Electromagnetic Pollution Measurement
H. Dean McKay · 1971
1971 research first recognized electromagnetic emissions from technology as 'pollution' requiring systematic measurement and monitoring.
Plain English Summary
This 1971 research by McKay focused on developing methods to measure and monitor electromagnetic pollution across the radio frequency spectrum. The study addressed the growing need for systematic EMF measurement techniques as electronic devices became more prevalent. This represents early recognition that electromagnetic emissions from technology required scientific monitoring.
Why This Matters
This 1971 study represents a pivotal moment in EMF science - the first formal recognition that our electronic devices create 'electromagnetic pollution' requiring measurement and monitoring. McKay's work came at a time when television, radio, and early electronic systems were proliferating, yet no standardized methods existed to assess their cumulative electromagnetic impact on our environment.
What makes this research particularly significant is its early use of the term 'electromagnetic pollution' - acknowledging that man-made EMF represents a form of environmental contamination. This was decades before cell phones, WiFi, and smart devices would create the complex electromagnetic environment we live in today. The study's focus on spectrum conservation also reveals early awareness that uncontrolled EMF emissions could interfere with essential communications systems.
Figures from the Original Paper
Diagrams extracted from the original research document.
Exposure Details
- Power Density
- 1 milliwatt per square centimeter
Exposure Context
This study used 1 milliwatt per square centimeter for radio frequency:
- 100Mx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.1 μW/m²
- 1.7Mx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 0.0006 μW/cm²
Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
To analyze electromagnetic pollution and develop measurement systems for assessing its impact on the environment and biological systems
The study analyzes electromagnetic pollution through measurement systems including remote monitoring...
The document describes various monitoring systems including remote monitoring stations, fixed statio...
Electromagnetic pollution has become a very real problem due to the proliferation of spectrum users and abusers. Control of electromagnetic pollution is certain to become necessary, but first we must be able to measure it. The study concludes that monitoring systems must provide data concerning both power density and peak field intensity to adequately assess electromagnetic pollution effects.
Show BibTeX
@article{electromagnetic_pollution_measurement_g4296,
author = {H. Dean McKay},
title = {Electromagnetic Pollution Measurement},
year = {1971},
}