Electromagnetic Fields and Extremely Low Frequencies

EMF and ELF (extremely low-frequency electric fields) describe frequencies emitted when an electric current flows through a wire. They are most potent when devices are switched on but may also be detected when off.

EMF is measured in milliGauss (mG), while ELF is measured in milliVolts per meter (mV/m).

Both are forms of frequencies emitted by electricity. Although we cannot see and feel them, exposure to these frequencies can impact us over time.

It’s important to note that the term EMF can refer to many forms of radiation beyond electrical. For example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile network towers are often described as EMF-emitting devices even though they predominantly emit radio frequencies. A Wi-Fi router typically emits both radio and electromagnetic frequencies.

How can EMF effect the body?

EMFs are a form of ionising radiation. In small doses, their effect on our bodies is minimal. However, if exposed to elevated levels for an extended period, ionising radiation can change the electric charge in the cells, causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches, or brain fog. Heavy, long-term exposure may lead to more severe health issues.

What influences harm from EMF?

Proximity

The further away from the source, the less EMF you receive. ELF travels via conductors like water, so it behaves differently. The ELF levels will fall off quicker in dry than humid environments.

Duration

The longer our bodies remain exposed to EMF, the higher the risk of damage to our cells from ionising radiation.

For example, in bedrooms with power points close to the bedhead, sleepers may be exposed to electromagnetic fields of up to 1000V/m for nine to ten hours daily. 

If the duration is much shorter, say 10 minutes at 100mG, the likelihood of the field having a detrimental effect is drastically reduced.

It’s important to note that some people are hypersensitive to EMFs and can feel the effects of short-duration, low-dose exposure.

What are safe levels of EMFs?

Determining a universal standard for EMF safety has proven impossible so far. Government bodies, health authorities and researchers can’t agree. While the World Health Organisation says exposure under 5,000 mG is considered safe, for American Geobiologist Brian Hoyer, any exposure is unsafe.

Testing authority Vitatech—which certifies many of the best American infrared sauna companies and the Found Space saunas—recommends keeping ELF exposure under 5,000 V/m and EMF exposure under 12.57 mG.

In today’s world, it’s realistic to accept that we will be exposed to some level of EMF in one form or another. The crucial thing is to minimise exposure where we can. 

Below are some images showing the magnetic field or electric field exposure from everyday household and workplace items.

Dyson Vacuum 43.2 mG

Macbook Pro 305 V/m – Sitting distance

Apple Keyboard 257 V/m

Outside open air under standard street powerlines 25.2mG

iPhone 15 unlocked 9mG

Beats Headphones – not in use 7.6mG

As you can see, these daily household items fall inside and outside the safe levels, depending which measuring regime you follow.

Here are a few tips for reducing EMF levels in your life:

-Move the bed head away from the power points and turn them off when you sleep. Switching off doesn’t affect ELFs – so distance is required.
-Don’t charge your devices in the bedroom overnight, turn all mobile devices on aeroplane mode.
-Turn wifi off overnight
-Consider EMF-shielded clothing – No Choice is a quality American brand
-Don’t use a microwave
-Avoid using Bluetooth headphones
-Don’t live near powerlines
-Avoid 5G towers
-Reduce the use of WiFi

Do what is practical.  It can become an endless pursuit trying to live without EMF exposure. If you want to learn more about EMF mitigation, Found—Space hosted a podcast with low-tox living expert Nicole Bijlsma. You can listen to it here.

Found—Space Infrared Sauna EMF Levels

We test our saunas from the closest point the body can sit next to the heater.

Lite & Nyssa: Measured at 15mm from the heater surface. We developed our CF-3 heater which Vitatech USA has independently verified to emit 1.22mG on average across the heater. Our lowest EMF heater ever. View the full report here.

 

Nu-a 9.0mG @ 45mm from heater surface

Barrel: 9.8mG @ 55mm from heater surface

Comparing EMF results

When comparing EMF emissions from different sources, be sure the method of measurement is consistent. Companies can easily manipulate results by taking EMF readings further away from devices, so any comparison should account for how and where measurements were made. 

At Found—Space we measure EMF from the exact spot you’ll be sitting next to the heaters.

What’s the Difference between Ultra Low, Near Zero, Extremely Low and Low EMF heaters.

Nothing, it’s all marketing jargon.

All full-spectrum heaters on the market that emit red light emit EMF between 8mG – 20mG, depending on how close you are. None are lower than 8mG. Brands who claim their sauna is low EMF, are invariably referring to the far-infrared heaters on the wall, not the full-spectrum heaters they mount as an add-on. If you see a company claim this, insist on seeing an independent report on all the full-spectrum heaters. They simply can’t.

An informed choice

For anybody pursuing optimal well being, being aware of EMFs can help you make better, informed choices.

The minimal expose you’ll receive from using a Found—Space sauna must be balanced with the overall benefits of heat-exposure therapy and the physiological advantages of the hormetic stress response. It should also be considered within the context of the many other factors that impact our health such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, sunlight exposure, living environment, emotional and spiritual well being and community participation. 

If you would like more information about how Found—Space measures and verifies EMF levels, please contact us