Trustworthy Health Information
This website has been submitted to the Health On the Net Foundation, an independent body that promotes quality, objective and transparent online health information, for HON code certification.
A knowledge resource for patients and caregivers
Non-ionizing radiation has less energy than ionizing radiation and includes forms such as microwaves or radio and television waves. Its effect is generally limited to generating light or heat.
Electromagnetic fields are present everywhere in our environment although they are invisible to the human eye. As the names suggests, electromagnetic fields are created by electrical and magnetic waves (fields). Electric fields are, for example, produced by the local build-up of electrical charges in the atmosphere associated with thunderstorms. The earth’s magnetic field, which causes a compass needle to orient in a North-South direction, is also used by birds and fish for navigation.
Electromagnetic fields arise whenever electrical energy is used. For example, they are emitted from electrical appliances in the kitchen (e.g. microwaves) and from cell phones, radio, TV, wireless masts and security detection devices.