Living with electromagnetic waves

Natural sources of electromagnetic waves include the sun. This emits light, UV and radio waves. The earth itself generates a magnetic field. And lightning creates both an electric field and radio waves.

There are also many man-made sources. These include all electrical products, from computer screens to kitchen appliances, and the power lines that carry electricity to them. Radio and TV broadcasts, medical x-ray machines, lasers and radar also emit electromagnetic waves in one waveband or another.

Here are some typical levels of radio wave emissions for common household appliances compared to a typical regulatory limit.

• TV Transmitter - 1/20th of international limit
• Radio Base Station - 1/45th of international limit
• Microwave Oven - 1/13th of international limit
• Refrigerator - 1/42nd of international limit
• Vacuum Cleaner - 1/5th of international limit

Find out more about regulation of electromagnetic wave emissions.