The Phenomenon of Electromagnetic Radiation - Research Paper Example

Electronic Radiation Name: University: Date: Table of Contents Electronic Radiation 1 Table of Contents 2 Executive Summary 3 1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Cell Phone Technology 4 2.1 Health Effect of Cellular Networks 5 3.0 Electromagnetic Radiation from Computers 6 3.1 Ionizing Radiation 6 3.2 Non-Ionizing Radiation 7 4.0 High voltage power lines 8 4.1 Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) 9 5.0 The Code of Ethics for Engineers 10 6.0 Case Study 10 7.0 Challenges Faced 12 7.1 Lesson Learnt and Recommendations 12 7.2 Demonstrated Competencies 13 8.0 Conclusion 14 9.0 References 15 Electronic Radiation Executive Summary Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) is described as energy emitted as well as absorbed by charged particles and may be dangerous to human body, but depends on the density of the radiated power as well as the transmitter distance. Basically, electromagnetic waves are emitted by scores of man-made and natural sources, especially those that play a crucial part in people’s lives. Electromagnetic radiation is a wave that self-propagates in space or by means of transparent matter, and has a magnetic and electric field component oscillating in phase perpendicular to one another and to the energy propagation direction. EMR consists of ultraviolet radiation, microwaves, radio waves, infrared radiation, terahertz radiation, gamma rays, x rays as well as visible light. The human body is exposed to diverse forms of electromagnetic radiation, which includes cosmic rays, earth’s natural radioactivity, and manmade radiations sourced from electronic and electric instruments. Computers, television sets, diagnostic X ray machine, microwave oven, mobile phones and other electronic devices, produce radiations with varying frequencies that subsist in the surroundings as electronic smog. The report focuses on electronic Radiation and determines whether it is dangerous to humans, the associated issues and prevention, as well as interference with other electronic devices. 1.0 Introduction According to Rifai and Hakami (2014) the world is suffering from electrosmog as well as electromagnetic pollution. Electrosmog is described as the large amount of electromagnetic fields available in earth. Basically, magnetic and electrical equipment result in electrosmog and generate invisible electromagnetic radiation and electromagnetic fields, whereby the human body is continuously attacked and its biofield are affected. Electromagnetic radiation is characterized by frequency: non-ionizing is the low-level radiation ‘erroneously’ considered to be harmless to humans while ionizing radiation can potentially damage DNA. Electromagnetic fields takes place in nature, but present ecological exposure to EMF man-made sources has augmented progressively because of the increased utilisation of wireless technologies and electricity. The human body is exposed to a multifarious combination of electromagnetic fields at different frequencies in their lifespan (Rifai & Hakami, 2014). Engineers must ensure they understand the health effects attributed to electromagnetic radiation, even though it is viewed as an enabler as well as by-product of contemporary IT. 2.0 Cell Phone Technology Cell phone technology according to Felix, Gabriel, and Emmanuel (2014) has transformed the state of telecommunication globally and more particularly in third world countries. Because of its numerous application benefits, cell phone technology has exponentially advanced in the last ten years. Users can now chat with colleagues, family, school mates, relatives ubiquitously, make online purchase, watch live events, listen to music and radio, and many more activities. The number of phone users globally is expected to reach 4.77 billion by 2017 while the total number of cell phone towers in the United States as of 2015 was 205,000. The number of cell phones is increasing extremely because they are cheap and portable. According to Felix, Gabriel, and Emmanuel (2014), the number of cell towers as well as cell phones are increasing exponentially devoid of their shortcomings, particularly to the users and the environment. Across the globe, there is a debate concerning the health risk attributed to radiation from cell tower and cell phone. Whereas some argue that cell phone technology has little or no health effect, others are arguing with facts the calamitous and huge health effect of this technology to people. Basically, all cell phones have a Specific Absorption Rat (SAR) rating with a 1.6W/Kg limit and every user daily usage it measured to be 360 seconds. In consideration of the SAR limit, a cell phone user must not use cell phone for over 1440seconds per day. Regrettably, most users lack this information; thus, the majority of them make calls for over 60 minutes per day devoid of understanding the health effect associated with this issue (Felix, Gabriel, & Emmanuel, 2014). 2.1 Health Effect of Cellular Networks Mobile phone radiation issue to the users’ health has been studied extensively, mainly because of the growing number of mobile phone users across the globe. Essentially, cell phones utilize electromagnetic radiation within the microwave range. Cell phone base station installations have increased enormously resulting in more electromagnetic radiation within the living environment. A number of scholars as cited by Felix, Gabriel, and Emmanuel (2014) have compalined that electromagnetic radiation exposure is increasing and has turned out to be a serious threat to humans’ health. They argue that there is a looming public health crisis caused by electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones. For instance, radiations from both the tower-based antennas and handsets have been associated with genetic damage, brain tumors as well as other conditions related to radiation exposure. Mobile phones emit radio waves, which are absorbed by the body. Being exposed to exceedingly high Radiofrequency energy levels is dangerous and can result in some health effects on the users. Mousa (2011) opine that such effects may arise from thermal effect, which is largely attributed to the capability of Radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat the biological tissue. At low RF radiation exposure levels, Mousa (2011) posits that there is no evidence of harmful biological effects, but may result in some non-thermal effects. 3.0 Electromagnetic Radiation from Computers Computer radiation according to Radha and Gurupranesh (2013) is the biggest source of EMR. Even though computers’ radiation intensity is somewhat less as compared to that from high voltage power line, they still generate health issues because many people are using them. A lot of people spend their time in front of PC, enclosed with other electronic appliances, and all of them emit radiation. The radiation emitted from the computer is recognized as Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) EMR, and this form of radiation is as well emitted from Television, electrical sub-stations and power lines. Microwave radiation is another form of dangerous EMR found close to the computer. Normally, microwaves are utilized to offer radio communication between networked wireless equipment such as printers, routers, modems, Wi-Fi or cordless devices. Therefore, computer users are normally exposed to computer’s ELF radiation as well as microwave radiation emitted by the networked devices. Radha and Gurupranesh (2013) assert that ELF radiation may result in different health problems such as allergic reactions, sleep interference, cancer, heart disease as well as Alzheimer’s disease. Besides that, when pregnant women use CRT screens for long hours it can result in birth defects or even miscarriage. 3.1 Ionizing Radiation Ionizing radiation according to Zamanian and Hardiman (2005) has adequate electromagnetic energy to strip molecules and atoms from the tissue and change the body chemical reactions (molecules are partly or totally converted into ions). Gamma rays together with X-Rays are two types of ionizing radiation, and they normally cause damage to the body. That is why people normally wear lead vest during X-rays at the hospitals, and also why nuclear power plants are surrounded by heavy shielding. Natural sources continually expose people to low levels of ionizing radiation. This form of radiation is recognised as natural background radiation and is caused by; sunlight; radioactive materials such as granite and coal; radioactive gases such as radon; cosmic rays; as well as natural radioactivity within the body. Figure 1: Electromagnetic spectrum (Zamanian & Hardiman, 2005) 3.2 Non-Ionizing Radiation As shown in figure one above, the frequency spectrum lower part is known as non-ionizing EMR, whereby the levels of energy are below that needed for effects at the atomic level (Zamanian & Hardiman, 2005). Non-ionizing radiations examples include; radio Frequencies (30 kHz to 300 GHz); static electromagnetic fields (0 Hz); Very Low Frequency (VLF) fields and ELF (up to 30 kHz); and Visible light, Ultraviolet (UV) light and Infrared (IR) light (above 300 GHz) (Zamanian & Hardiman, 2005). Basically, the non-ionizing radiation generates some heating effect. Human tissue is damaged by the insufficient energy attained from the common sources, even though higher power densities may have long-standing health effects. The power density of all EMR sources is not just associated with the level of power at the sources, but intensifies swiftly with decrease in distance from the sources. The possible health hazards associated with exposure to non-ionizing radiation include; fatigue, cancer, headaches, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Still, the researchers are not sure of the exact long-term effects arising from continued exposure to non-ionizing radiation (Zamanian & Hardiman, 2005). 4.0 High voltage power lines EMR from high voltage power lines has serious effect to people’s health because strong, artificial electromagnetic fields radiating from power lines can interfere and scramble with natural EMF of human body. In consequence, this affects the stress levels, sleep cycles, DNA and immune response. Power lines EMF can result in: muscle pain, fatigue, burning skin, insomnia, anxiety and headaches. Power grids are always exposed to the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects, which is an abrupt burst of EMR caused by a man-made or natural event. Engineers must understand that EMP events happen without caution and may have disastrous effects such as power outages that can last for months. The man-made EMPs are caused by devices such as Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI), which are designed precisely to destroy or disrupt electronic equipment. 4.1 Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Interference according to Burrell (2003) are energy levels introduced by communications or electronic systems, which negatively affect other systems. There are two forms of interference, external and internal interference. External interference is energy produced by external sources while internal interference is energy created internally by the device. Incidental electromagnetic interference is an ethical concern that affects both airplane electronics and medical devices. Nowadays, hospitals have lots of electronic devices, which may fail to be electromagnetically compatible with other devices. The generated interference by such devices can flicker the neighbouring video screens or may disrupt the functioning of the life support systems. Electronic interference has made a number of hospitals to prohibit the utilisation of two-way radios and cellular phones in particular areas. A number of advisories have been released warning patients with implants about the effects of cellular phones, anti-theft devices as well as metal detectors. Electronic interference even though relatively rare can considerably interrupt airplanes’ information systems. Airline passengers are regularly reminded to desist from utilising electronic devices at the time of take-off as well as landing for the reason that the devices generate electromagnetic fields which can disrupt the plane's navigation and communication systems. Electronic interference is believed to have caused the explosion of TWA Flight 800 in 1996 that led to the death of all people on board. Electrocautery devices have the ability to interfere with the pacemaker function, and they generate a high energy EMF with a frequency capable of penetrating the ICDs filters. According to Sousa, Klein, Korte, and Niehaus (2002) this may lead to over sensing; thus, resulting in ventricular tachyarrhythmias false detection or pacemaker inhibition. 5.0 The Code of Ethics for Engineers The engineers’ Code of Ethics by Engineers Australia and National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) expounds ways which every engineer are expected to work. Without a doubt, engineers are tomorrow’s inventors and directly impact society with the decisions they make today. When an engineer decides to mislead the public, he/she would directly be violating the code of ethics put down by Engineers Australia as well as NSPE. The most important canon for all engineers is that they should emphasise on the health, welfare and safety of the public. An engineer would be directly infringing this canon by exposing the members of the public, unknowingly, to high level of EMR. According to the code of ethics, engineers should not sign or seal specifications and/or plans which do not adhere to the related engineering standards. Signing or sealing the plans that are deemed unethical is a violation to engineers’ code of ethics. In Australia, local, state and federal authorities need that every facility or equipment that emits EMR must adhere with their exposure guidelines. Normally, such guidelines are created to protect both the general public and occupational workers. 6.0 Case Study In Naila, Germany 1000 residents living close to two cell phone towers for nearly a decade were examined. According to Kaushal, Singh, and Singh (2012), the study established that some people living within 400 meters of either cell phone towers had been diagnosed with different type of cancer such as breast cancer, pancreas, prostate and blood cancer. In view of this, engineers must understand the level of EMR pollution of their projects before agreeing to partake in such projects. According to Kaushal, Singh, and Singh (2012), when exposed to the EMR, the human body absorbs the radiation considering that the body has 70 per cent liquid. Besides that, the height of a person is greater as compared to cell tower wavelength transmitting the frequencies; therefore, the body will experience multiple resonances that generate localized heating within the body. This leads to boils, drying up of the fluids around abdomen, brain, eyes and so forth. Besides that, cell phone towers’ radiation results in brain tumor, mainly because the brain cells and blood brain barrier associated with movement, memory and learning are damaged. A Vodacom cell tower as studied by Kaushal, Singh, and Singh (2012) was 30 meters from the respondent home in Mpumalanga South Africa. The respondent was diagnosed with limfgland cancer in 2004 and his wife was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer in 2008. Her wife died in 2009. Fig 2: Cell Tower Antenna Radiation Pattern (Kaushal, Singh, & Singh, 2012) 7.0 Challenges Faced Understanding how Zero radiation emission can be realised in the engineering world is exceedingly challenging due to lack of sufficient literature. Besides that, there is not exact safety measures’ framework that can be used by engineers to protect humans from harmful electromagnetic radiation. The number of mobile telecommunication systems and base stations are increasing enormously, but establishing the magnitude of the health effect or hazard attributed to these technologies is very challenging. Moreover, there are only a few studies that discus how engineers can reduce the effect of electromagnetic radiation. Considering that, even though electromagnetic radiation damage to the body is not immediate, it interacts progressively with the body and can result in indirect damage, particularly after being exposed for long time. 7.1 Lesson Learnt and Recommendations One of the lessons learnt is that electronic radiation is dangerous and can result to serious diseases such as cancer. Products such as space geo resonator are important for converting harmful EMFs around, whereby corrective resonances are set up. Such products can be planted around the office or home close to mobile Phone towers. Basically, the tower radiation can be reduced by ensuring the transmitted power is reduced through the power amplification in the cell towers. To reduce the health effects attributed to the towers, their height must be increased. Besides that, every tower close to hospitals and schools must be removed, if they are too close. There is need to carry out public awareness campaign with regard to the negative effects of EMR from the mobile phones and home appliances such as microwave cookers. Additionally, engineers must ensure that the BS transmitters are erected almost 300m distance far from people residence and for those erected not far than 300m from people dwelling, their radiated power density must be reduced. Another lesson learnt is that with increasing distance the rate at which the ELF radiation naturally falls is exceedingly fast, since the radiation comes from a low power source. In view of this, the computers and other networked devices must be placed far-off from the users so as to reduce radiation. Moreover, radiation from the computer monitor may be prevented by using LED and LCD screens rather than CRT screen. On the other hand, to reduce mobile phones radiation, the user should make sure they reduce the number of calls by using loudspeaker mode or texting. Another lesson learnt is that the massive number of man-made as well as natural sources of EMR can, sometimes, emit signals which interfere with the electronic devices’ normal functioning. In this case, interference can be reduced through a number of ways such as source elimination, whereby the source of interference is identified and eradicated. Another way is through grounding, whereby a grounding point signifies the main point of reference for the functioning devices so as to ensure safety. Shielding can also be used to reduce EMR, whereby components are shielded from interacting with electromagnetic energy. 7.2 Demonstrated Competencies With reference to Engineering Australia Stage 1 Competencies documents, I have been able to engage with the topic at a phenomenological level, whereby engineering fundamentals have been used to systematically investigate, interpret and analyze solution of EMR issues. One of the competencies demonstrated is the discernment of research directions as well as knowledge development in the engineering discipline. This can be evidenced by the fact that I have been able to critically examine the issues associated with electromagnetic radiation and interpret the exiting research literature. Another demonstrated competency is the ability to understand the scope and bounds of engineering practice and issues attributed to EMR in the engineering fields. Other demonstrated competencies include: ability to fluently apply engineering resources, tools and techniques; professional accountability; and knowledge of contextual factors that affects the engineering discipline. 8.0 Conclusion In conclusion, the report has examined Electro Magnetic Radiation in addition to their related health effects and measures for reducing radiation have been proposed. As mentioned in the report, people utilise mobile phones, laptops and PC for communication, but majority of the users do not understand their health effects of such devices. Cell Tower Radiations are exceedingly dangerous because of the exposure of electromagnetic radiation. Engineers must adhere to the code of ethics and ensure that engineering projects that emit radiation such as cell towers and power grids have less effect to people living close to them. As illustrated in the report, cell towers radiation result in brain tumor and other forms of cancer. Moreover, the radio frequency field emitted by cell phone towers as well as cell phones is form of non-ionizing radiation that has a negative effect on the human body. 9.0 References Burrell, J. (2003). Disruptive Effects of Electromagnetic Interference on Communication and Electronic Systems. Research Report, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA . Felix, O. K., Gabriel, A. U., & Emmanuel, A. C. (2014). Investigation and Analysis on Electromagnetic Radiation from Cellular Base Station Transmitters and the Implications to Human Body. Journal of Environment and Ecology, 5(1), 46-60. Kaushal, M., Singh, T., & Singh, T. (2012). Effects of Mobile Tower Radiations & Case Studies from different Countries Pertaining the Issue. International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, 7(11), 1-4. Mousa, A. (2011). Electromagnetic Radiation Measurements and Safety Issues of some Cellular Base Stations in Nablus. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review, 4(1), 35-42. Radha, R., & Gurupranesh, P. (2013). Electromagnetic Radiation From Electronic Appliances. IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 1(1), 41-46. Rifai, A. B., & Hakami, M. A. (2014). Health Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 2, 1-12. Sousa, M. d., Klein, G., Korte, T., & Niehaus, M. (2002). Electromagnetic Interference in Patients with Implanted Cardioverter-Defibrillators and Implantable Loop Recorders. Indian Pacing and Electrophysiology Journal, 2(3), 79-84. Zamanian, A., & Hardiman, C. (2005). Electromagnetic Radiation and Human Health: A Review of Sources and Effects. High Frequency Electronics, 16-26. Read More