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ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS - INSPECT, TEST, REMEDY
ENVIRO-SCARE, EMF & Property Values
ENVIRO-SCARE Defined, Effects
ENVIRO-SCARE Effects on Property Values
EMF Cancer Scare
EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS
EMF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS & HUMAN EXPOSURE
EMF Levels of Cancer Risk
EMF MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS
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
  Electromagnetic Field EMF ELF Detection Instruments
    F.W. Bell Model 4060 ELF Meter
    Safeco™ analog EMF ELF EMR meter
    Walker Scientific ELF-50D™ Digital EMF Meter
  Radio Frequency RF Detection Meters
    BK RF Measurement Test Equipment
    Mobile Design Shipboard RF Measurements
    Safe Living RF Meters - Radio Frequency Detectors
    Zap Checker Radio Frequency Detection Hand Held Instruments
References for Electromagnetic Fields and Cancer
WORKSHEET for EMF MEASUREMENTS
WORKSHEET for EMF MEASUREMENTS - Example
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE to Electromagnetic Fields

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Electrical utility pole worker in San Miguel de Allende (C) Daniel Friedman EMF Measurement Procedure Overview - how to make accurate electromagnetic field & power line surveys
InspectAPedia®  -    

  • An overview of the procedure for making accurate EMF electromagnetic field strength measurements & surveys
  • Sources of error and variability in electromagnetic field strength measurement surveys\
  • EMF exposure levels for electrical workers
Our site offers impartial, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest. We will block advertisements which we discover or readers inform us are associated with bad business practices, false-advertising, or junk science. Our contact info is at InspectAPedia.com/appointment.htm.

This paper provides an overview of the recommended procedure for 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.

Because RF and EMF measurement tools need to be properly chosen to measure the particular type and frequency of RF or EMF signal that is of interest, be sure to also see EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS for a simple explanation of different types of radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic frequency (EMF) types and where they are found. Also see Definitions of Gauss vs Milligauss for details about gauss and milligauss and definitions of these terms.

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.

An Overview of an EMF/EMR Measurement Survey Procedure

bar magnet shows the typical shape of an electromagnetic field Magnetic fields are directional; measurements are affected by position as well as location of the instrument within the area being examined, and by the distance of the instrument from the field source. Our field experience strongly suggests that results are quite variable depending on the particular direction aimed and positions held when using the measuring instrument.

Therefore, and consonant with recommendations from the manufacturers, each of our "measurements" is derived from at least three instrument readings, holding the instrument pointed at a suspected field source (e.g. nearby power line), pointed straight up, and held horizontally. Horizontal and vertical measurements are recorded as the highest obtained following a 360 degree scan of the area with the instrument held in that position.

During such a rotation in the presence of a strong magnetic field we find reading levels ranging widely. We warn you that measurements made by another professional will not duplicate our results unless our exact procedure is used with an instrument of similar performance at the identical locations. However our experience is that measurements with similar instruments in approximately the same locations and circumstances, produce results which are quite close.

For each instrument reading we record location, position, meter sensitivity settings, meter readings, and estimated distance to the suspected field source, if any. We also record observations of devices such as TV's or computers if they are seen operating nearby.

For the analog device measurements, actual meter readings are converted to milli/microgauss using tables provided by the instrument manufacturer based on the sensitivity range to which the instrument was set at time of use. A range of sensitivity settings are required to protect this very delicate instrument from being damaged by the fields being measured. The manufacturer describes a mathematical procedure which we follow to combine these data into a single field level number for an area being measured.

For the digital device measurements, actual measurements are read on the instrument in gauss or milligauss, depending on a field strength sensitivity selection on the meter.

Electrical utility pole worker in San Miguel de Allende (C) Daniel Friedman As with any potential poison, our concerns are first to establish a dose-relationship to effects of the poison, and next to establish a reliable way to measure the actual dose or exposure that a person may experience.

Electrical Utility Workers and EMF Exposure

It's apparent that electrical utility workers, especially people who spend a good part of their working day up close to power transmission lines and electrical power stepdown transformers are likely to have higher exposure to electrical fields and EMF than occupants of a typical residential building.

We recommend close monitoring and scrutiny of the soundness of studies that are performed to examine the health effects of EMF exposure for this population.

Please see WORKPLACE EXPOSURE to Electromagnetic Fields for details about EMF exposure in the work place.

We include example EMF exposure limits and research citations below.

Please do not contact us with a request buy EMF or RF 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. See Radio Frequency RF Detection Meters where we describe several low-cost and accurate radio frequency or RF detection and measurement devices suitable for radio, TV, cellphone, microwave, and similar signals.

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Technical Reviewers & References

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ENVIRO-SCARE, EMF & Property Values
ENVIRO-SCARE Defined, Effects
ENVIRO-SCARE Effects on Property Values
EMF Cancer Scare
EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS
EMF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS & HUMAN EXPOSURE
EMF Levels of Cancer Risk
EMF MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS
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
  Electromagnetic Field EMF ELF Detection Instruments
    F.W. Bell Model 4060 ELF Meter
    Safeco™ analog EMF ELF EMR meter
    Walker Scientific ELF-50D™ Digital EMF Meter
  Radio Frequency RF Detection Meters
    BK RF Measurement Test Equipment
    Mobile Design Shipboard RF Measurements
    Safe Living RF Meters - Radio Frequency Detectors
    Zap Checker Radio Frequency Detection Hand Held Instruments
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
  • "Questions and Answers about Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields", Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, US FCC, OET Bulleting 56, 4th Edition, August 1999
    " Many consumer and industrial products and applications make use of some form of electromagnetic energy. One type of electromagnetic energy that is of increasing importance worldwide is radiofrequency (or "RF") energy, including radio waves and microwaves, which is used for providing telecommunications, broadcast and other services. In the United States the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorizes or licenses most RF telecommunications services, facilities, and devices used by the public, industry and state and local governmental organizations. Because of its regulatory responsibilities in this area the FCC often receives inquiries concerning whether there are potential safety hazards due to human exposure to RF energy emitted by FCC-regulated transmitters. Heightened awareness of the expanding use of RF technology has led some people to speculate that "electromagnetic pollution" is causing significant risks to human health from environmental RF electromagnetic fields. This document is designed to provide factual information and to answer some of the most commonly asked questions related to this topic." - original source: U.S. Federal Communications Commission Office of Engineering and Technology, http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Documents/bulletins/oet56/oet56e4.pdf
  • EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS RF and EMF measurement tools need to be properly chosen to measure the particular type and frequency of RF or EMF signal that is of interest. See EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS for a simple explanation of different types of radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic frequency (EMF) types and where they are found.
  • Definitions of Gauss vs Milligauss for details about gauss and milligauss and definitions of these terms.
  • 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

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