamma decay, and processes such as
neutral pion decay.
EMR carries energy sometimes called radiant energy through space continuously away from
the source (this is not true of the near-field part of the EM field). EMR also carries both
momentum and angular momentum. These properties may all be imparted to matter with which it
interacts. When created, EMR is produced from other types of energy and it is converted to other
types of energy when it is destroyed.
Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves where the magnetic component and the electric
component, the electric and magnetic vectors are perpendicular to each other to the direction of
propagation. From the point of view of the wave spectrum of electromagnetic radiation
extending from long radio waves characterized by low frequency and large wavelength (km) to
high-energy rays, the high frequencies and smaller wavelengths.
In the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, X-rays and only satisfy the condition that the
wavelength should be less than 100 nm, so that only they can produce ionization of the atoms
constituting the main living matter. Therefore, X-rays and are called ionizing radiation.
Radiation of wavelength less than 100 nm from UV (ultraviolet) ones (100-190 nm) and going
for long radio waves are non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation ranging from the visible to
the very low frequency (ELF-Extremely Low Frequency) waves produced by mobile phone base
stations are non-ionizing radiation.
The main sources of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields are antennas that emit radio and
television programs, mobile antennas, communication antennas (army, air traffic, police, fire or

emergency services), mobile devices, surveillance installations movement, microwaves, antennas

fixed wireless phones, security systems and more. Computer monitor, CRT is a source of
electromagnetic radiation from the cathode ray tube, and the most dangerous are extremely low
frequency radiation. Cells exposed to this type of radiation long suffering and in addition
dysfunction may occur metabolism disorders.

2. Mechanism of propagation
Electromagnetic waves are waves which can travel through the vacuum of outer space.
Mechanical waves, unlike electromagnetic waves, require the presence of a material medium in
order to transport their energy from one location to another. Sound waves are examples of
mechanical waves while light waves are examples of electromagnetic waves.
Electromagnetic waves are created by the vibration of an electric charge. This vibration
creates a wave which has both an electric and a magnetic component. An electromagnetic wave
transports its energy through a vacuum at a speed of 3.00 x 10 8 m/s (a speed value commonly
represented by the symbol C). The propagation of an electromagnetic wave through a material
medium occurs at a net speed which is less than 3.00 x 10 8 m/s. This is depicted in the animation
below.
The mechanism of energy transport through a medium involves the absorption and
reemission of the wave energy by the atoms of the material. When an electromagnetic wave
impinges upon the atoms of a material, the energy of that wave is absorbed. The absorption of
energy causes the electrons within the atoms to undergo vibrations. After a short period of
vibrational motion, the vibrating electrons create a new electromagnetic wave with the same
frequency as the first electromagnetic wave. While these vibrations occur for only a very short
time, they delay the motion of the wave through the medium. Once the energy of the
electromagnetic wave is reemitted by an atom, it travels through a small region of space between
atoms. Once it reaches the next atom, the electromagnetic wave is absorbed, transformed into
electron vibrations and then reemitted as an electromagnetic wave. While the electromagnetic
wave will travel at a speed of c (3 x 108 m/s) through the vacuum of interatomic space, the
absorption and reemission process causes the net speed of the electromagnetic wave to be less
than C. This is observed in the figure below.

The actual speed of an electromagnetic wave through a material medium is dependent upon the
optical density of that medium. Different materials cause a different amount of delay due to the
absorption and reemission process. Furthermore, different materials have their atoms more
closely packed and thus the amount of distance between atoms is less. These two factors are
dependent upon the nature of the material through which the electromagnetic wave is traveling.
As a result, the speed of an electromagnetic wave is dependent upon the material through which
it is traveling.

3. Electromagnetic field
Electric field and magnetic field are two aspects of a form of existence of matter, which is
called the electromagnetic field. The fact that a changing magnetic flux through the area is
bordered by a conductive coil produces in the mind, an electromotive induction shows that a
changing magnetic field creates an electric field. The result can be generalized in the sense that
everywhere in space, there is a time-varying magnetic field, an electric field arises. Also an
electric induction variable gives rise to a magnetic field (the principle of electromagnetic theory
established by physicist James Clark Maxwell in 1864).

The electromagnetic field is a field rotation and propagate in space in the form of
electromagnetic waves with a speed that depends on the permittivity and permeability of the
medium considered. Wave frequency is equal to the frequency obtained by moving electrons.
The higher the frequency, the more energy is transported in the same time frame. Analogous to
what happens in the elastic waves can be defined a size called wavelength electromagnetic
waves, and is equal to the distance they propagate electromagnetic field during a period of
oscillation of the dipole.

4. Classification of electromagnetic waves

Radio waves (where long, medium, short, ultra, microwave) are issued by oscillations of
electrons emitting antennas used in radio and microwave systems (television, radar). The radar
used to determine the vehicle speed based on the fact that the frequency of oscillations received
observer is greater if the source is near him and less if the source moves away. Source that emits
electromagnetic wave trains is placed in a police car stationed at the side of the road. Reflected
wave approaching vehicle which is received as a wave emitted by a mobile source with increased
frequency. Received wave is composed of a constant frequency wave phenomenon beats, and by
measuring the frequency change with beatings, determine the speed of the car that passes the
radar.

Infrared waves are electromagnetic waves emitted by warm bodies, being one of the three
categories are divided solar radiation (infrared radiation, visible light and ultraviolet radiation).
They are obtained by oscillations of molecules, atoms and ions, and their amplitudes depend on
the temperature of the electron transitions bodies and inner shells of atoms with lower energy
levels . They are strongly absorbed by water or other substances, including the human body and
produce heating of them. Radiation is used in various heating and drying processes, in building
detectors with infrared light sensitive film to retain pictures on infrared light to heat photocopies.
Visible waves are perceived by the human eye. Are emitted by the sun, stars, incandescent
filament lamps whose temperature can reach (2000 - 3000) C, gas discharge tubes, electric arcs.
Light emission is obtained after electronic transitions lower energy levels of atoms.
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun, stars, strong bodies and mercury vapor heated in special
quartz glass tubes (not absorbs this radiation). Radiation contained in sunlight are absorbed
mostly in the upper atmosphere (ozone layer) as altitude increases, the ultraviolet radiation is
greater. They lead to changes in the skin: pigmentation, burning, cancer, UV light helps form
vitamin D and kills bacteria, It is also useful in dermatology, and fluorescent lighting
installations in industrial numbering. Radiation are obtained following electron transitions to
higher energy levels to lower energy levels.
X-radiation (composed of X-rays) is a form of electromagnetic radiation. Most X-rays have
a wavelength in the range of 0.01 to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30
petahertz to 30 exahertz (31016 Hz to 31019 Hz) and energies in the range 100 eV to 100 keV.
X-ray wavelengths are shorter than those of UV rays and typically longer than those of gamma
rays.
X-rays have high frequencies and are used for the medical X-rays as are absorbed differently by
the muscles and bones and impress photographic plates. Radiation is also used for therapeutic
purposes because it helps fight cell growth diseased tissue.
Cosmic radiation and rays are emitted in nuclear decay processes and nuclear reactions in
the sun, the stars (they are absorbed by the atmosphere) and land-based nuclear reactors. Are the
most penetrating, with the highest frequencies and energies. They are used in flaw detection,
sterilization and medicine (treatment of cancer).

5. Source of electromagnetic pollution

Natural source of radiation

Atomic radioactive minerals are one of natural sources of radioactive pollution. During
mining of uranium, radon gas is constantly released into the air. The parent of radon-222
(t = 3.82 days) is radium 226 which has a half-life of 1602 years. Radium-226 is widely
distributed in rocks, sediments and soils along with isotopes of uranium.

Cosmic rays are high energy ionizing electromagnetic radiation. The cosmic rays
originate from the stars in our galaxy by virtue of nuclear reactions primarily in their
cores. The cosmic rays are constantly reaching the earth from outer space.

Naturally occurring radioisotopes such as radon-222 found in soil in small quantity is

another source of radioactive radiations.

Radioactive elements which like uranium, thorium, radium, isotopes of potassium (K-40)
and carbon (C-40) occur in the lithosphere.Potassium-40 contributes radioactivity to all
potassium containing systems in the soil. Crops grown on such soil contain radioactive
elements like carbon-14 and potassium-40. Water gets contaminated with various
radionuclides when it runs through soils and rocks containing radioactive minerals.

Anthropogenic source of radiation

Diagnostic medical applications : Radiations are employed for diagnostic and therapeutic
applications. X -rays are used in general radiology and CT scan. Gamma rays are used in
treatment of cancer. In all these procedures we are exposed to varying doses of radiations.

Nuclear Tests : Nuclear explosion tests especially when carried out in the atmosphere are
a major cause of radiation pollution. It is responsible for increasing the background level
of radiation throughout the world. During atmospheric nuclear explosion tests, a number

of long-lived radionuclides are released into the atmosphere. This radioactive dust (also
known as radioactive fall out) gets suspended in air at a height of 6 to 7 km above the
earths surface and is dispersed over long distances by winds from the test site. These
radionuclides often settle down by rain and get mixed with soil and water. From there
they can easily enter the food chain and finally get deposited in the human body where
they cause serious health hazards. Some of the radioactive isotopes given off during
nuclear test affect the human body.

Nuclear Reactors : Radiations may leak from nuclear reactors and other nuclear facilities
even when they are operating normally. It is often feared that even with the best design,
proper handling and techniques, some radioactivity is routinely released into the air and
water.

6. Measuring system
Electromagnetic field measurements are measurements of ambient (surrounding)
electromagnetic fields that are performed using particular sensors or probes, such as EMF
meters. These probes can be generally considered as antennas although with different
characteristics. In fact probes should not perturb the electromagnetic field and must prevent
coupling and reflection as much as possible in order to obtain precise results.
There are two main types of EMF measurements:

broadband measurements performed using a broadband probe, that is a device which

senses any signal across a wide range of frequencies and is usually made with three
independent diode detectors;

frequency selective measurements in which the measurement system consists of a field

antenna and a frequency selective receiver or spectrum analyzer allowing to monitor the
frequency range of interest.

Measurements of the EMF are obtained using an E-field sensor or H-field sensor which can
be isotropic or mono-axial, active or passive. A mono-axial, omnidirectional probe is a device
which senses the Electric (short dipole) or Magnetic field linearly polarized in a given direction.
Using a mono-axial probe implies the need for three measurements taken with the sensor axis
set up along three mutually orthogonal directions, in a X, Y, Z configuration. As an example, it
can be used a probe which senses the Electric field component parallel to the direction of its axis
of symmetry. In these conditions, where E is the amplitude of incident electric field, and is the
amplitude of the angle between sensor axis and direction of electric field E, the signal detected is
proportional to |E| cos (right).

Electromagnetic field projection on an orthogonal reference frame

An isotropic (tri-axial) probe simplifies the measurement procedure because the total field
value is determined with three measures taken without changing sensor position: this results
from the geometry of the device which is made by three independent broadband sensing
elements placed orthogonal to each other. In practice, each elements output is measured in three
consecutive time intervals supposing field components being time stationary.
To measure the Electromagnetic field we can use an EMF meter that is a scientific instrument
for measuring electromagnetic fields. Most meters measure the electromagnetic radiation flux
density (DC fields) or the change in an electromagnetic field over time (AC fields), essentially
the same as a radio antenna, but with quite different detection characteristics.

EMF meter
The two largest categories are single axis and tri-axis. Single axis meters are cheaper than
a tri-axis meters, but take longer to complete a survey because the meter only measures one
dimension of the field. Single axis instruments have to be tilted and turned on all three axes to
obtain a full measurement. A tri-axis meter measures all three axes simultaneously, but these
models tend to be more expensive.
Electromagnetic fields can be generated by AC or DC currents. An EMF meter can measure
AC electromagnetic fields, which are usually emitted from man-made sources such as electrical
wiring, while gaussmeters or magnetometers measure DC fields, which occur naturally in Earth's
geomagnetic field and are emitted from other sources where direct current is present.

7. Biological effects of electromagnetic fields

Electromagnetic energy can be emitted as waves by many natural and artificial sources.
These waves consist on oscillating electric and magnetic fields that influence each other and
affect in different ways the biological systems, such as cells, plants, animals and human beings.
To better comprehend this reciprocal influence it is necessary to know the physical properties of
the electromagnetic waves.
The electromagnetic waves can be characterised by their wavelength, frequency or energy.
These three parameters are directly related to each other. The values of these quantities determine
the way the EMF can affect a biological system.

The frequency of a electromagnetic wave is defined as the number of times the (electric or
magnetic) fields changes its sign at a given point per time unit. The Frequency is measured on
Hertz (Hz), or times per second.
The wavelength of a electromagnetic wave is inversely proportional to the frequency of the
wave, being the proportionality constant the speed of the wave in the medium (usually the
medium is considered to be vacuum, then the speed corresponds to the speed of light c = 3x108
m/s). It is easy to see that the highest the frequency, the smaller the wavelength. As an example, a
typical microwave furnace emits a wave of 2450 million Hz (or 2.54 GHz), corresponding to a
wavelength of 12 centimetres, while for amplitude modulated radio emissions (AM) the
frequency is about 1 million Hz (1 MHz), with a wavelength of about 300 metres.
The electromagnetic waves are formed by small packets of energy, called photons, that can
be considered to act as quasi-particles. The energy of a photon depends on its frequency (or
wavelength): the higher the frequency the higher the energy (and the smaller the wavelength).
The intensity of an electromagnetic wave is proportional to the number of photons.
The effects of the electromagnetic fields on biological systems is determined both by the
energy of the wave (the energy of the photons) and the intensity of the fields (the number of
photons on the wave).
In function of the frequency, the electromagnetic waves are usually classified on
electromagnetic fields or non-ionizing radiations, when the frequency is small, and
electromagnetic radiations or ionizing radiations, when the frequency is very high.

The ionizing radiations have a frequency high enough to produce the ionization of
molecules and atoms through the breaking of the chemical bonds of the molecules. Examples of
these radiations are the X-rays and radiations produced by radioactive sources.
The non-ionizing radiations (NIR) correspond to those waves of the electromagnetic
spectrum whose energy is too low to break the atomic bonds. Among these radiations are the
ultraviolet and visible light, the infrared radiation, the radiofrequency and microwave emissions,
the extremely low frequency fields and the static magnetic and electric fields.
The NIR, even at very high intensity, can not produce ionization in a biological system.
Nevertheless, these radiations have been proved to produce other biological effects, such as
heating, alteration of some chemical reactions or induction of electric currents on tissues and
cells.
The effects the electromagnetic waves can produce on a biological system are not always
pernicious to health, and sometimes they are even healthy. A biological effect is produced when
the exposition to electromagnetic waves cause any physiological change perceptible or
detectable on a biological system. A pernicious effect is produced when the biological effect
overpass the normal ability of the organism to compensate it and produces a pathological
process.
As previously commented, some biological effects can be innocuous, as the increase of
skin blood circulation in response to a slight warming. Some effects can even be beneficial or

healthy, as the use of solar radiation for the production of D vitamin by our bodies. Nevertheless,
other effects are harmful, as the burnings or the skin cancer produced by sun radiation.
Nowadays it is well established that radiofrequency fields (RFF) produce heating and induce
electric currents on biological systems. Moreover, other biological effects have also been cited,
though there are not fully proved. The main biological effects reported up to date, in function of
the wave frequency, are:
- RFF with frequency over 1MHz mainly produce heating by displacing ions and water
molecules on their medium. Even at very low field intensity, these waves cause heating,
which is absorbed and compensated by the body without noticing.
- Electromagnetic fields (EMF) with frequency below 1 MHz induce electric charges and
currents that can stimulate cells from some tissues as nerves and muscles. The human
body does have electric currents as a normal product of its chemical reactions. When the
electric currents produced by the EMF exceed significantly the natural currents produced
by the organism, harmful effects are possible.
- The main effect of electric and Magnetic fields with very low frequency on biological
system is the induction of electric charges and currents. It is highly improbable that these
effects can explain the reported sanitary effects, as the notified increase rate of cancer
cases on children due to exposition to ambient fields with very low frequency, as those
produced on high voltage lines.
- Static magnetic and electric fields induce electric charges and currents. The existence of
other possible harmful effects have been shown, though only at very high intensities,
difficult to find on normal life.

The electric fields do not penetrate on the organism as deep as magnetic fields do, but they
can be felt by the movement of the hair. Apart form the electric discharges of high electrostatic
fields, their effects on health are not remarkable.
Static magnetic fields show almost the same intensity inside and outside the body. When
these fields are very intense, they can alter the blood flow or modify the neuronal impulses, but

the intensity necessary to observe these effects is not found on normal life. It should be noticed
that there is not enough information about the effects of long, continuous exposure to magnetic
fields at levels found on labour environments.
International rules and directives have been adopted in order to assure that human exposition
to electromagnetic fields do not have any harmful effects and to avoid any electric interference
between EMF emitters/generators and other systems. To fix these rules, scientific committees
carry out a full revision of the scientific publications and investigations by, and made
recommendations to the different national and international organizations, who will then adopt
the appropriate prevention rules. The International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation
Protection (ICNIRP) a non-governmental organization recognised by WHO, has established
international directives for the exposure limits of human beings to electromagnetic fields,
including UV radiation, visible light and infrared radiation.

8. Conclusions

The best way to understand the biological effects of electromagnetic fields is to cause dielectric
heating by touching or standing around an antenna while a high-power transmitter is in operation
it can be seen that this process can cause severe burns, kind of burns that are inside a microwave
oven.
The heating effect varies with the power and the frequency of the electromagnetic energy,
heating effect represents the specific absorption rate (W/kg).
The most acute exposures to harmful levels of electromagnetic radiation are immediately
realized as burns, but the biological effects due to chronic or occupational exposure may not
manifest effects for months or years.
Exposure to high-power radio frequency is known to create effects ranging from a burning
sensation on the skin and microwave auditory effect, to extreme pain at the mid-range, to
physical microwave burns and blistering of skin and internals at high power levels.
Very strong radiation can induce current capable of delivering electric shocks to humans or
animals also can cause damage or destroy the electrical equipment.
The induction of currents by oscillating magnetic fields is also the way in which solar storms
disrupt the operation of electrical and electronic systems, causing damage to and even the
explosion of power distribution transformers, blackouts and interference with electromagnetic
signals (radio, TV, and telephone signals).

References

Bernhardt J H, Non-ionizing radiation safety: radiofrequency radiation, electric and

magnetic fields, Phys. Med. Biol. 37 807-844, 1992
Zhang, Hong-qi Zhang., and W. Pan, Electromagnetic field of a vertical electric dipole
on a perfect conductor coated with a dielectric layer, Radio Sci., 37(4), 2002
World Health Organization, International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation
Protection (ICNIRP), Health issues related to the use of hand-held radiotelephones and
base transmitters, Health Physics, Vol.70, No.4, p. 587-593, 1996, http://www.icnirp.org
Health effects from radiofrequency electromagnetic fields Report of an Independent
Advisory Group on Non-Ionizing Radiation, 2003
http://www.bioone.org/bioone/7587&volume=162&issue=02&page=0219
http://www.icnirp.de/what.htm