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Radiation
Non-ionising
Radiation
This radiation can be divided into optical
radiation and electromagnetic fields.
Optical radiation includes ultraviolet, visible and
infrared rays while electromagnetic fields are created by things
like microwaves, radio frequencies and extremely low
frequencies.
Electromagnetic fields arise from the Earth's magnetic field,
electricity supplies, TV and radio signals and mobile phone use.
Such radiation will not cause ionising effects but does have the
potential to cause photochemical effects (such as ultra-violet
induced sunburn), thermal (heating) effects and induced
currents.
Electric fields exist wherever an electrical charge is present,
even if a current is not flowing. Magnetic fields, in contrast,
result from the movement of electrical charges and so will be
produced only when a current flows. Electricity transmission and
equipment are a significant cause of the man-made background of
electric and magnetic fields in the environment and in our homes
although the strength of these fields rapidly decrease with
distance.
For more information on mobile phones and electricity transmission
please see the sections below; alternatively click on useful
links.
Mobile Phones: Today it is hard to think of the
word "radiation" without referring to the concerns expressed about
radiation from mobile phones and base stations. The Independent
Expert Group on Mobile Phones recently reported to the Government
on health issues. The Group concluded that current evidence does
not suggest the use of mobile phone technology puts the general
health of the population at risk. The report however, recommends
caution with regard to subtle biological effects of phone use and
the insensitive siting of base stations. Overall a precautionary
approach was recommended until better scientific evidence is
available.
You can read the full report of the Independent Expert Group of Mobile Phones (The
Stewart Report) on the IEGMP
website.
Electricity Transmission: Electric and magnetic
fields are present whenever electricity is used, such as electrical
appliances, wiring in our homes, power lines and electricity
substations. The strength of electric and magnetic fields fall
rapidly with distance and typical exposure to these fields is low.
The Health
Protection Agency has guidelines for
exposure. |