How to pick the suitable electromagnetic radiation (EMR) meter? How to measure electromagnetic radiation? If you have such questions, you are at the right place. Keep reading to find more.
What Is Electromagnetic Radiation?
Electromagnetic radiation is a kind of energy that comprises visible light, radio waves, microwaves, X-rays, and gamma rays, among other forms of electromagnetic radiation.
The visible light that we see is only a small section of the electromagnetic spectrum, which covers a wide range of wavelengths and includes sunlight, a source of electromagnetic energy.
An electromagnetic wave may be identified by its strength and frequency with which it varies about the time-varying electric and magnetic fields.
Types of Electromagnetic Radiation
Visible Light
Visible light is located in the center, between infrared and ultraviolet light in the electromagnetic spectrum. It has wavelengths that range from approximately 0.000015 to 0.00003 inches and frequencies that range from around 400 to 800 THz. In a broader sense, the wavelengths of light that are discernible to most people’s eyes are referred to as visible light.
Radio Waves
Radio waves have a frequency of up to roughly 30 gigahertz (GHz) and a wavelength that is longer than approximately 0.4 inches. Radio waves are located at the bottom area of the electromagnetic spectrum. The primary purpose of radio is for communication, which can take the form of speech, data, or even entertainment media.
X-rays
In general, X-rays may be split up into two categories: soft X-rays and hard X-rays. Soft X-rays occupy the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that lies between ultraviolet and gamma rays. The sole difference between the two is where each originates: X-rays come from speeding electrons, whereas gamma-rays come from atomic nuclei.
Gamma Rays
The area of the electromagnetic spectrum just above that of soft X-rays is where gamma rays can be found. When delivered in properly calibrated dosages to tiny places, gamma radiation is effective in eliminating cancer cells because it causes harm to living tissue. This makes it beneficial for destroying cancer cells. However, unmonitored and uncontrolled exposure poses a grave risk to human health.
What Do Radiation Meters Measure?
EMR meters, which measure electromagnetic radiation, can be categorized into one of three primary groups based on the kind of radiation being measured. These groups are as follows:
- Low-frequency radiation meters are instruments that measure the electric and magnetic fields that are produced by electrical and electronic equipment, power lines, and transformers, among other sources.
- Cell phone masts, wireless internet, Bluetooth gadgets, alarm systems, wireless game systems, and TV and radio broadcasting antennas are all electromagnetic fields that may be measured with high-frequency radiation meters.
- Radioactivity meters may measure gamma and X rays. These rays can be emitted from various sources, including granite tiles, medical equipment, radon gas, subsoil, and nuclear accidents.
How Exactly Can One Lower Their Radiation Exposure With the Use of a Radiation Meter
You can determine if a radiation source is evident or hidden in your immediate environment, allowing you to eliminate it or find a suitable replacement.
By increasing the distance between yourself and the radiation source, you will have a better idea of how to avoid radiation hotspots, which are areas where the limits of acceptable long-term exposure to high-frequency radiation have been surpassed.
If you use electromagnetic shielding materials, you can determine whether or not you have successfully attained low radiation levels in your locations.
Are Measurements of Electromagnetic Radiation Only Necessary When There Is a Substantial Radiation Source Nearby?
As well as being near an external source visible to you, radiation may also come from sources you can’t see or don’t know about.
For instance, because of the shorter distance and the transmission taking place indoors, wireless equipment that you or your friends use, such as cellular phones and Wi-Fi modems, frequently exposes you to greater radiation levels than nearby mobile phone towers.
Additionally, According to the data, the low voltage distribution wires that supply energy to residential houses are the most prevalent cause of increased magnetic fields. These cables are responsible for the majority of the heightened magnetic fields.
Side-effects of Electromagnetic Radiation on Health
Cancer can be caused by one of fifteen distinct ways that electromagnetic field radiation interacts with the cell. The use of mobile phones has been linked to an increased risk of developing brain cancer, salivary cancer, auditory neuromas, and two other forms of cancer. The risk of cancer is higher for people who live near cell phone towers.
The levels of steroid hormones decrease when exposed to EMR, although the levels of other hormones increase when initially exposed to EMR. When exposed to electromagnetic radiation for an extended period, neuroendocrine hormone levels and insulin levels frequently fall.
Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is a process that has the potential to bring about neurological disorders as well as infertility.
It can attack cellular DNA. These are linked to the development of cancer, and they are the source of the most significant mutational alterations in humans, a wide variety of other species, and in coming generations.
Problems with Fertility can occur. This can lead to reduced levels of sex hormones, a weaker libido, and greater levels of spontaneous abortion. In addition, as was previously mentioned, it can destroy the DNA in sperm cells.
Serious effects on the Nervous system and the brain that can lead to widespread neurological and neuropsychiatric effects such as sleep disturbance and insomnia; fatigue and tiredness; headache; depression; lack of concentration and focus; dizziness; memory loss; restlessness, tension, anxiety, stress, and agitation; and irritability.
Must Read: EMF Units Guide: How to Measure EMF Radiation
Conclusion
This is it. This was all about how to measure electromagnetic radiation. We hope we have answered all your questions regarding the measurement of electromagnetic radiation. Keep in mind these rays can be harmful to be around, but you can always minimize the health effects by using a shield for your laptop, a shield for your phone, or protective gear that blocks electromagnetic radiation.
