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Here we discuss how to use EMF or ELF measuring instruments when performing electromagnetic field (EMF) or electro-magnetic radiation EMR measurements either by engaging a professional or by consumers using low-cost instruments which measure EMF exposure levels in gauss or milligauss. We discusses sources of error and variation in EMF measurements and we review and make suggestions for using several low-cost EMF measurement devices to determine the instantaneous electromagnetic field exposure.

See ENVIRO-SCARE, EMF & Property Values if you don't know what EMF, ELF, or electromagnetic fields are or if you want a summary of the possible health effects of EMF exposure and the more likely effect on the property value of homes located very close to power transmission lines. Readers who intend to make their own EMF measurements should be sure to also see WORKSHEET for EMF MEASUREMENTS and also WORKSHEET for EMF MEASUREMENTS - Example.

© Copyright 2010 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use links at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

The information provided here is for research and study purposes. The author makes no representation of unique expertise on this topic, other than having field experience in EMF measurement, having studied technical literature and having conversed with other experts and authors in the field for a number of years.

EMF Measurement Instrument Use

For position-insensitive equipment, a single reading is usually provided, directly in mG.

For position sensitive equipment you'll find an enormous range of response depending on the angle and direction in which you hold the measurement device.

While this type of instrument is more work to use (see calculations below and in spread sheet) it provides more clear indication of when you're approaching a field. Some instruments do not provide a reading directly in mG and you'll have to simply record the "raw" measurements and to convert them later.

Definition of Gauss versus Milligauss Field Strength Measurements

Some readers may be confused between two common terms used to describe the strength of an electromagnetic field: Gauss and Milligauss. Both of these terms measure the same effect, but at different ranges of strength level. It's simply a matter of moving the decimal point, as we demonstrate in our photographs above.

In our first photo (above left) the ELF EMF meter has been set to the Gauss range and we are measuring a field strength of 0.03 Gauss with our meter touching a small power transformer.

In our second photo (above right) the same ELF EMF meter has been set to its more-sensitive Milligauss range and we are measuring 25 milligauss.

Because usually the electromagnetic field strength around residential properties is very weak, most measurements will probably be made in the milligauss range. 0.03 Gauss is the same as 30 Milligauss. Our instrument, more accurate in the lower milligauss range, shows that we are actually measuring 25 milligauss, a number which was rounded up to 0.03 Gauss when the scale was shifted.

Definitions of Gauss and Milligauss for Measuring Electromagnetic Fields - EMF

Gauss is a measurement scale used to measure the strength of an electromagnetic field (EMF). The gauss level measured in a given location depends on the strength of the source of the EMF and the distance from the source. The measured field strength of an EMF falls off quite rapidly with distance (field strength declines as the square of the distance from the source).

When electrical current flows through a wire (such as in an electrical distribution wire or inside of an electric motor) an electromagnetic field is produced. Power lines, local electrical wires, air conditioning motors, computers, TVs, hair dryers, toasters, all devices that use or transport electricity will produce an electromagnetic field. Usually the strength of these filelds is low (Electric fan 1 mG, TV 1mG, chain saw 2.5 mg(?) at chest height, electric stove 6 mG, older electric blankets before circuit redesign 20 mG, and under a distribution line for electrical power transmission, 2-20 mg depending on the line height, KVA rating, and actual level of usage at the time of measurement.

If there is a concern for measuring exposure or possible exposure to electromagnetic fields, it's critical that we have a correct understanding of the levels of exposure that are being examined. For example, one of our readers informs us that that manufacturer of his pacemaker recommends avoiding exposure to electromagnetic fields stronger than 5 gauss. (EMF generated from small electric motors (such as a chain saw) measured with the saw held in normal operating position may be as much as 2.6 Gauss at the user's chest.)

When recording EMF measurements be certain that you've got the right order of magnitude.

1 Milligauss (mG) = 10^-3 Gauss, or 0.001 Gauss

Published sources provide lots of examples of producing and measuring electromagnetic fields at a known gauss level. For example, using a 1.5V battery and a 150 Ohm resistor to make a long straight wire circuit, the EMF field strength when measured at 0.1m (about 4") from the wire will be about 0.2 milligauss (mG).

NIST, focused on SI units, measures electomagnetic fields in Tesla units of magnetic flux density: magnetic flux density Tesla, Symbol: T
SI Derived unit: Wb/m2
SI Base: kg·s-2·A-1
and
Magnetic Fluxe is measured in
Weber, Symbol: Wb
SI Derived Unit: V·s
SI Base Units: m2·kg·s-2·A-1

For Position-sensitive EMF measurement instruments, three readings are necessary.

1. Horizontal (spin through 360 degrees and record highest reading)

2. Vertical (same as above)

3. Pointed towards suspected source (e.g. distant power line

To compute the actual point measurement, each of these numbers, once converted to mG, must be squared, the three squares added, and the square root taken of the sum. This is because the measurement scale is not linear, so a direct raw average would be incorrect.

In the EXCEL worksheet which we provide (at WORKSHEET for EMF MEASUREMENTS) you will observe that provision is made for recording raw data points as well as the individual mG readings. Formulas embedded in the worksheet compute the mean square average in order to obtain a valid point measurement of emf strength by this method.

Please do not contact us with a request buy EMF measuring equipment. We do not sell anything. To do so would be a conflict of interest for this website. These devices are readily available from many electrical equipment and home inspection equipment suppliers. See Evaluation of Low-Cost EMF Instruments where we describe several low-cost and reasonably accurate EMF measurement devices that are readily available.

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Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

ENVIRO-SCARE, EMF & Property Values
ENVIRO-SCARE Defined, Effects
ENVIRO-SCARE Effects on Property Values
EMF MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES
EMF SURVEY PROCEDURE - Details
  Introduction to EMF Measurement
  EMF/EMR Measurement Procedure Overview
    EMF Variability
    Electrical Utility Workers & EMF Exposure
    EMF Instrument Sensitivity & Accuracy
    EMF Polarity & Shape Affect Measurements
    Distance from the EMF Source Affects Strength
    Time of day & Season Affect EMF Strength
  Local EMF Sources May Exceed Power Line Strength
  Recommended EMF Measurement Procedure
    Outside EMF Measurements
    Outside EMF Measurement Documentation
    Indoor EMF Measurements
    Other Indoor EMF Measurement Targets
    Workplace EMF Measurements
  EMF Measurement Documentation Details
  EMF Measurement Instrument Use
    Definitions of Gauss vs Milligauss
    Position-sensitive EMF Instrument Readings
  Interpreting Electromagnetic Field Strength EMF Survey
  Evaluation of Low-Cost EMF Instruments
    Accuracy & Calibration of EMF Instruments
    Calibration of EMF Instruments in the Field
    Calibration of EMF Instruments by Electric Company
    Descriptions of Low-Cost EMF Instruments
    F.W. Bell Model 4060 ELF Meter
    Safeco™ analog EMF ELF EMR meter
    Walker Scientific ELF-50D™ Digital EMF Meter
References for Electromagnetic Fields and Cancer
WORKSHEET for EMF MEASUREMENTS
WORKSHEET for EMF MEASUREMENTS - Example
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE to Electromagnetic Fields

References for Electromagnetic Fields and Cancer Risk/Carcinogenicity

• Electric Power Lines, Electromagnetic Fields, Cancer Risk, & "Enviro-Scare" - The Normal Curve Cycle of Public Fear About Environmental Issues - online document by DF
• A Procedure for Measuring EMF electromagnetic fields online document by DF
• Consumer Product Safety Commission, 800-638-CPSC.
• US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances, TSCA Assistance Office (TS-799), 800-424-9065 or 202-554-1404.
• "Evaluation of Potential Carcinogenicity of Electromagnetic Fields," EPA Report #EPA/600/6-90/005B October 1990. EPA: 513/569-7562.
• "Biological Effects of Power Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields" background paper, prepared as part of OTA's assessment of "Electric Power Wheeling and Dealing: Technological Considerations for Increasing Competition," prepared for OTA by Indira Nair, M. Granger Morgan, H. Keith Florig, Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
• "Biological Effects of Power Line Fields," New York State Powerline Project. Scientific Advisory Board Final Report, July 1, 1987.
• "Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Fields," Environmental Health Criteria 35. World Health Organization, Geneva, 1984.
• "Electric and Magnetic Fields at Extremely Low Frequencies: Interactions with Biological Systems. In: Non ionizing Radiation Protection, World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, 1987.
• "Electric and Magnetic Fields from 60 Hertz Electric Power: What do we know about possible health risks?," Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 1989.
• "Electromagnetic Fields Are Being Scrutinized for Linkage to Cancer," Sandra Blakeslee, New York Times, Medical Science section, April 2, 1991

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

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More Information on Building Diagnostic Inspections and Repairs

• Electric Power Lines, Electromagnetic Fields, Cancer Risk, & "Enviro-Scare" - The Normal Curve Cycle of Public Fear of Environmental Issues
• Electromagnetic Fields in the Workplace sample very good NIOSH document online, links to other NIOSH docs.

• Environmental Concerns in Buildings, hazards: allergens, asbestos, brownfields, - above ground or buried oil storage tanks, - A Procedure for Measuring EMF electromagnetic fields, - Electric Power Lines, Electromagnetic Fields, Cancer Risk, & "Enviro-Scare" - The Normal Curve Cycle of Public Fear of Environmental Issues - toxic gases & odors, IAQ, lead paint, - toxic mold inspections, - mold test kits - how to send a mold sample to our lab using an inexpensive and superior method - radon, sick buildings, UFFI (urea formaldehyde foam insulation), - sewage septic backup contamination testing & cleanup - water testing for bacteria, lead, etc.
• Electromagnetic Field Surveys & Hazards full list of our links to services and technical articles

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