Electric and magnetic fields (often referred to as EMFs) come from a wide range of sources and vary enormously in the strength of the fields.
- Electric fields are produced by voltage
- Magnetic fields are produced by current
EMFs are produced both naturally and as a result of human activity. The earth has both a magnetic field (produced by currents deep inside the molten core of the planet) and an electric field (produced by electrical activity in the atmosphere, such as thunderstorms).
Wherever electricity is used there will also be electric and magnetic fields. This is inherent in the laws of physics - we can modify the fields to some extent, but if we are going to use electricity, then EMFs are inevitable.
Over the past 20 years, scientists have linked exposure to everyday levels of EMFs with various health problems, ranging from headaches to Alzheimer's disease. The most persistent of these suggestions relates to childhood leukaemia.
