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Frequently Asked Questions
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What does EMF stand for?EMF stands for ElectroMagnetic Field. In general, an Electric phenomena has a Magnetic component and vise versa. They are intrinsically linked. The term Field refers to a field of influence created by the electromagnetic source. EMFs can occur at various frequencies as determined by how many times the EMF wave goes up and down in 1 second. Many people say EMF means "electromagnetic frequency" but this is not a scientific term. EMFs occur at many different frequencies and it is important to understand which frequencies we are talking about since they come from different sources. Additionally, EMF meters are only accurate for, and relevant to, a specific frequency range. Dictionary Definition electromagnetic field noun Physics a field of force that consists of both electric and magnetic components, resulting from the motion of an electric charge and containing a definite amount of electromagnetic energy.
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What are the different types of EMFs relevant to healthy homes?In general there are 5 types of man-made EMFs and about 4 types of Natural EMFs that are relevant to healthy homes: Artificial EMFs Radio Frequency/Microwaves - KHz to MHz to GHz - wireless communication AC Electric Fileds - 50 or 60 Hz - home power AC Magnetic Fields - 50 or 60 Hz - home power Dirty Electricity - above 50/60 Hz into KHz/MHz - electromagnetic interference Artificial Light - Incandescent, LED, Fluorescent - these are not full spectrum Natural EMFs GeoMagnetic Field - created by electric currents in the Earth's liquid core Static Electric Filed - between the earth and the ionosphere Thermal Radiation - infrared from the sun and fire Visible Light - full spectrum
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Do EMF harmonizers work?EMF Harmonizers (and similar products) are abundant in the marketplace and many of them claim to have been tested for effectiveness. But claims of neutralizing or eliminating the risk are probably exaggerations. Often the studies show that plants grew better or blood cells did not clump together in the presence of the product, but to extrapolate that this means the problem has been solved is short sighted. I have tested several products hoping they would solve my sensitivity, even ones with "scientific proof" but none stood the test. Indeed, many of my clients have a similar story. Removing the sources in your home is the best way to support your body. If harmonizers make you feel better out in places where you can't control your exposures, then that is a good place for them. Your home should be a refuge from industrial age toxins like artificial EMFs. I advocate for avoidance when possible. It's a matter of lifestyle choices -- putting health above "convenience".
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What Does IEQ stand for?IEQ stand for Indoor Environmental Quality. As the name suggests, it pertains to the quality of the environment inside our homes relevant to it's ability to promote good health for the occupants.
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What are the main IEQ considerations in a healthy home?In Building Biology, Nature is the gold standard. Modern industrialization and building practices have steered us away from the natural, time tested methods by introducing new chemicals and experimental practices. These have led to a build up of toxins in the home and unforeseen moisture issues resulting in mold and bacterial growths. The main IEQ considerations are: Mold Bacteria VOCs SVOCs Combustion gases Biocides Many other chemicals Pest intrusion Natural electric fields, Static electricity Geomagnetic fields, Geopathic stress Man-made EMFs
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Can I test for mold and VOCs myself?While home test kits are available for mold and VOC's, proper training is essential to achieving meaningful accurate results. It has been observed that even some mold inspectors lack the refined education to properly find the source of mold and devise an adequate remediation plan. It can happen that, post remediation, the house is tested and cleared for mold, yet the client still smells mold and feels ill. There are many types of mold and most have known qualities making it possible to differentiate between water damage related mold and fruit mold for example. The locations of sampling are critical to getting a good picture of the situation. VOC testing also requires good training. You could get a positive test but how do you decide it is from the vinyl floor tiles, the wall paint, the carpet, or nontoxic essential oils for example? You need to do a variety of testing with good control measures in place. That's why a high quality meter is better than a one-time home test kit. A caring professional with good skills will be able to give the best results. Another important point is that there are many chemicals in our environment that don't qualify as VOCs, so these may be missed by a specific test method. The term VOC is popular due to EPA regulations concerning smog. Understand that only a small percentage of chemicals sold to us in the many products we buy have been adequately tested, if at all, before being released to the public.
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What does an EMF Inspection entail?In my EMF Inspections I focus primarily on 5 categories: Radio Frequency/Microwaves - wireless communication sources AC Magnetic Fields - home wiring, power lines, electronic devices, appliances AC Electric Fields - home wiring, power lines, electronic devices, appliances Dirty Electricity - electronic devices, appliances, electrical grid Home Electrical System - proper wiring, pipe current, net current, proper grounding I will quantify the effect of external sources on your living space compared to sources within your home. Determining the best circuits to turn off at night is a priority since the electric field typically radiates 6-8 feet from all wires. Identifying dirty electricity sources in your home is a way to reduce the electrical noise radiating from your wires. If I find evidence of wiring error related magnetic fields I will make a remediation plan for an electrician to implement. It is best if I work with the electrician at a followup visit to properly resolve the issue. There may be a need for a plumber to implement some changes as well. If you opt for a full report I will produce a detailed report with all of my measurements, observations and recommendations. I prioritize removing sources above shielding, yet I will generally offer a limited, well planned shielding strategy as an option. Shielding can have drawbacks if all other EMF issues are not addressed beforehand -- it's a complex endeavor. Lifestyle changes will be the key to successful improvements. Depending on the size of the home and complexity of issues, I may not have time for detailed assessment of each category in my first visit, but will be sure to get preliminary measurements. A typical home can take between 4-8 hours.
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How much do you charge for your services?Contact me to schedule your free initial inquiry meeting to discuss my services and pricing. This is where we get to know each other and discuss your concerns and needs. We will come up with a plan that suites your budget. (20 minutes)
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What kind of testing instruments do you use?I use high quality EMF testing instruments. Most are designed specifically for Building Biologists since we need to provide accurate data for our clients and confirm that very low levels have been achieved in mitigation. - RF - Gigahertz Solutions 59B &D - Log Per and Omni directional antennas, plus adapter Safe and Sound Pro II - Omni directions built in antenna - MF - Gigahertz Solutions NFA 1000 - Data logging ability Safe and Sound EM3 - EF - Gigahertz Solutions NFA 1000 Safe and Sound EM3 - DE - Picoscope - Oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer EMF Services - Line Noise Meter Simple AM Radio - Electrical System - Ruoshui current clamps Fluke 287 multimeter DLG clamp-on ground tester
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