Electromagnetic Radiation and Human Health: A Review of Sources and Effects

Radio Frequency (RF) engineers are faced many times with the following two questions: “What are the effects of radio waves on human health?” and, more specifically, “What health risks are associated with the use of cell phones, mobile radios, microwave radios, microwave ovens, broadcast radio and television transmitters, power lines and X-rays?” In recent times, many people have expressed an interest in learning if the use of cell phones is associated with cancer. Many have heard or read about possible links between cell phones and cancer, but conclusions are rarely definitive. This paper will attempt to answer these questions, but first, we must develop a basic understanding of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Electromagnetic Frequency Spectrum Wireless communication links have been used worldwide for many years as solutions for connectivity in point-to-point and point-tomultipoint applications. The most common wireless solutions include AM and FM radio, television broadcast stations, mobile and cellular phones, radar and microwave systems. The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum contains an array of electromagnetic waves increasing in frequency from Extremely Low Frequency and Very Low Frequency (ELF/VLF), through Radio Frequency (RF) and Microwaves, to Infrared (IR) light, Visible Light, Ultraviolet (UV) light, X-rays, and Gamma rays. Figure 1 is a graphical representation of the spectrum of electromagnetic energy or radiation in ascending frequency (decreasing wavelength). The general nature of the effects is noted for different ranges. This article provides an extensive summary of the types of electromagnetic radiation and their thermal and molecular effects on the human body