Worksheet for Electromagnetic Field Surveys - Example EMF Measurement Procedure
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InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
EMF Measurement data collection worksheet: Here we show an example of an EMF survey worksheet that documents actual measurement locations and suggests standard locations to aid in developing repeatable and more credible EMF measurements. This series of EMF measurement articles discusses a 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. 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.
Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.
Example Worksheets for Electromagnetic Field Measurements
Just below we show an image of a sample worksheet with actual EMF field measurement data. Click the image to see the EMF worksheet in full size.
Also see Electric Power Lines, Electromagnetic Fields, Cancer Risk, &
"Enviro-Scare" - The Normal Curve Cycle of Public Fear of Environmental Issues which discusses the impact of EMF and other environmental concerns on property values. And see EMF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS & HUMAN EXPOSURE which discusses EMF exposure in the workplace. 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.
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.
Health professionals,
epidemiological experts, and in the case of EMF, electrical engineers can offer competent, expert advice which should be
considered before any costly or risky actions are taken regarding this or other environmental topics. This information
is has not been sanctioned nor technically reviewed by the American Society of Home Inspectors. Use it at your own risk.
Link to a Live Excel Spreadsheet for Use as an EMF Data Recording Worksheet
Our EXCEL Spreadsheet EMS_Survey_Sample1.xls provides an example of common locations and
measurement points. This spread sheet includes computations necessary to produce mathematically valid measurement. Expand the hidden worksheet fields to see details of the EMF calculations.
Accuracy and Repeatability of EMF Measurements
NOTE: EMF Readings will virtually always vary widely on other dates depending on the load on the local power transmission line or other electrical field source loading, and will increase when the electrical supply system is more heavily loaded - eg. in summer when air conditioners are operating.
Therefore although it is essential to select standard measurement points at any EMF survey location so that one can attempt to make repeatable measurements, a thorough EMF site survey also will need to know the actual EMF source (power transmission line for example) load during the EMF measurement interval. If that data cannot be obtained, the EMF measurements are still useful but need to be interpreted based on time of year, probable transmission line loading, and other site variables.
NOTE: The EMF measurement procedure that computes the root mean square data for three EMF measurements made at each EMF measurement location is ONLY needed if making EMF measurements using a position-sensitive instrument.
If your EMF measuring instrument does not show position sensitivity you can simply use its final reading for each sample point
Readers are urged to consult expert sources and to give any suggestions regarding these notes to the author.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Technical Reviewers & References
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EMF WORKSHEET for EMF MEASUREMENTS - see detailed links at page top & left
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
- "Magnetic Field Exposure and Cancer: Questions and Answers [ copy on file as /emf/EMF_Fact_Sheet_NCI_NIH.pdf ] - ," National Cancer Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health, web search September 2010, original source: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/magnetic-fields
makes these five key points about EMF
- Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are areas of energy that surround any electrical device. EMFs are produced by power lines, electrical wiring, and appliances (see Question 1).
- Electric fields are easily shielded or weakened by walls and other objects, whereas magnetic fields are not. Since magnetic fields are more likely to penetrate the body, they are the component of EMFs that are usually studied in relation to cancer (see Question 1).
- Overall, there is limited evidence that magnetic fields cause childhood leukemia, and there is inadequate evidence that these magnetic fields cause other cancers in children (see Question 2).
- Studies of magnetic field exposure from power lines and electric blankets in adults show little evidence of an association with leukemia, brain tumors, or breast cancer (see Question 3).
- Past studies of occupational magnetic field exposure in adults showed very small increases in leukemia and brain tumors. However, more recent, well-conducted studies have shown inconsistent associations with leukemia, brain tumors, and breast cancer (see Question 4).
- 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
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
- Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
- 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.
- Electromagnetic Field Surveys & Hazards full list of our links to services and technical article
- 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
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