to test body voltage, the voltage, or electrical pressure, between a person and a dedicated rod driven into the earth is measured. test is done with electrical appliances on and off, with circuits energized and de-energized, to determine what devices and circuits affect the electric field strength in the sleeping area.
Electric field testing measures electric field strength using an electric field meter. The sleeping area is carefully surveyed until all sources are identified. Goal: electric field strength should be less than 10 volts per meter and preferably less than 1 volt per meter.
Magnetic field travels unimpeded through almost any material. The alternating magnetic field causes eddy currents (the induction effect) in the human body and can lead to abnormal nerve, bone, and muscle stimulation. Therefore, appliances such as refrigerators, freezer, swimming pool pumps, and breaker boxes should be located far from sleeping areas. A survey will help establish safe distances and clock radios. Additional problems of net currents are a reality, especially in urban areas. The resulting elevated magnetic field needs to be carefully tracked and eliminated.
A gaussmeter or tesla meter is used to survey the sleeping area for elevated magnetic field. These meters can be either a single-axis or triaxial instrument. Goal: less than 200 nanoteslas (2 milligauss), and preferably less than 20 nanoteslas (0.2 milligauss).
Since the net current gauses magnetic field, the other main measuring instrument is the ammeter. Once the identified internal magnetic fields are removed by turning off the power, a clamp-on ammeter is used to measure current on the grounding system, especially the water service supply, TV cables, telephone lines, and even the air conditioning systems Freon lines. Typical values are less than 150 milliamperes.
The higher the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation, the more the electric and magnetic field components meld. The energy level of radiofrequency (RF) radiation is billions of times stronger than the natural high-frequency energies from the cosmos that exited during our biological development. Research shows that cataracts, blood composition change, hormone alterations, and chromosomal abnormalities are induced at high-frequency energies. Sources of high RF radiation located outside a home require changing the location of the bed or shielding with RF- reflective paint and/or material.
Internal RF sources, such as cellular phones, wireless communications, and cordless phones, should not be in or near the bedroom, or at least not while you sleep. Cordless phones based on 2.4 or higher gigahertz technology emits pulsed RF energy 24 hours a day. Choose analog 900 megahertz model instead and use them sparingly. It is also important to consider avoiding light dimmer switches and fluorescent lighting of any type, as they can create RF signals that travel on the installation of the electric house, contaminating the entire living space.
The RF detector (50-3000 megahertz) and RF analyzer (800-3300 megahertz) are used to detect pulsed radio frequency signals, track down their sources, and test the effectiveness of mitigation. Goal: exposure limits are: pulsed less than 0.1 microwatts per square meter and nonplussed less than 1 microwatt per square meter.
Static electric and static magnetic fields (also called DC field) occur in nature, where they can surprise us with enormous intensities. These fields do not vibrate at any frequency but are static that is, independent of time and unchanging. Adverse health effects from static can occur when the field deviates from the natural background even to a small degree. Thus, for a healthy environment, deviation from these static fields need to be eliminated. Unfortunately, this condition is often overlooked by indoor environmentalists who are not Bau-biologists.
Static electricity is produced between electric charges at rest. At the right dose, air electricity is essential for sustaining life, but, when the unbalanced, static electric field can cause subtle health effects that are not as obvious as a shock. These effects result when static electricity-generating materials upset the natural air ion balance and concentration. Synthetic carpeting, stuffed animals, upholstered furniture, and blended bed sheets are the major sources of static electricity in the bedroom. The cure is easy: use natural material that cannot become so highly charged and that discharge quickly, such as cotton, hemp, silk, and wool. If a replacement is not possible, cover the offending material.
Often while sleeping we are not in sync with the earth’s natural static magnetic field because of highly magnetic metal mattress springs. A DC gaussmeter or a liquid (oil) filled compass moved slowly across a bed can detect static magnetic field anomalies. A compass is sufficiently accurate for risk assessment of the innerspring mattress. Goal: size changes under 1 milligauss (100 microteslas) when using a DC gaussmeter, or less than a 10- degree change in direction in 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) when using a compass.
Building material such as concrete, glazed tiles, and granite countertops may show radioactivity levels far above the ambient level. Select materials with lower radiation. All radiation exposures should be as low as reasonably attainable (the ALARA principle). Even the smallest radiation exposure should be avoided. All homes and sites should be tested for radon following the EPA guidelines.
A Geiger counter compares the ionization effect of radioactive radiation on the natural background. To establish the natural background radiation, it is necessary to take several measurements at various spots, diligently avoiding potential sources of radioactivity. Goal: less than a 70 percent increase and ideally less than 50 percent.
