How to Measure EMF in the Environment

EMF, or electromagnetic fields, occur naturally, but are man-made as well. Power lines, televisions, electric razors and other home appliances all emit EMF. Some even believe that ghosts can be detected by measuring changes in EMF. The effect of electromagnetic fields on our health is uncertain. But some recommend limiting your exposure to EMF. With the proper instrument you can monitor the electromagnetic activity in your home and office.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify your goals for using an EMF detector/meter. Determine where you'll use it and how often. If you only want to look for hot spots in your home, or on your commute to work, then a simple inexpensive detector is your best bet.

• 2

  Establish a price limit and shop around. Talk with the staff at your local electronics store, since they should be knowledgeable enough to recommend the right product for you. For online browsing try D.A.S. Distribution, which carries a good selection of meters.

• 3

  Learn how to use your meter. The simplest models use a series of three LED lights, one each of green, yellow and red. One color lights up depending on the strength of the EMF. There are units of this type designed for those with pacemakers or defibrillator implants that are small enough to carry in your pocket.

• 4

  Familiarize yourself with a more advanced unit. They're all handheld and you'll have either a digital or analog unit. Analog meters use a needle that moves across a radial display to indicate field strength. Digital meters are easier to read with a LCD screen.

• 5

  Walk around to measure your surroundings and observe the changes in the display as you approach electrical sources. Most meters measure both electric and magnetic fields. Electric fields are measured in volts per meter (V/m). Zero to 10 is an average household reading. Magnetic fields are measured in milliGauss (mG). Zero to 2.5 is considered low, while 2.5 to 7.0 is medium and anything above 7.0 is high.

• 6

  Scope out your house or office. Check for poor wiring, EMF hotspots or scare your friends by showing them the "ghost" that lives in your basement. Keep in mind that the strength of an EMF declines sharply over distance. Readings near power lines may reach hundreds or even thousands of V/m.