This document provides an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding electrosmog, which refers to the effects of electromagnetic fields on health. It defines different types of electromagnetic fields such as extremely low frequency (ELF) fields from electricity networks and high frequency fields from wireless devices. While some epidemiological studies have found potential health risks from long-term exposure, the scientific evidence remains inconclusive. Standards have been established by organizations like ICNIRP but some advocate applying more precautionary limits. The document discusses debates around electrosensitivity and measures individuals can take to reduce exposure. Experts interviewed provide differing perspectives on the issues.

1. HomeoftheFuture
Briefing Paper
Copper Benelux
July 2008
Electrosmog: the Current
State of Affairs

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Electrosmog: the current state of affairs
The influence of electricity and transmitters on our health
The term ‘electrosmog’ is being used more and more often. Questions have been
raised as to whether this phenomenon is the cause of certain diseases and
perhaps even some types of cancer. Should we be concerned? Are there ways to
reduce the influence of electrosmog? And what exactly is electrosmog? In this
briefing paper, we attempt to provide candid and unbiased answers and sketch the
current state of knowledge. We also discuss legislation and possible preventive
measures.
The possible effects of electromagnetic fields on our health are currently the subject of a
very lively debate. Not only in the media, but also among responsible scientific and
government bodies. For example, a few months ago, the Flemish government, acting on
the principle that prevention is better than cure (see below), took the precaution of
distributing a folder aimed at reducing mobile phone use by children. In Germany, the
Ministry for the Environment has warned against the harmful effects of using Wi-Fi. Some
people prefer to banish all electronic equipment from their lives, while others think that
the situation is not all that serious. The debate seems far from over.
Introduction and definitions
Electromagnetic fields
When people talk about electrosmog, they are usually referring to the effects of
electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic fields are defined as both electric and
magnetic direct and alternating fields that occur naturally or are generated artificially
by man-made devices. The best-known sources of electrosmog are power lines and
cables that transport electricity, electronic equipment, and wireless communication
devices. The strength of the fields decreases as you move further away from the source.
There is a significant difference in the effects of low, medium, and high frequency fields.
• The electricity network and all equipment and machinery connected to
it generate extremely low frequency (ELF fields) in the range of 0 to
300 Hz.
◊ An ELF electric field occurs when a potential difference is
present (even when the equipment is switched off).
◊ An ELF magnetic field occurs as soon as there is an electric
current flowing through the wire (when the equipment is switched
on).
• Wireless communication devices (mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and
transmitting antennas) generate high-frequency fields (frequencies
higher than 3 MHz). At such frequencies, the electric and magnetic
fields are not separable, and thus collectively referred to as
electromagnetic waves.

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The various types of fields are discussed in greater detail in the sections that follow.
Alternating electric fields (ELF)
Alternating electric fields occur when an electric voltage is present. They occur in the
vicinity of cables, electronic equipment, walls, floors, etc. High-tension transmission lines
also produce alternating electric fields.
• Unit: V/m (volts per metre)
• Intensity of the electric field for:
◊ Electric alarm clock (at a distance of 10 cm): 210 – 600 V/m
Electric alarm clock (at a distance of 2 m): less than 1 V/m
◊ Non-earthed extension cable (at 30 cm): 50 – 150 V/m
Earthed extension cable (at 30 cm): 5 – 25 V/m
◊ Electric blanket, switched on (at 1 cm): 1000 – 3500 V/m
Electric blanket, switched off (at 1 cm): 80 – 300 V/m
◊ Homes beneath a high-tension transmission line: a few V/m
Open fields beneath a high-tension transmission line: 10,000 V/m
Alternating magnetic fields (ELF)
If an electric current flows through the distribution network or any piece of equipment,
alternating magnetic fields are generated in addition to the electric fields. This means that
they are produced when electrical equipment is switched on.
• Unit: μT (microtesla or 10-6
T)
• The former unit was gauss: 1 G = 10-4
T
• Intensity of the magnetic field for:
◊ Electric alarm clock at a distance of 5 cm: more than 20 μT
Electric alarm clock at a distance of 1 m: less than 0.01 μT
Battery-powered alarm clock at a distance of 1 cm: 0.01 μT (static
field)
◊ Incandescent lamp (25 – 100 W): less than 0.02 μT
Low-energy lamp: 3 - 9.5 μT
◊ High-tension transmission line, 220/380 kV, at 10 m: up to 10 μT
High-tension transmission line, 220/380 kV, at 100 m: less than 1
μT
(The field strength here also depends on the current load on the
transmission line.)
(Source: Michiel Haas, PhD Eng, Elektrostress & Gezondheid)

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Source: BBEMG
Electromagnetic waves (high frequency)
Possible sources of electromagnetic waves are transmitters (GMS and UMTS), wireless
applications (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), computer monitors and television sets, and lamps
(low-energy lamps and halogen lamps). Radio-frequency fields between 1 MHz and
10 GHz penetrate into human tissue and produce a warming of that tissue.
• Unit: W/m2
(watt per square metre)
The unit of μW/m2
(microwatt or 10-6 W per square metre) is also
commonly used in standards.
• Electromagnetic field strength for:
◊ The natural environment: less than 0.000001 μW/m2
◊ Mobile phone during a phone conversation, next to the user’s
head: more than 10 W/m2
Mobile phone, standby at 2 m: more than 0.03 W/m2
Mobile phone, standby at 10 m: more than 0.001 W/m2
◊ Cordless (DECT) phone base station at 2 m: more than 0.002 W/
m2
Cordless phone next to the user’s head: more than 1 W/m2
Contact currents
Aside from the influence of external electric fields, a growing body of research is being
conducted on the influence of electric currents that flow through our bodies due to poorly
earthed electronic equipment. However these contact currents and other fields, such as
static electric fields, static magnetic fields, radioactivity, and terrestrial disturbances, are
not the subject of this brochure and are not discussed further here.
The scientific answer is complicated
No clear-cut research results as yet
The potential effects of electromagnetic fields on our health have been studied for many
years already. However, up to the present researchers have not been able to confirm
any negative effects, nor have they been able to prove that no effects exist. Scientific
proof is thus difficult to provide.

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Diverse obstacles
Most studies that have been carried out have covered only a relatively short period of
time and do not take into account possible delays in the occurrence of certain symptoms.
There is also very little well-designed research available concerning the consequences of
long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields. In addition, the various types of research
only deal with specific aspects of the problem:
• Epidemiological studies look for a possible statistical correlation
between a particular factor and the incidence of a disease
• Laboratory research studies the working mechanisms of the fields on
samples of human cells and on animals
• Experiments with human subjects: controlled exposure of
volunteers to fields for short periods
• Theoretical models use computer models to simulate exposure and
the effects thereof on the human body
Confirmation of results by different research methods is necessary before we can
say that true scientific proof is available.
For example, it has been inferred from epidemiological studies that children between the
ages of 0 and 15 have twice as high a relative risk of developing leukaemia if they are
exposed to a 50-Hz magnetic field with a strength of 0.4 μT or higher every day.
However, this is merely a statistical relationship. This result is not sufficient to draw the
conclusion that there is a causal relationship. Nevertheless, various media have used
such results from epidemiological studies as proof of the harmful effects of
electromagnetic radiation.
The precautionary principle
The question is whether potential relationships are sufficient to conclude that a risk is
present and to take specific action. Or is it more prudent to wait until scientific proof is
available? Asbestos is often cited here as an example of a substance for which the
dangerous side effects were only seriously assessed at a very late date.
The ‘golden mean’ is to apply the precautionary principle, or ‘sensible avoidance’, until
well-founded research results provide a better basis for a definitive answer. According to
the World Health Organization (WHO), individuals can take inexpensive measures to limit
their exposure to electromagnetic fields. However, there is no scientific evidence that
these measures will effectively reduce the risks. Individuals can choose the measures
they wish to take according to how they personally estimate the risks.
What about electrosensitivity?
More and more people are exhibiting a broad spectrum of non-specific complaints
that they ascribe to electricity. The most commonly occurring symptoms are fatigue,
dermatological problems, a heavy feeling in the head, irritation of the eyes, a stuffy nose,
headaches, etc. In many cases, the symptoms cannot be medically explained, but they
are nevertheless real and have a negative impact on health. Such persons are said to
suffer from electromagnetic hypersensitivity or electrosensitivity.

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The complaints often occur at frequencies and intensities that are well below the
international recommendations (see elsewhere in this brochure) and that do not cause
any sort of reaction among the general population. With most electrosensitive persons,
the symptoms disappear rapidly when the distance from the source is increased.
However, with highly sensitive persons, the perception of poor health can be so strong
that they isolate themselves completely. Although the symptoms cannot yet be ascribed
to electromagnetic fields, the Superior Health Council of Belgium is already preparing
recommendations with regard to electromagnetic hypersensitivity.
What does the law say?
Point of departure
Various measurable limits (reference values) are set for exposure to electromagnetic
fields depending on the frequency range in hertz (Hz). These reference values are
derived from so-called ‘basic restrictions’, which are based on proven effects. An
additional safety factor is applied to these values.
In this document, we only discuss the limits for the 50 Hz power frequency fields. At
this frequency, there is a potential health risk at a current density of 100 mA/m2
or more
in the body due to stimulation of the nerve and heart tissue. This value thus forms the
point of departure for generating all standards and recommendations related to the 50
Hz frequency range.
Recommendations of the ICNIRP (1998)
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) is an
independent commission recognized by WHO. The ICNIRP applies a safety factor to the
base value of 100 mA/m2
when generating its recommendations.
The safety factor is 10 for the professional environment. The value for the general
population is 50. This more severe restriction takes into account the heterogeneous
nature of the general population (adults, children, sensitive persons, etc.) and the longer
duration of daily exposure. As a result, the exposure limit here is set at 2 mA/m2
.
As it is difficult to measure this value in the human body, the ICNIRP uses in its
recommendations other units that are easier to measure. These include the intensity of
external electric and magnetic fields that can cause an induced current of 2 mA/m2
in the
body.
The maximum exposure limits are:
Electric field at 50 Hz: 5 kV/m
Magnetic field at 50 Hz: 100 μT
Recommendations of the Council of the European Union
The Council of the European Union accepts the recommendations of the ICNIRP for the
general population.

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National standards
Every European country must transpose the recommendations into national legislation.
However, they are free to interpret these recommendations according to their own
judgement.
• Belgium only adopts the recommendations of the ICNIRP for electric
fields in inhabited areas. Less stringent standards apply outside of
these areas.
Inhabited areas: 5 kV/m
Above roads: 7 kV/m
Other areas: 10 kV/m
Presently, there is no national legislation for exposure to magnetic
fields at power frequency.
• France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Finland, and Great Britain
follow the example of the Council of the European Union
• The standards in The Netherlands and the USA are less severe.
SBM 2003 limits
A Standard of Building Biology Methods, or SBM 2003, has also been generated
independently of the ICNIRP recommendations and national standards. SBM limits are
much stricter, and they are followed by building biologists for making measurements in
homes.
Electric field at 50 Hz: at 10 cm distance: 1 V/m
Magnetic field at 50 Hz: 20 nT (nanotesla or 10-9
T)
A new version of this standard, SBM 2008, is expected soon.
Precautionary measures
People who perceive a potential risk to their health can take measures to reduce their
exposure to electromagnetic fields, regardless of whether there is a proven relationship
between these fields and the onset of symptoms and disease.
Fields inside the home
The impact of low-frequency electromagnetic fields from household equipment is
usually not especially large. The electric field is weak and can easily be screened by any
sort of material. By contrast, the magnetic field can have a relatively high value, but the
exposure is momentary and the field strength decreases rapidly with distance. In regards
to contact currents, conformance with the AREI (Belgian regulations on electrical
installations) and correctly implemented earthing is vitally important.
If possible, you can limit the use of electronic equipment or place sources that produce
relatively strong fields further away. The bedroom usually receives a great deal of
attention, since this is where we spend the most time.
• Switch off electric blankets before you go to sleep
• Place electric alarm clocks and night lamps with halogen bulbs further
away from your bed

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• Unplug cables from electrical sockets and use bipolar switches that
also disconnect the neutral conductor
• Preferably purchase earthed equipment
• Keep enough distance from your computer screen
The 50-Hz magnetic field can be reduced in a passive manner by fitting sheets of mu-
metal (a nickel-iron alloy), copper or aluminium. This solution is often used in the
professional environment to prevent interference to sensitive equipment or workstations.
Some measures for restricting the possible impact of high-frequency electromagnetic
waves:
• It is preferable to use cabling for your Internet connection instead of a
wireless link
• If possible, use a fixed telephone instead of a mobile telephone or
cordless (DECT) phone (a DECT telephone constantly transmits
pulsed microwaves)
• Check the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) when you buy a mobile
telephone. The lower this value, the less radio-frequency energy is
absorbed by your body during exposure
• Avoid letting children use mobile telephones too often or when they
are very young.
Fields from outside
It is more difficult to take action against electromagnetic fields that come from outside.
Measures to minimize the impact — such as paints and films — have not proven to be
sufficiently effective up to now, and they are usually expensive. If in doubt regarding the
strength of external electromagnetic fields such as from a high-tension transmission line,
you can have the degree of exposure measured before you take any specific measures.

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Various opinions
We sought the opinions of three persons who are regularly confronted with
electrosmog in their professional activities.
The opinion of Charles Claessens, building biologist
Charles Claessens advises persons who experience health problems in their domestic or
work environment due to environmental conditions.
‘During my home investigations, I regularly come into contact with electrosensitive
people. With most of the electromagnetic field values that I measure in the homes of
these persons, the majority of the population would not have encountered any problem.
However, it’s a completely different story for someone who is hypersensitive. Then, even
the lowest amount of exposure is enough to cause physical reactions. Electrosensitivity is
strongly underestimated. I think everyone gradually builds up an electrosensitivity, even
though we may not notice it right away. I often compare this with a bucket of water. The
bucket fills up gradually without any consequences, but once it is full, each simple drop
suffices to cause it to run over. The current standards are subsequently inadequate for
electrosensitive persons. For this reason, we always follow the stricter German SBM
standards for building biology.’
The opinion of André Pirenne, electrical installer
André Pirenne is co-owner of Pirenne & Ooms BVBA, a Walloon electrical contracting
and consulting company.
‘After more than ten years of experience as a traditional electrical installer, I decided to
specialize in biocompatible electricity installations. I received more and more questions
from customers who wanted to modify their electric installation for health reasons. We
advise our customers on the best way to use electrical equipment, and we install and

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distribute biocompatible electrical materials. For example, with our bipolar Biorupteur
switch, also called a mains disconnect switch, we can make a bedroom completely free
of electric fields at night. This kind of switch continually measures the current
consumption in a branch circuit and completely disconnects the circuit when electricity
demand is nil. This system can only work under the condition that there are no
appliances in the room that constantly draw current, such as a television set in standby
mode or a clock radio. The Biorupteur switches on again as soon as a load is connected.
This sort of switch is not expensive, and it can easily be fitted in the electrical cabinet.’
‘A more elaborate solution is to install shielded, absorbent installation cables. They can
be used everywhere in the house except the bathroom. Due to the materials used, our
VMVB cable protects the surrounding area against all electromagnetic fields and
frequencies present in the cable. VMVB cable can be installed just as easily as
conventional cable. We also recommend using metal distribution boxes, earthing them
properly, and routing the electrical supply cable so that it passes as little as possible
beneath the house on its way inside.’

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The opinion of Gilbert Decat, researcher
Gilbert Decat is project manager for non-ionising radiation at the Flemish Institute for
Technological Research (VITO).
‘Our project group specializes in measuring and assessing electromagnetic fields and
their effects on human health. It is brought to our attention, virtually every day that there
is a need for reliable information on electrosmog, not only on the part of government
bodies but also among the general population. For this reason, we try to keep up to date
on all aspects of electrosmog. In addition, it is always important to examine new
technologies with a critical eye and to closely monitor the progress of various studies. In
my opinion, the precautionary principle is justified.
With regard to health risks, I rely primarily on the latest SCENIHR report (2007) and the
findings of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Based on the incidence of childhood leukaemia, the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) has classified ELF magnetic fields as ‘potentially carcinogenic’.
However, this is not supported by any mechanisms that can explain a possible
connection between ELF magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia. According to recent
studies, a connection with breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases is also unlikely,
and up to now, no connection with hypersensitivity has been shown (source: SCENIHR,
2007).
At present, the results of epidemiological studies suggest that the use of mobile phones
by persons under the age of 10 creates no risk of brain tumours. However, there is some
evidence of an association with acoustic neuroma. Very few epidemiological studies are
available for diseases other than cancer (source: SCENIHR, 2007). Exposure to RF
fields from transmitter towers is also not considered to be a health hazard in the short or
long term. As wireless networks usually produce even weaker RF signals, this applies to
them as well (source: WHO).’
The persons quoted here bear responsibility only for the parts of this document in which
they are quoted explicitly. Their contribution to this article does not necessarily imply that
they agree with the opinions of other quoted persons or with the entire content of the
document.