Learn About EMFs

by Julianne McKinney,
Electronic Surveillance Project

Although Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) is referred to as radiation, it does not cause
ionization and should not be confused with radiation from
radioactive sources. In general, RFR is associated with
electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging from
approximately 10 kilohertz (kHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz).
Electromagnetic waves with higher frequencies than radio waves
are, in ascending order of frequency, infrared waves, visible
light, ultraviolet waves, X-rays, and gamma rays.
   Electromagnetic waves propagate energy in "packets" called
photons. The energy of a photon is directly proportional to the
frequency of the radiation. When the photon energies equal or
exceed the binding energies of electrons to atoms, the radiation
is capable of ionizing atoms and breaking electron bonds in
biomolecules, thereby disrupting biochemical processes and
causing genetic and other damage in biological organisms.
Ultraviolet waves, X-rays, and gamma rays, are ionizing. However,
the photon energies associated with the highest radio frequencies
are several orders of magnitude lower than the weakest chemical
bonds and they cannot ionize atoms or disrupt chemical bonding.
   Thus, RFR is nonionizing and does not create the same effect
as radiation generated by radioactive sources. Its primary effect
in biological organisms is to agitate molecules, that is,
generate heat. At intensities that fall within present exposure
standards, the rate of heat generation is negligible or is within
the thermoregulatory capabilities of mammals and birds.
   There have been reports of some cases of accidental
occupational exposure to RFR intensities that exceed present
safety limits. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) has found that levels of field intensities in the FM and
TV-broadcast bands exceed present exposure limits at certain
sites that are accessible to the general public. Because of these
few cases, some members of the public may perceive that there is
a high risk associated with RFR regardless of intensity or
frequency. Public concerns are centered on the potential for
effects on humans due to both long- and short-term exposure to
RFR at GWEN frequencies and exposure levels. These concerns may
include the potential for shock hazards, birth defects, and
cancer.