Cosmic Rays

There is something called the cosmic raditional background level that is a baseline from which we measure EM exposure. In many cases, EM fields within 2 meters of an EM source are indistinguishable from the cosmic background. However, unless you know how to measure these fields, you run the risk of exposing future occupants. GAIA is one of the few firms that have extensive experience conducting EMR field surveys, and the ability to properly interpret the data.

For clients that focus on residential land development and those with commercial buildings situated near or adjacent to sources of electromagnetic radiation, such as high-power transmission lines, GAIA’s personnel has the experience and skills necessary to complete electromagnetic radiation surveys to assist in risk management and development planning.

While the vast majority of studies and evidence suggest that there is no direct health-hazard posed by the low-power, low-frequency, electromagnetic radiation associated with household current, there has been evidence to show that exposure at high levels of ELF radiation will cause slight but significant increase in DNA fragmanetation at high exposure levels (1 mT or 10 G) that are above already-established safety levels. The fundamental mechanisms of the interaction between biological material and electromagnetic fields at non-thermal levels are not fully understood.

Nevertheless, some research has implicated exposure in a number of adverse health effects. These include, but are not limited to, childhood leukemia, adult leukemia, neurodegenerative diseases, miscarriage, and clinical depression.

The World Health Organization, US EPA, Health Canada and the UK Department of Health have all issued statements that, in general, state that there is not sufficient evidence to show that there is a direct link between EMR and cancer. However, in April 2007, the UK SAGE report found that the link between proximity to power lines and childhood leukemia was sufficient to warrant a precautionary recommendation, including an option to lay new power lines underground where possible and to prevent the building of new residential buildings within 60 m (197 ft) of existing power lines. The latter of these options was not an official recommendation to government as the cost-benefit analysis based on the increased risk for childhood leukemia alone was considered insufficient to warrant it. The option was considered necessary for inclusion as, if found to be real, the weaker association with other health effects would make it worth implementing.

Developers can provide an added measure of comfort to their potential home-owners and occupants by completing an EMR survey prior to construction.