Waves Clinic
Differences Between Electric and Magnetic Fields!

What’s the electric field?

An electric field surrounds an electric charge, and exerts force on other charges in the field, attracting or repelling them.

What’s the magnetic field?

A magnetic field is a vector field that describes the magnetic influence of electric charges in relative motion and magnetized materials.

What’s the electromagnetic field?

the electric and magnetic fields are commonly discussed as if they were a single entity termed EMF.

electric field; magnetic field; electromagnetic field

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

 

Sources:

Wikipedia.com

A healthy house book, third edition.