SALZGITTER, Germany (dpa) – You cannot see it or smell it, but many experts fear that electrosmog could be damaging our health.
Despite its misleading name, electrosmog has nothing to do with the kind of pollution that fills many cities each summer. It is “the possible effect on health from electric, magnetic or electro-magnetic fields” from electronic devices, explained Olaf Schulz of the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection in Salzgitter.
The experts say there are two forms of this radiation: low frequency electric and magnetic fields given off by washing machines, vacuum cleaners and dish washers, and high frequency electro-magnetic fields that radiate from mobile phones.
Joachim Gertenbach of the German Federal Association Against Electrosmog, based in Wuppertal, claims: “Electronic devices create electro-magnetic fields which can result in headaches, lack of concentration, allergies or general immune weakness in people who are electro-sensitive.”
He also warns of possible “long-term damaging effects of electro-magnetic radiation”. Some experts believe it can cause cancer, although there is no scientific proof for this.
The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection therefore warns against over-reacting to the possible threat from electrosmog. But it takes seriously reports from the general public who believe their health problems can be put down to electrosmog.
Schulz said there is enough “existing scientific uncertainty” to exercise caution, and he recommends “avoiding unnecessary high fields”. In the home this means keeping electric heating away from a child’s bed, for example.
But most fears centre on high frequency radiation, such as that radiating from mobile phones. “Calls by mobile phone should be kept as short as possible,” said Schulz. He recommends using a headset to keep people further away from the antenna.
Nearly everyone is exposed to all kinds of high and low frequency fields in the course of each day without being disturbed by them. But some people, who describe themselves as electro-sensitive, attribute health effects to these fields in everyday levels.
Dieter Kuesters of the environmental analysis office Biolog, based in Muenster, says low frequency radiation fields up to 50 hertz alternating current can cause discomfort. He says the increase of electronic devices and therefore electro-magnetic fields to which man and animals are exposed on a daily basis, could be problematic.
Kuesters carries out measurements in households and offers advice on how to cut down electrosmog. He said electronic devices should be kept out of bedrooms as much as possible.
But he said even electrical cables in walls could cause problems. He therefore recommends installing special switches to cut off the electrical supply between the mains switch and electrical circuits in the house at night. He also advises blocking electronic cables behind special wallpaper or tiles.
