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Ultra low frequency radiation (ULF) — "magnetic smog"???

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Antony C. Fraser-Smith · 1980

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Fraser-Smith identified 'magnetic smog' from transit systems as environmental pollution, predicting today's widespread ULF exposure concerns.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1980 research by Antony Fraser-Smith examined ultra low frequency (ULF) magnetic radiation, which he termed 'magnetic smog,' with particular focus on emissions from BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) systems. The study investigated how these extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields create environmental pollution that affects human exposure patterns.

Why This Matters

Fraser-Smith's concept of 'magnetic smog' was remarkably prescient for 1980, decades before the mainstream recognition of electromagnetic pollution as a health concern. His focus on BART transit systems highlighted how modern infrastructure creates continuous ULF magnetic field exposure that simply didn't exist in human evolutionary history. What makes this research particularly relevant today is that ULF fields (typically below 3 Hz) can penetrate deeply into biological tissue and have been linked to disrupted circadian rhythms and neurological effects. The reality is that our exposure to this 'magnetic smog' has only intensified since 1980, with the proliferation of electrical infrastructure, power lines, and electronic devices creating a constant background of ULF radiation that our bodies must now navigate daily.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Antony C. Fraser-Smith (1980). Ultra low frequency radiation (ULF) — "magnetic smog"???.
Show BibTeX
@article{ultra_low_frequency_radiation_ulf_magnetic_smog__g6252,
  author = {Antony C. Fraser-Smith},
  title = {Ultra low frequency radiation (ULF) — "magnetic smog"???},
  year = {1980},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Fraser-Smith coined 'magnetic smog' to describe ultra low frequency magnetic radiation pollution from electrical infrastructure like BART transit systems. This term captured how modern technology creates persistent electromagnetic contamination in our environment that didn't exist naturally.
BART trains use high-voltage electrical systems that generate ultra low frequency magnetic fields as they operate. These fields extend beyond the trains themselves, creating zones of magnetic radiation exposure for passengers and nearby residents.
ULF radiation (below 3 Hz) can penetrate deeply into biological tissue and may disrupt natural biological rhythms. These extremely low frequencies can interfere with brainwave patterns and cellular processes that operate in similar frequency ranges.
Absolutely. In 1980, electromagnetic pollution wasn't widely recognized as an environmental concern. Fraser-Smith's 'magnetic smog' concept preceded mainstream awareness of EMF health effects by decades, making his work remarkably forward-thinking for the era.
Magnetic smog has dramatically increased since Fraser-Smith's 1980 research. We now have vastly more electrical infrastructure, power lines, electronic devices, and transit systems, creating continuous background ULF exposure that far exceeds historical levels.