No human being has yet lived his/her entire life surrounded by computers
and mobile telephones...
Based on bioelectrochemistry, life on earth developed over millions
of years. Gradually replacing most alternative energy sources, artificial
electricity is only about 120 years old. New applications are continuously
found and now there are no electro-smog-free areas on the earth.
Radiation from radar, antennae, satellites and radioactivity reaches
everywhere.
Electric equipment disturbs other electric equipment, and much
money is invested to protect machines from each other. Are we less
sensitive than machines or will electromagnetic overload damage
our tissues as it does electronic equipment?
Can technology itself solve the problems it has created, or will
we have to change our life styles or perish?
Alternating currents
Varying in strength with climate and localization, electric and
magnetic fields are naturally present. During a thunderstorm, for
example, very strong electric fields are created and in times of
sun-spot activity, increased magnetic fields have been measured.
The earth is a large magnet with a positive (north) and a negative
(south) pole, making it possible for birds to orientate.
Alternating current, quickly changing direction, is used in the
public network. Natural alternating fields are rare and usually
weak. When the first public electric network was introduced in New
York in 1882, it was based on direct current (12V) which resembles
natural electricity. Direct current is still used in specific applications.
Fields and frequencies
Radiation is transmission of energy. Ionizing radiation, such as
X-rays and radioactivity, is strong enough to break down atoms.
Non-ionizing radiation, such as electrostatic, electric and magnetic
fields and electromagnetic waves, emitted from all electric equipment,
is now also accused of having adverse effects. Health risks have
been related to microwaves (from satellite television, mobile telephones,
radar and microwave ovens) and radiofrequent waves emitted from
radio stations, but also as by-products in many other types of electric
equipment, where high frequencies are used. High frequent fields
are also emitted from battery-driven equipment, such as lap-top
computers. In general, the exposure diminishes with the distance
to the apparatus.
Electric and magnetic fields are abbreviated EMF*. Electrostatic
fields do not penetrate the body and electric fields are relatively
easy to shield. Magnetic fields, however, are capable of penetrating
humans as well as buildings
In 1965, the Federal Radiation Control, USA, made a statement about
ionizing radiation: "the level at which biological injury will
occur is unknown". Is there a safe level of EMF exposure? *
the flux density, magnetic induction is measured in Tesla - T, T
or nanotesla, nT
Early warnings
In the 1930's, operators of short-wave equipment, such as strong
transmitters, reported symptoms6), such as headaches, dizzyness,
nausea and lack of concentration (called radar- or microwave disease
by the Russians), and so did hospital personnel where short-wave
treatment was used. Radio amateurs working with non-shielded equipment
experienced the same problems in the 1950's. In Soviet studies of
substation operators certain effects on health were reported in
the 60's3).
Cancer
In 1964, a Russian researcher, Kholodov, reported cell death in
areas of the brain in rabbits exposed to EMF. A number of cancer
alarms, involving children living in the vicinity of high currency
power cables, came from USA and the Soviet Union in the 1970's.
A Danish study showed an increased risk of male breast cancer in
male telecommunication engineers6) and an occupational EMF exposure
female breast cancer link has been suggested3)6). Cancer has also
been related to mobile (cellular) telephones and fluorescent light.(malign
melanoma)6).
Many studies were performed on professions with high exposure to
electromagnetic fields. In a not yet published study, the Swedish
National Institute of Occupational Health (Floderus et al) investigated
the general cancer statistics of 2,4 million employees in different
professions and found an 80 % higher cancer risk in the most electrically
exposed groups, such as electricians, technical engineers, kitchen
personnel, machine and motor mechanics and seamstresses. Many different
types of cancer were represented.
It has been shown in laboratory tests that magnetic fields around
1 T encourage cancer cells to divide10) , and work day average field
strengths of 0,2-0,4 T appear to be the level above which there
could be an increased risk3).
Birth defects
Beginning with the animal research of Prof. Delgado, Spain, more
than 20 years of research have clearly demonstrated that the foetus
can be affected by low EMF. Two recent Finnish studies show that
low-frequency fields from high radiation computer screens increase
the risk of miscarriage 2-3,5 times. A fivefold higher risk of EPL
(early pregnancy loss) was found in women living in houses with
stronger magnetic fields than 0,6 /tesla6). A number of companies
such as United Airlines reported miscarriages in up to 50 % of their
female office employees6)10).
Women worldwide demanded reassignment to non-VDT work during pregnancy,
a requirement accepted in Sweden6).
Swedish research has recently demonstrated chromosome changes in
the cells of amniotic fluid on exposure to magnetic fields, which
if unhealed can lead to cancer, such as leukemia or spontaneous
abortions3)6)5)).
The Visual Display Terminal (VDT)
As early as the 1880's, Hollerith, the founder of IBM, constructed
the first computer-like machine where a battery effect was achieved
by combining a tray filled with mercury with pins of a dissimilar
metal. When the liquid and the solid metals touched, the electric
circuit was completed. The device was capable of picking and reprinting
information from pre-registered cards11).
Based on the same principle, the first cathode ray tube (CRT) had
selenium in one end and metals in the other. Selenium was later
replaced by caesium. During the second World War, cataracts in operators
of radarscopes with CRTs were reported11).
The CRT is used as a picture tube in all equipment with a visual
display. Due to the radiation*, including leakage of X-rays* (limit
value USA 0,5 mR/h), TV watchers were recommended to stay at a respectable
distance from the apparatus, which, however, is very difficult when
using a personal computer (PC). The old slogan "power to the
people" gets a new meaning here. The first PC was introduced
by IBM in 1978. Non-flickering computer screens, developed in the
early 80's, emit more high-frequency fields than previous screens.
The first complaints of adverse effects came at the end of the 70's.
Alarm reports on electrically injured subjects now come from more
than 25 countries.
*near ultraviolet (UV), near infrared (IR), radio frequent, extremely
low frequency (ELF) and ultrasonic radiation.
** a federal survey found that one in 12 computer monitors was leaking
enough X-rays to expose the operator to the equivalent of one chest
X-ray every day.
Many symptoms
At first, the symptoms are mainly localized to the skin, but later
dizziness, headaches, exhaustion, lack of concentration, oblivion,
muscle and skeletal pains, stomach aches, palpitations, weakening
of hands and joints, cramps and fainting also develop. It has been
suggested that the so-called Repetitive Strain Syndrome*** (RSI)
is also connected to VDT exposure9).
A joint US-Finnish study team found a strong occupational link between
EMF exposure and Alzheimer's (VDT-News, Sept/Oct, '94).
The long-term effects are emphasized and the problems are not limited
to VDTs. Obliged to avoid all electrical equipment and sometimes
daylight, some extremely sensitive patients hide from civilization.
In the 90's, support groups for electro-smog victims were organized
(see page 27). The Swedish group with 1800 members is probably the
largest. The Swedish Union of Clerical and Technical Employees in
Industry has (1995), as the first union in the world, decided officially
to take sides with the electrically sensitive (ES) patients (see
sep. address).
The NCRP (Nuclear Control and Radiation Protection) in the USA recommends
new EMF limit values - 0,2 T for day nurseries, schools, etc.(1995)
Cross-scientific controversy
To be able to determine whether relatively weak fields could affect
biological systems knowledge of physics, electrical laws, biology,
medicine as well as clinical experience was required. At the end
of the 80's, the problem of electro-smog developed into a political
and economic controversy5).
According to one side, there could be no such damaging influence
on human systems from weak EMF. Instead other factors such as chemicals,
stress, and personality were investigated, involving disciplines
such as chemistry, psychology and sociology.
The other side claimed that even if it was, at present state of
knowledge, impossible to explain this complicated phenomenon, it
was scientifically evident that there was some kind of a connection
between electrical equipment and health problems.
The debate intensified. New projects were initiated and international
congresses arranged. Although the right to life and bodily safety
should apply to this group of patients in a constitutional state,
the victims seldom received any recognition for their complaints
and most law suits failed. Politically and economically uncomfortable,
many ES patients end up in mental hospitals.
Concerned about their personnel, however, the Social Health and
Welfare Board, Sweden, however, reconstructed their own electrical
system for health preventive reasons. Other companies, have done
the same; Ellemtel, Volvo, Bofors, SKF and SAS to mention a few.
The computer operators of the JAS-plane (defence airplane) project
have been guaranteed an EMF-free house6).
So-called low-radiation screens also provoke reactions in many patients.
Nokia Monitor has their aim set on a zero-radiation screen.
Since it cannot be excluded that the increasing fields could be
potentially dangerous to living organisms, many researchers from
both camps now regard the problem as "multifactorial"5).
Biologically possible
The genetic code is the same for all life, except for mitochondria*.
The behavioural pattern of honey bees is seriously disturbed on
exposure of low EMF (Smith 1989, Harm 1982). After extensive barn
electrification, some American cows developed "anorexia"11).
Structural and functional changes in nerve cells in the brains of
rabbits exposed to electric fields have been documented. The number
of mitochondria were reduced and 500-1200 lamellar bodies/cell were
found. This normally only happens under exceptional pathological
conditions. The animals became very slow7).
Extremely weak currents (1 microA) caused a 30 % reduction in the
uptake of the amino acid proline, a central component in connective
tissue (MacLeod et al 1987). Effects of magnetic radiation of the
nucleic acids of the cells have been reported (see Liboff et al
1984).
The electrochemical cell
According to the German researcher, Dr. U.Warnke Ph.D at the University
of Saarlandes, the formation of the fuel of the cell (ATP) is affected
by EMF, causing energy deficiency (can also be caused by other exposures
or deficiencies)10).
Our cellular information exchange system is based on weak electrical
impulses. The effect of the cell is maximally 70-80 mV. In this
microcosmos, each molecule and electron has its own place and energy
field (Warnke 1993). Radiation travels. It is emitted from objects
with high potential and is absorbed by those of low energy (here
the human). The cell's internal and external system of information
exchange is disturbed, causing a biological chain reaction, including
increased cell division (Adey 1986).
Calcium
Many of the functions of the cell are controlled by calcium and
other minerals crossing the cell membranes7). Exposed to a magnetic
field, the cell's calcium level is increased within two minutes10).
The liberation of calcium from nerve tissue has been shown to increase
under EMF exposure. Frequency-dependent, the effect is maximized
at 16 Hz (Bawin & Adey 1976), but nothing happens at 5 Hz.
The secretion of cellular products such as neuropeptides (see page
) and hormones is dependent on calcium, which is also essential
for a number of intracellular reactions7).
Resent research in Umeå, Sweden, has mapped the mechanism
behind the calcium liberation. A cellular protein, CD45, is "responsible"
for the cellular reactivity to EMF.
Melatonin
Sensitive to radiation and light, the hormone melatonin, is formed
in the pineal gland. Some frequencies (> 0,4 T) contribute to
diminished melatonin production**). Due to the delayed effect it
takes 2,5 weeks of low EMF (light, UHF) exposure for the production
to diminish to under the limit value10).
Melatonin regulates hormones, important for our well-being, such
as serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, prolactin (stress hormone),
and the sleep-hormone somatotropin. Deficiencies can cause insomnia
as well as depression (Ferrier et al, 1982, Lewy 1983). Melatonin
also controls our immune system (Maestroni et al. 1986) and it can
inhibit the growth of breast cancer (Cohen et al. 1988), prostate
cancer (Philo/Berkowitz 1988), ovary cancer (Leone et al. 1988)
and melanome (Narita/Kudo 1985)
Long-term deficiencies can lead to an increased incidence of cancer
(Blask 1984; Reiter 1988),
fertility changes (Reiter 1980) and prolonged feeling of jet lag
(Arendt 1988).
It takes about 3-14 days for the pineal gland to recuperate after
ceased exposure to EMF10).
*: minor organelle, incorporated in the cytoplasm of the cell, in
humans as well as animals and plants. It has its own DNA. At an
early stage in evolution, the mitochondria used to be separate organisms.
They are the energy providers of the cell.
** 0,01W/cm2 is enough for this to happen and a 100 % reduction
is achieved at 0,5 W/cm2 (Brainard et al. 1983).
Chemicals
Electro-sensitive patients in Australia report having developed
their EMF-symptoms after exposure to pesticides1).
There is a basic duality between chemical structure and frequencies4).
British researchers found that atomic radiation and chemicals induce
similar effects. In some types of medical treatment, chemicals are
used to increase the effects of radiation. Prof. Adey from USA studied
the effects of EMF for 30 years. He emphasizes the combination effects.
Some chemicals can be activated from EMF with the same frequency
as in power cables.
When the metal housing in computers was replaced by plastic components,
the previous shielding was not regarded as necessary. The result
was more radiation and increased emission of chemicals, 6)11).
50,000 new chemicals are introduced every year. The limit values
are usually set for one substance at a time, without consideration
of combination effects. Electrical devices such as TV screens contain
chemicals such as fire retardant, emitted when the apparatus is
in use (=warm). In 1990 IBM measured an emission of up to 50 chemicals
from their screens, all of them, of course, under the limit value
for each chemical6).
In the semi-conductor industry in Silicon Valley, many odd chemicals
and metals such as arsenic, iridium and gallium are used. Gases,
silanes, boran and chlorine, are formed. Working in "clean",
dust-free, sterile rooms, the employees suffered from inexplicable
symptoms of disease6).
The increased use of the toxic metal Beryllium in computers and
other electric equipment is another health hazard3).
Oxidative stress and metals
Metals conduct electricity. Copper, for example, is used in electrical
wires. Metal exposure is not necessary for electromagnetic fields
to have biological effects, but it can increase the process. Some
life-essential metals and trace elements are always present in our
bodies in small quantities. (The presence of ferromagnetic materials
support the idea that we have a basic ability to sense weak magnetic
fields4)). Lately the exposure to and absorption of larger "unwanted"
quantities of sometimes toxic heavy metals, such as mercury, lead
and cadmium has increased.
The keyboard in older metallic computers was earthed to the chassis
of the visual display and electricity was drained into wall sockets
and on to the building's ground. With the new plastic housing all-in-one
VDTs, the electricity is instead earthed through the "metallic"
human, overloading the central nervous system, causing backaches,
swelling and sore skin around the ankles and feet11).
Due to its unpaired electron, electro-sensitivity is a basic property
of a free radical. It is known that some metals enhance biological
effects by producing more reactive radicals. Iron overload produces
photosensitivity and enhances radiation and free radical effects3).
Other metals, which enhance radiation (ionizing) effects include
mercury, copper, platinum, chromium, ruthenium, cobalt, cadmium,
vanadium, silver and arsenic. It cannot be excluded that these metals
can also enhance EMF effects3).
Some English patients claim that they are able to listen to the
radio through their fillings. Dental amalgam consists of 50 % mercury
combined with silver, tin and copper. Metals are released from dental
amalgam by mechanical corrosion, heat and/or electric currents between
dissimilar metals, facilitated by an electrolyte, here saliva.
Commissioned to find out why divers working with under-water welding
constantly lost their amalgam fillings, T. Örtendahl and P.
Högstedt, at the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg,
Sweden, found that EMF-exposure more than doubled the mercury release
from amalgam (2,6 average value)2).
New dental amalgam blocks of 3 different types (DAB Fine Alloy,
high-copper ANA 2000 and Dispersalloy) were exposed to 4 different
computer screens (Ericsson DMU 3715-002, Ericsson DMU 3715-005,
IBM 8503-002, IBM 8513 type 5157 and Macintosh Plus. The IBM screens,
however, did not show any increased liberation of mercury. The reason
for this is unknown, and it made no difference whether the screen
was of a so-called "low-radiation" type, compensated to
diminish the magnetic fields. The alternation of the magnetic fields
probably determines how much mercury is liberated. Amalgam has a
complex structure and it can not be excluded that it reacts to certain
combinations of field strength and frequencies. More knowledge about
the factors involved is required to know exactly why and what is
happening.
In an attempt to calm the readers, Örtendahl and Högstedt,
in their documentation, finally emphasize that more mercury is dissolved
from amalgam fillings during chewing than in front of the VDT. However,
it's not that we do one thing or the other - we usually do both,
sometimes even simultaneously. In the investigation, amalgam blocks
- not fillings -.were investigated, which means there was no saliva
or any biologically active component, that could increase the effects,
present.
It is possible that other equipment, such as mobile telephones,
where some of the radio waves go through the head, has the same
effect on the dissolution of mercury from amalgam. According to
Dr. Scheingraber (biologist, mineralist and dentist), Germany10),
there are indications that simultaneous exposure to heavy metals
and EMF could increase the effects with a synergetic factor of 5-10.
With electron ron micrographs, the Norwegian scientist, Wedberg,
showed that sulphur is excreted from the bodies of VDT users. If
the protective enzyme PSH (phosphate, sulphur and hydrogen) is destroyed,
the cell cannot repair itself or combat radiation11). Since sulphur
binds with mercury, it cannot be excluded that this could also diminish
the body's defence to mercury from dental amalgam.
.
Selective and/or positive sensitivities
Some patients exclusively react to particular equipment and certain
frequencies. Sensitivities may also suddenly change frequency and/or
be intensified during certain periods of time, sometimes in connection
with other exposures. Some women feel that the level of sensitivity
is affected by the menstruation cycle.
According to Dr. Rea, Texas, USA, who has treated 500 ES patients,
American patients feel better in Europe and vice versa. This, he
thinks, is because Europe uses 50 Hz and America 60 Hz in the public
networks.
Fractures can be treated with frequencies of 20 Hz. Limited EMF
exposure can also have an anti-inflammatory effect. The efficiency
of time-regulated low EMF treatment (20-80 Hz, 1-2mv/cm, 10 min/times/days)
of patients previously exposed to radiactive irradiation was demonstrated
by Prof. Markarov, Russia3).
Exposure to pulsed fields of about 24 Hz for 1 hour/day can stimulate
growth in plants10). (Maybe that caused the rumour in the USA that
basket-ball players could be "grown" with similar techniques).
Dr. Monroe, England, found that electrosensitive patients usually
have an individual "zero-frequency" where all the symptoms
disappear. It can be found by testing the patient with an oscilloscope,
an instrument used to generate electromagnetic fields of different
frequencies. This frequency can be used to treat the patient3)4).
The chicken and the egg
Emphasizing the nature of the damage, the way they see it, some
of the support groups (for chemicals, amalgam as well as electro-smog)
call themselves "injured". Due to this "cumulative
overload", further exposure of patients to EMF during provocation
tests, etc., is regarded as unethical, and so is exposure of children
to EMF.
Terms like sensitivity or allergy*) are also used. "Hypersensitivity"
clearly indicates that, reacting to a basically harmless exposure,
the patient is to "blame" for the condition (Compare "radioactive
irradiation" where you never hear of hypersensitivity or allergy!)
The scientists Brown (1982) and Alexander (1957), said that "the
effects of radiation show up in human population as a large number
of similar illnesses".
Referring to the simultaneous appearance of the two syndromes, Ergotec,
USA, suggests that amalgam-poisoning is caused by VDT radiation9).
However, many amalgam patients never used a VDT, and the patients
of today are usually the second or third generation of victims
The amalgam density is high in Sweden. 10-25 % of the 16,000 organized
amalgam-patients are also electrically sensitive. Depending on the
way of amalgam removal and/or previous EMF-exposure, some patients
develop ES in connection with amalgam replacement, others get rid
of it. ES is usually regarded as one of the many symptoms triggered
by amalgam-poisoning, and the most difficult to "cure"3).
(why if it is just one of the symptoms?)
Dr. Marija M. Hughes, American scientist and a "survivor"
of severe ES is one of the few American patients who won a legal
battle3) against her employer. She feels that her one and only (now
removed) amalgam filling had nothing at all to do with her ES.
Dr. M. Hanson, science director of the Swedish Association of Dental
Mercury Patients, puts it this way: "a number of syndromes
such as neurasthenia, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, chemical
sensitivity, amalgam poisoning and electro-sensitivity are interrelated,
identical or overlapping. Many of the symptoms of these disorders
(with individual variations) are the same. This, together with known
effects of EMF, heavy metals and chemicals and the result of therapies
indicates that very basic biochemical and biophysical processes
are disturbed, such as the calcium balance, etc." 3)
*) From a strictly immunological point of view, it has not been
scientifically established that 'electro-sensitivity' is an 'allergy',
however, according to many scientists, it is possible ...
Medical treatment
Patients who have been exposed for a long time to strong EMFs are
the most difficult to rehabilitate, whilst those who suddenly develop
ES in connection with other exposures without previous heavy VDT
exposure are the easiest to "cure".
With varying results and sometimes side-effects, anti-depressive
medicines such as Anafranil and Cipramil (earlier relatives of Prozac)
have been used to treat ES patients. Working from a different angle,
the amino acid tryptophane has the same effect on the neurotransmitter
serotonin. Not always effective, it is definitely a milder form
of treatment. There are plans to test melatonin on this patient
group, although the long-term effects of such supplementation have
not been documented.
Anti-oxidants and a number of alternative therapies can be helpful
(see page 18), but as Dr. Olle Johansson, Sweden, put it: "If
I "cure" this patient and put her in front of a VDT again,
who will take the blame if she develops cancer within 10-30 years?"
Minimizing the exposure
Some of the measures involve long-term planning (new architecture)
in the public, work-related and private sector. Tranquil areas,
rooms with little exposure and few electric walls can be installed.
The electric cabling can be shielded and/or an automatic close-down
system can be installed (demand switch). It has been suggested that
we should go back to the use of direct current (12 V) in households
etc. Stick to your gas stove - if you still have one!
Dr. Palm, German physician, recommended (1970) that you unplug the
fuse for the bedroom when you sleep (when the light is off, EMF
increases). Sleeping with your head close to electric wiring, heating
or water pipes (vagabonding currents) should be avoided as well
as fluorescent light, electric blankets, non-medical X-ray examinations
and other medical treatment involving electricity (some patients
developed their ES after MRI scanning).
Monica Kauppi
P.S. The above article is intended as a brief introduction to a
huge subject, and for the continued debate, your comments, experience
or expertise would be most welcome! Read about high frequencies
in general and mobile telephones in particular in the next issue!
Some sources:
1) Chemical Crisis, one woman's story. Scribe Publications Australia.
ISBN 0-908011-25-3. Can be ordered from ACTA, see page 4.
2) Effekter på dental amalgam orsakade av magnetfält
genererade av bildskärmar och elektrisk svetsutrustning. Chalmers
Technical Highschool, Avd. för Ortodonti, Odontologiska kliniken,
S-413 90 Göteborg
3) Electrical and magnetic hypersensitivity, 2nd Copenhagen Conference,
1995, Jyrki Katajainen, Bengt Knave, ISBN 87-981270-2-0.
4) Electromagnetic Man. Health & Hazard in the electrical environment.
Cyril Smith & Simon Best, UK. 1989. ISBN =-460-04698-5.
5) Epidemisk masspsykos eller reell risk? (A sociological study
of the controversy surrounding electro-sensitivity). T. Brante,
H. Norman. Symposion, Sweden, 1995. ISBN :91-7139-252-1.
6) Fältslaget om de elöverkänsliga, Gunni Nordström,
Carl von Schéele, Sweden, 1995. ISBN 91-550-4083-7.
7) Några tankar kring elöverkänslighet och bildskärmsskada,
Karolinska Institute. O. Johansson, 1994. ISSN 1400-1611.
8) Occupational exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields and risk of breast
cancer in women (abstract). American Journal of Epidemiology 1995
June 1:141(11):S31
9) Pollution Alert, Ergotec Association, Inc. Bert Dumpè,
September 1993-13. lSBN: 0-9622907-2-6.
10) Strom des Lebens Strom des Todes, Electro- und Magnetosmog im
Kreuzfeuer. P.C. Mayer-Tasch, B.M. Malunat. ISBN 3-596-12483-2,
Germany, Fischer Taschenbuch Verlag GmbH. 1995.
11) X-rayed without consent,, Ergotec Association B. Dumpé.
ISBN: 0-9622907-0-X.
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