In our universe we have a variety of waves of energy, also known as frequencies. Frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields travelling through space. All with different properties, wavelengths and biological effects. These can become complicated so it is easier to break things up into pieces.
First off frequencies have different sizes or “wavelengths”. This is measured from peak to peak or trough to trough as seen below.
The electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths can be as large as 1000 metres wide. At the other end of the scale wavelengths can be as small as 0.000,000,0001 metres (gamma rays)
Moving on, wavelengths can be categorised into ionising and non-ionising radiation.
Within electromagnetic waves are particles called quanta. In Ionising radiation these particles are so energetic that they have the ability to break molecules up in biological organisms. Molecules that are unpaired are coined the term “free radicals”. Free radicals cause damage and are responsible for some cancers. Some examples are x-rays, radioactive substances and gamma rays.
You would therefore assume that non-ionising radiation is safe, however there are a mass of studies, evidence and case studies that show other wise.
You can measure a wavelength in Hertz. When you know the hertz of a wavelength you can use a corresponding table to see the wavelength.
Hertz = 1 cycle per second
Megahertz= 1 millon cycles per second = 1,000,000hz or 106 = 1000m wavelength
Gigahertz= 1 billion cycles per second= 1,000,000,000 hz or 109 = 1m wavelength
The frequency ranges in the electromagnetic spectrum can be categorised into many different categories. There is no set points where a category stops and moves into another, rather frequencies merge into one another and can display attributes of both categories, similar to the colours in the rainbow.
The below list are classifications frequencies can be placed into. Other sub categories can be achieved, however for the purpose of this article the list below is suitable.
When discussing electrosensitivity you often hear many different phrases and abbreviations. Usually you are likely to hear about.
Radiofrequency- RF
Microwaves- MW
Intermediate frequencies or “dirty electricity”
Electric fields
Extremely low frequencies- ELF
Magnetic frequencies- MF
The term EMR or Electromagnetic radiation can be a term used to cover the whole spectrum.
Electrosensitivity symptoms are caused generally by man made frequencies which can be categorised into two categories.
Radiofrequency RF and Low frequency EMF’s ELF’s