An electric field surrounds an electric charge, and exerts force on other charges in the field, attracting or repelling them.
A magnetic field is a vector field that describes the magnetic influence of electric charges in relative motion and magnetized materials.
the electric and magnetic fields are commonly discussed as if they were a single entity termed EMF.
Differences between electric and magnetic fields
|
Electric Fields |
Magnetic Fields |
| Flow in straight lines in all directions from the sources unless conductors attract them | Radiate out from the source, flowing in loops |
| Can be easily shielded | Difficult and expensive to shield (even lead is not effective) |
| Attracted by conductors such as metal, saltwater bodies, and people | Penetrate all normal building materials |
| Present when switches for machinery all off or on | Occur only when appliances are switched on and current is flowing |
| Not widely recognized presently in the conventional circle as a health threat | Safe-exposure limits not regulated by US government, though Sweden has set limits |
| Reportedly affect the nervous system and can cause insomnia, anxiety, depression, aggressive behavior, and a higher risk of leukemia | Reportedly affect cellular function and have been statically linked in some studies with increased cancer cell growth rate, Alzheimer’s, miscarriages, and birth defects, while some sensitive individuals report physical reaction |
| Electrical code permits but does not mandate wiring for the reduced electric field. | Electrical code offers protection against exposure to magnetic fields produced by wiring in the structure, with some exceptions |
| Proper use of electric field meters requires expertise | Easily measured with a gaussmeter |
Wikipedia.com
A healthy house book, third edition.
