Electrosmog

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Electrosmog or e-smog (from electrical and smog ) is a colloquial expression for the daily stresses on humans and the environment through technically generated (artificial) electrical , magnetic and electromagnetic fields , some of which are assumed to be (undesirable) biological Could have effects. The term electrosmog is often used disparagingly. Linguistically, the expression electrosmog can be classified as a dysphemism . A neutral synonym for this is "electromagnetic radiation exposure".

The compatibility of verifiable immissions from electromagnetic fields for the environment and in particular the health compatibility and reasonableness for humans are referred to by the term electromagnetic environmental compatibility (EMVU). People who state that they experience such effects are considered to be electro-sensitive . The permissible limit values ​​for this are regulated within the framework of electromagnetic environmental compatibility in various directives , standards and laws . Influences of electromagnetic fields on technical equipment are described in the context of electromagnetic compatibility .

Demarcation

The not exactly defined term electrosmog and the fuzzy demarcation usually exclude thermal radiation and ionizing radiation (through radioactivity ), although these are also electromagnetic waves or particle radiation .

A distinction must also be made between the terms electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic environmental compatibility (EMC), whereby EMC deals with the mutual influence of electrical and electronic devices and facilities.

The effects of the primarily artificially generated electromagnetic fields on the environment, especially on humans, are listed under causes (EMVU) . The underlying principles are based on the fact that a DC magnetic field is created around an electrical conductor through which direct current flows and a changing electromagnetic alternating field is created around a conductor through which AC current flows . In the context of EMVU, a distinction is made between static, low-frequency and high-frequency alternating fields and different types of modulation with various potential biological effects.

history

Historical illustration of protective clothing that is supposed to protect against the waves of radiotelegraphs

Fears about possible harmful effects of high-voltage lines and electromagnetic fields on the environment and people are not new and have existed since the beginning of technical use in the middle of the 19th century, as the following example from the area of ​​the beginnings of electrical power engineering shows :

In 1890, officials of the Royal Directorate General in Bavaria were forbidden to attend the opening ceremony of the first German AC power plant, the Elektricitäts-Werke Reichenhall , or to enter the engine room. The first public power station in Bavaria was used for public lighting in Bad Reichenhall , and the reason given for the ban was the high voltage of 2  kV , which was unique at the time . At the same time, when working with high voltage, there are certainly special safety regulations to avoid electrical accidents , as they are standardized today in the Five Safety Rules and in rules such as working under voltage .

With the advent of the first radio telegraphy and its telegraph stations , there were also fears about the technical forerunners of today's base stations from the field of communications technology . In April 1911, for example, the US magazine The Atlanta Constitution reported on the possible danger of waves from radio telegraphs, which, in addition to tooth loss, should also lead to hair loss over time and drive people crazy.

“ When the wireless age arrived - and wireless telephony will soon be added to wireless telegraphy - our air will be so charged with electricity that human beings will feel its influence in a hundred different ways. Already it seems to have attacked our teeth. Tomorrow we may find, that our hair is dropping out from the same cause, and eventually it may deprive us of our senses and even our lives. "

- Rolf Hensingmüller : The Atlanta Constitution, page C6, April 30, 1911 online

As a remedy, protective clothing that looks like a raincoat has been suggested. It should protect the wearer against the harmful effects of the waves from radiotelegraphs:

" Unless some process of insulation of this character is adopted, however, the only course for us to pursue will be to wear insulated garments to protect us. This garment will take the form of a rubber coat, with a helmet of the same material. The entire face will have to be kept covered, goggles being provided for the purpose of sight, and an air valve for breathing purposes. "

- Rolf Hensingmüller : The Atlanta Constitution, page C6, April 30, 1911

Scientific investigations

The muscle stimulation effect of high, low-frequency electrical and magnetic fields as well as the thermal effect of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation on water-containing tissue are scientifically proven (see electromagnetic environmental compatibility ). The limit values ​​in the area of ​​electromagnetic environmental compatibility are also based on these facts. Effects in the low dose range are discussed controversially in science today. In order to be considered scientifically proven, a conclusive thesis (effect model) must be present, which is irrefutably confirmed in experiments or epidemiological studies, otherwise one would have a cum hoc ergo propter hoc . The effects observed, such as changes in brain waves or in vitro tests on cells in which double-strand breaks have been observed, are just as inadequate as evidence of a health hazard, as are unreproduced significant results that are also to be expected if there is no effect.

In April 2017, the EMF portal lists 24,569 publications on the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMVU / EMF).

Based on the facts at the time, the IARC classified cell phone radiation as " possibly carcinogenic " . It refers to a study from 2004, the intensive use of mobile phones increased by 40% risk of developing a glioma determined. A large scientific study in Australia found no increase in the incidence of brain tumors between 1982 and 2013, although mobile phone use began during this period and now over 90% of the population uses a mobile phone.

Several reviews of previous research point to a possible negative effect of electromagnetic radiation, including from cell phones, on the quality of sperm in men. However, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection does not currently assume that electromagnetic radiation has a causal influence on fertility. International bodies encourage further research.

Statements from official bodies and organizations

The WHO published a document on electromagnetic fields in July 2002 which stated:

“Low-frequency electric fields affect the human body just as they affect any other material made up of charged particles. When electric fields hit conductive materials, they influence the spatial distribution of electric charges on the material surface. They cause a current to flow through the body to the earth. Low-frequency magnetic fields induce currents in the human body that flow on closed circular paths. The strength of these currents depends on the strength of the external magnetic field. If these currents are strong enough, they can stimulate nerves and muscles or influence other biological processes. "

The WHO comes to the conclusion that the “current knowledge does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to weak electromagnetic fields”. However, there are “still some gaps in our knowledge of biological effects”, which makes further research necessary. The State Medical Directorate of the State of Salzburg warned in 2003, without citing evidence: “Electrosmog can, among other things, affect and disrupt the vegetative and central nervous system, hormones, chromosomes and cells. Too strong and too long exposure to electrosmog can also lead to various diseases. ”In 2013, the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC), which is part of the WHO, classified low-frequency magnetic fields (such as from high-voltage power lines) as“ possibly carcinogenic ” (Category 2B, see Carcinogen ).

Studies that became known due to methodological errors or a lack of repeatability are listed in a statement by the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection . Up until May 2015, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection warned that non-ionizing radiation could have health consequences and recommended “minimizing personal radiation exposure through your own initiative”: “Different concepts serve both to protect against immediate dangers and as a precaution.” In more recent statements it seems to have refrained from these cautious warnings. With regard to a possible disruption of the blood-brain barrier , there were no “indications of health-relevant effects”. With regard to general cognition, the Federal Office states: "All of the influences described, if they should be causal, point to minimal physiological reactions and in no case mean impairment of health or performance."

controversy

In the subjective determination of what could trigger electrosmog, not only physical connections play a role, but also various forms of fear of science and technology. The discussion about the effects of electrosmog is often emotional, subjective and unscientific. In this context, various warnings in the media of negative effects are not unusual. Mutual allegations of manipulation with regard to the type of data collection and the conclusions drawn from the results are raised for studies. Subjective impressions say nothing about the existence of damage, as they are subject to suggestive influences and therefore cannot be used.

An open discussion is often suppressed with ideological severity in order to save the effort of a balanced evaluation or because uncomfortable results are feared. You accuse each other of manipulating studies in your own interest or deliberately drawing wrong conclusions and constructing conspiracy theories . Often a general proof of harmlessness is also required, even for as yet unknown, suspected effect models, which cannot be fulfilled for epistemological reasons. In principle, only a certain harmfulness could be proven.

Suspected harmfulness

Proponents of the thesis "Electrosmog is harmful" assume that the electromagnetic radiation currently common in everyday life has a harmful effect on the human organism, even if the levels are low and thermal effects are negligible in view of the low energies. In their opinion, for example, a study carried out by a group of general practitioners from Upper Franconia, which would have found a harmful effect with a certain statistical significance, and a large number of subjective statements about mental disorders would speak for this .

Many technologies and substances were only found to be harmful at a later point in time, so caution should also be exercised with electromagnetic fields. Examples are ionizing radiation such as X-rays , radioactivity or certain chemical substances such as asbestos or thalidomide .

Denied harmfulness

Proponents of the thesis “Electrosmog is harmless” argue that it is not sufficient to state statistically significant studies that are supposed to prove damage. Because even if the effect does not exist and all studies are free of errors, it can be expected that a “ statistically significant ” effect will be found erroneously in a certain part, roughly 5% of the studies . In addition, there are often errors in the experimental setup or in the data collection that simulate a significant effect. Only independently reproducible significant studies are meaningful.

However, studies that found a harmful effect could not have been reproduced so far, or methodological or systematic errors had been made. Studies have shown no connection between exposure to radiation and the occurrence of symptoms in allegedly electro-sensitive people; this is known as the nocebo effect . Evidence for the health effects is based in part on anecdotal reports.

Countermeasures offered on the market

Sometimes so-called electrosmog or cell phone radiation filters are offered, which are built into the cell phone to protect against radiation. The effect is doubtful from the point of view of electromagnetic environmental compatibility, since this “filtering” does not create a closed shield . Their use could impair the radio contact of the device and disrupt the control loop between the mobile phone and the base station. As a reaction, the mobile radio device would transmit with a higher power than would be necessary without the "filter", and any harmfulness would be increased rather than reduced.

To reduce the electrical fields emanating from the electrical installation , mains isolators are available on the market. Such a switch installed in the electricity meter and fuse cabinet after the fuses, disconnects the line in the house distribution system from the power grid as long as no power is drawn from it, but automatically reconnects it as soon as a consumer is switched on.

High-frequency electromagnetic alternating fields can be reduced with electrically conductive shields that are closed on all sides . The effect of non-ferromagnetic, metallic housings against alternating magnetic fields is based on eddy currents in the housing, the magnetic field of which partially compensates for the fields. The quantity of the shielding effect is recorded by the shielding attenuation parameter , the description and recording of which is the working range of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

In addition to effective measures, money is also made with ineffective antidotes; they may further sensitize electro-sensitive people.

Typical facts

During the construction of the North Hospital in Vienna, an esoteric and “energetic” was awarded a EUR 95,000 contract to train a “ring to ward off negative energies”. The contract entailed an investigation by the Hospital Association (KAV) in order to check compliance with the budgetary principles of economic efficiency and expediency. The responsible manager was withdrawn. Employment law and possible criminal law consequences as well as claims for damages were examined. In fact, there are railway lines with overhead lines in the vicinity of the site, but they only influenced imaging devices. Railway overhead lines z. B. in Germany and Austria typically generate magnetic fields with a frequency of 16.7 Hz in the vicinity, tram networks generate direct fields with a superimposed alternating field. Both of these can affect devices that work with magnetic fields, for example tube monitors.

See also

literature

  • Andras Varga: The basis of electrosmog in pictures. Measurement, calculation, biological evaluation . Environment and Medicine, Heidelberg 2002, ISBN 3-00-009180-7 .
  • Norbert Leitgeb: Do electromagnetic fields make you sick? - Rays, waves, fields and their effects on our health . 3. Edition. Springer, Vienna 2000, ISBN 3-211-83420-6 .

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Electrosmog . In: Building Construction Department of the City of Zurich (Ed.): Building + Ecology . Information sheet 5.7, February 2002.
  2. ↑ Physics - Basic physical terms of EMF terminology. Website emf-info, accessed on December 29, 2016 .
  3. ↑ EMC and EMC
  4. ↑ What is electrosmog made of?
  5. ^ Toni Schmidberger: The first alternating current power plant in Germany . Bad Reichenhall 1984.
  6. ↑ 100 Years of Electrosmog Scare-mongering , Information Center Against Mobile Communications, queried on August 4, 2012
  7. ↑ EMF portal - scientific literature database of the FEMU Aachen on the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMVU / EMF)
  8. ↑ World Health Organization - Cancer risk with intensive cell phone use. on: sueddeutsche.de , May 31, 2011.
  9. ↑ Evaluation - WHO sees a possible connection between cell phones and cancer. on: spiegel.de , June 1, 2011.
  10. ↑ IARC press release 208. (PDF; 257 kB) May 31, 2011.
  11. ↑ IARC press release 200. (PDF; 180 kB) on the Interphone study from May 17, 2010.
  12. ↑ Simon Chapman, Lamiae Azizi, Qingwei Luo, Freddy Sitas: Has the incidence of brain cancer risen in Australia since the introduction of mobile phones 29 years ago? In: Cancer Epidemiology . Volume 42, 2016, pp. 199-205. DOI: 10.1016 / j.canep.2016.04.010 .
  13. ↑ KK Kesari, A. Agarwal, R. Henkel: Radiations and male fertility. In: Reproductive biology and endocrinology: RB&E. Volume 16, number 1, December 2018, p. 118, doi : 10.1186 / s12958-018-0431-1 , PMID 30445985 , PMC 6240172 (free full text) (review).
  14. ↑ Jessica A. Adams, Tamara S. Galloway, Debapriya Mondal, Sandro C. Esteves, Fiona Mathews: Effect of mobile telephones on sperm quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis . In: Environment International . Volume 70, 2014, pp. 106-112. DOI: 10.1016 / j.envint.2014.04.015 . (Review) ( Open Access )
  15. ↑ Influence of electromagnetic fields from cell phones on male fertility. August 5, 2019, accessed June 9, 2020 .
  16. ↑ a b World Health Organization: What are electromagnetic fields? Overview of health effects ( PDF file; 64 kB ).
  17. ↑ State of Salzburg: Electrosmog and Health, What Everyone Can Do For Himself ( PDF file; 359 kB ( Memento from July 3, 2013 in the Internet Archive )), brochure from November 19, 2003, accessed in November 2012 at salzburg.gv.at .
  18. ^ IARC Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans , Volume 102: Non-ionizing Radiation . Part 2: Radiofrequency, Electromagnetic Fields . Lyon 2013, p. 419 ( PDF file ).
  19. ↑ Federal Office for Radiation Protection: Compilation of studies that aroused public interest and their assessment by the BfS ( PDF file; 53 kB ).
  20. ↑ DECT - radiation source in the apartment. Federal Office for Radiation Protection, January 31, 2006, accessed on January 27, 2018 (press release).
  21. ↑ Federal Office for Radiation Protection: Electromagnetic Fields ( Memento of May 27, 2015 in the Internet Archive ), archived website.
  22. ↑ Federal Office for Radiation Protection: The blood-brain barrier (BHS) - assessment , on the website of the German Mobile Radio Research Program (DMF).
  23. ↑ Federal Office for Radiation Protection: Brain, Cognition and Sleep , on the website of the German Mobile Radio Research Program (DMF).
  24. ↑ Horst Eger, Klaus Uwe Hagen, Birgitt Lucas, Peter Vogel, Helmut Voit: Influence of the spatial proximity of mobile radio transmitters on the incidence of cancer ( Memento from September 21, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) environment medicine society No. 17, April 2004 (article not peer-reviewed , however, the BfS statement is available in the second report of the federal government on the research results in relation to the emission reduction possibilities of the entire mobile radio technology and in relation to health effects , on the Naila study on p. 6)
  25. ^ Forschungsgemeinschaft Funk: Newsletter 3/2006 ( Memento of September 21, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) p. 28.
  26. ↑ Gerlinde Kaul (Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Berlin November 2006) online: http://www.baua.de/nn_49914/de/Themen-von-AZ/Elektromagnetische-Felder/pdf/Vortrag-05.pdf
  27. ↑ Stacy Eltiti, Denise Wallace, Anna Ridgewell, Konstantina Zougkou, Riccardo Russo, Francisco Sepulveda, Dariush Mirshekar-Syahkal, Paul Rasor, Roger Deeble, Elaine Fox (2007): Does Short-Term Exposure to Mobile Phone Base Station Signals Increase Symptoms in Individuals Who Report Sensitivity to Electromagnetic Fields? A Double-Blind Randomized Provocation Study. In: Environmental Health Perspectives vol 115, number 11: 1603-1608. doi : 10.1289 / ehp.10286
  28. ↑ Swiss interest group for those affected by electrosmog: The imaginary cows and fearful pigs of Beromünster. February 19, 2009.
  29. ^ Fear of electrosmog: Making money with esoteric humbug - SRF, March 18, 2014
  30. ↑ Questionable Products for Protection against Radiation: How to Earn Money with Fear of Electrosmog - SZ, February 13, 2012
  31. ↑ An energetic idea from the chief medical officer? orf.at, March 17, 2018, accessed March 18, 2018.