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To: Wiseghy
It tickles me about people and what they think about electromagnetic waves and possible injuries, etc.

Actually, there are a number of variables that factor into whether or not RF energy is dangerous to you. First, is it ionizing or non-ionizing? Secondly, what frequency is it (wavelength) and what is the field strength? What is the distance from it since the drop off is 1/R^2.

Where I'd start to get worried is when the wavelength gets to be in resonance with some important part of the body, sizewise because that can tend to cause maximum transfer of power. Then I'd be worried about how long I was exposed to it.

AC power lines are at 60 Hz which is a pretty damn long wavelength...I tend to look at this something like MRI equipment. Very damn powerful electromagnets but no harm (as yet determined) to human tissue.

I get calls occasionally because of the line of work I'm with exactly these kinds of complaints; a large majority of the people that actually find their way to me I'd classify as kooks.

114 posted on 06/19/2008 4:29:59 PM PDT by Gaffer
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To: Gaffer

“AC power lines are at 60 Hz which is a pretty damn long wavelength...I tend to look at this something like MRI equipment. Very damn powerful electromagnets but no harm (as yet determined) to human tissue.”

AC lines produce magnetic fields, which are more of a concern, depending on who you listen to. There are as yet no federal standards for magnetic fields at powerline frequencies.

But thank you for bringing some actual facts to the thread!


131 posted on 06/19/2008 5:06:31 PM PDT by RFEngineer
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