Electric fields are produced by voltage (electrical pressure) and exist whenever a device is plugged in, even if turned off. They are measured in volts per meter (V/m). Electric fields can be blocked by walls and most materials, but often concentrate near ungrounded wiring and electronics.
Based on Building Biology Institute guidelines (V/m (volts per meter)):
Showing 294 studies with measured electric fields exposure
W. W. Mumford · 1961
This 1961 study by W.W. Mumford examined the technical aspects of microwave radiation hazards, focusing on power density levels, exposure limits, and safety standards for radar and other microwave sources. The research addressed thermal effects and established early frameworks for understanding microwave radiation risks to human health.
Wilen J et al. · 2004
Swedish researchers studied 35 workers who operate radiofrequency plastic welding machines, measuring their EMF exposure and health compared to 37 unexposed controls. The workers experienced significantly altered heart rhythms (lower heart rate and more episodes of slow heartbeat), along with impaired nerve function and increased reports of fatigue, headaches, and hand warmth sensations. Nearly a quarter of the machines exceeded international safety guidelines for EMF exposure.
Unknown authors
This technical report examines radio frequency and microwave spectrum characteristics across different frequency bands and electromagnetic field properties. The document appears to focus on the technical aspects of how electromagnetic fields behave across various frequencies. Understanding these fundamental properties is essential for evaluating potential health effects from different EMF sources.
Ye. A. Lobanova, A.V. Goncharova · 1971
This 1971 Russian study examined how ultra-short and short wave electromagnetic radiation affected conditioned reflexes (learned behaviors) in white rats. The research investigated whether EMF exposure could disrupt the nervous system's ability to form and maintain learned responses. While specific findings aren't available, this early work explored EMF's potential impact on brain function and behavior.
Lobanova EA, Goncharova AV · 1971
Soviet researchers in 1971 studied how ultrashort and short wave electromagnetic fields affected learned behaviors in white rats. This early research examined whether RF radiation could disrupt the conditioned reflexes that animals use for survival and adaptation. The study represents pioneering work investigating how electromagnetic fields might interfere with basic brain and nervous system functions.
Van Den Bossche M, Verloock L, Aerts S, Joseph W, Martens L. · 2014
Belgian researchers tested electromagnetic fields from touchscreens, energy-saving bulbs, and fluorescent lamps. They found these common devices exceed international safety limits when used within arm's reach, with touchscreens surpassing limits by 56% at close range. Users should maintain 15-25 centimeters distance for safety.
Bob Curtis · 1979
This 1979 technical report by Curtis examined the biological effects of radiofrequency and microwave radiation on human health, focusing on occupational exposure scenarios. The research reviewed epidemiological evidence and health effects from RF-microwave radiation exposure in workplace settings. This early comprehensive analysis helped establish foundational understanding of RF bioeffects during the emerging era of widespread microwave technology adoption.
Bortkiewicz et al. · 1997
Researchers studied heart function in 71 workers at AM radio broadcast stations who were regularly exposed to electromagnetic fields compared to 22 unexposed workers. They found that 75% of EMF-exposed workers showed abnormal heart rhythms on electrocardiograms, compared to only 25% of unexposed workers. This suggests that occupational EMF exposure may significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Hanada E, Kodama K, Takano K, Watanabe Y, Nose Y. · 2001
Researchers measured radio wave levels inside an 11-story hospital under construction to see if external signals could interfere with medical equipment. They found extremely high electric field intensities of 200 volts per meter from airport radar and 1.78 V/m from cell tower signals. The study suggests these levels could disrupt critical medical devices, highlighting the need for hospitals to monitor their electromagnetic environment.
Clinton Cox, William E. Murray, Jr., Edward P. Foley, Jr.
This NIOSH technical report examined radiofrequency radiation exposures from RF dielectric heat sealers in workplace settings. The study focused on occupational health risks, particularly potential effects on reproductive functions from these industrial heating devices. This research contributes to understanding how workers may be affected by high-power RF equipment used in manufacturing.
Unknown authors
This technical report provides standardized definitions for radiofrequency and microwave electromagnetic radiation, establishing the scientific framework for understanding these energy forms. The document addresses biological effects and health hazards associated with RF exposure, serving as a reference for researchers and regulators evaluating electromagnetic radiation safety.
Lasalvia M et al. · 2018
Researchers exposed human immune cells to 1.8 GHz cell phone radiation for up to 20 hours. The radiation caused cell deformation, DNA changes, and disrupted cellular energy production. These findings raise safety concerns about long-term EMF exposure effects on human health.
Zhang Y, Li Z, Gao Y, Zhang C. · 2015
Researchers exposed pregnant mice to microwave radiation throughout pregnancy and tested their offspring's behavior. They found that prenatal microwave exposure increased anxiety-like behaviors in both male and female offspring, but only impaired learning and memory in males. This study provides the first evidence that microwave radiation can cause gender-specific developmental effects on the brain.
William A. Herman, Zorach R. Glaser · 1979
The Interagency Regulatory Liaison Group (IRLG) issued an interim statement in 1979 addressing occupational RF exposure from industrial RF sealers operating at 27 MHz and 2450 MHz frequencies. This government report examined workplace safety concerns for workers operating these high-power RF devices used in manufacturing to heat and seal materials. The document represents early regulatory recognition of potential health risks from occupational RF exposure in industrial settings.
Unknown authors · 1978
This 1978 NIOSH technical report established criteria and considerations for recommended standards protecting workers from radiofrequency and microwave field exposures. The document addressed occupational safety limits for RF/microwave radiation in workplace environments. This represents early government recognition that RF and microwave exposures required formal worker protection standards.
Unknown authors · 1978
This 1978 technical report from ANS examined methods for measuring potentially hazardous electromagnetic fields in the RF and microwave spectrum. The study focused on developing standardized measurement techniques for assessing electromagnetic field exposure levels that could pose health risks. This early work laid important groundwork for understanding how to properly evaluate EMF exposure in occupational and environmental settings.
Science Information Services Department · 1978
This 1978 technical report by the Franklin Institute compiled comprehensive information on radiofrequency and microwave radiation, including sources like radar systems. The document served as an early reference guide covering the scientific understanding of RF and MW radiation properties, exposure sources, and occupational safety considerations during the late 1970s.
Unknown authors · 1978
This 1978 technical report focused on developing measurement methods for potentially hazardous radiofrequency and microwave electromagnetic fields. The research addressed the critical need for standardized techniques to assess RF and microwave exposures that could pose health risks. This work helped establish foundational measurement protocols during the early years of EMF safety research.
Non-ionizing · 1969
This 1969 review article provided an introduction to non-ionizing radiation, covering electromagnetic radiation types including radio frequency, microwave, and infrared. The paper addressed occupational exposure concerns and biological effects, establishing foundational knowledge about safety standards for non-ionizing radiation sources.
Lewicka M et al. · 2015
Polish researchers exposed human blood platelets to electromagnetic fields from car electronics, physiotherapy equipment, and LCD monitors for 30 minutes. They found that all three sources caused oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules called free radicals), with car electronics producing the strongest effects. This suggests that common electronic devices may damage our blood cells and potentially contribute to diseases linked to oxidative stress.
McCarty DE et al. · 2011
Scientists tested a doctor claiming electromagnetic hypersensitivity using 60 Hz electric fields in a double-blind study. She developed headaches, muscle twitching, and heart irregularities within 100 seconds of exposure, proving electromagnetic hypersensitivity can be a measurable neurological condition.
Z. Glaser, R. Curtis · 1978
This 1978 technical report documented radiofrequency field intensity measurements at a commercial FM/TV broadcast tower in El Paso, Texas, focusing on occupational exposure levels for workers. The study represents early efforts to quantify RF exposure levels at broadcast facilities, which can emit extremely high power levels that may pose health risks to maintenance workers and nearby residents.
Z. Glaser, R. Curtis · 1978
This 1978 technical report documented radiofrequency field intensity measurements at a commercial FM/TV broadcasting tower in El Paso, Texas. The study focused on occupational exposure levels for workers at the transmission facility, providing early data on RF field strengths around high-power broadcast antennas.
Unknown authors
This technical report presents measurement results for electric and magnetic field strengths in industrial settings. The study documented RF exposure levels across various workplace environments. Such measurements are crucial for establishing baseline exposure data and evaluating potential health risks from electromagnetic fields in occupational settings.
G. F. Plakhanov, V. V. Vedyushkina
Soviet researchers investigated whether humans could develop conditioned reflexes to high-frequency electromagnetic fields by measuring vascular responses using plethysmography. This study examined if blood vessel changes could be trained to occur in response to EMF exposure, suggesting the body's circulatory system can detect and respond to electromagnetic field changes. The research represents early evidence that EMF exposure triggers measurable physiological responses in humans.