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AC Electrical Sensitiviy & Paranormal Investigation

 

Electrical sensitivity (ES) - sometimes called electro-sensitivity, electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), radio-wave illness or microwave sickness - is a condition in which a person experiences physical and/or psychological symptom that are aggravated by electric or magnetic fields (EMF) or other electromagnetic waves at exposure levels tolerated by the general public. It is debatable whether EMF exposure causes sufferers' symptoms, and the balance of evidence from studies so far indicates that the link is false. (However, keep in mind that studies are only as good as the subjects that are tested.)  There are over 30 studies into electrical sensitivity, of which the majority have found no relationship between electromagnetic fields and the symptoms being suffered. The World Health Organization states that there is no known scientific basis for such a link; but many sufferers and their support groups are firmly convinced of a relationship.

Electrical sensitivity produces symptoms in certain people when exposed to common levels of electromagnetic fields from electrical sources in the environment: power lines, motors, telephones, computers, cellular telephones, etc. For the paranormal researcher, it is very important to note that these are all MAN MADE AC fields.  Despite the conveniences of electrical technology, the effects of EMF on biological tissue remains the most controversial aspect of the issue with virtually all scientists agreeing that more research is necessary to determine safe or dangerous levels.

Iron, necessary for healthy blood and stored in the brain, is highly effected by EMF. The permeability of the cell membrane of our nerves, blood vessels, skin, and other organs is affected. The DNA of the chromosomes has been shown to be effected by EMF’s as well. In fact, throughout our bodies, every biochemical process involves EMF sensitive atoms, molecules, and ions. You might be asking yourself, "What about the EMF field surrounding the human brain." This field is actually a DC field- more on this in another newsletter.

 

How it is measured:

 

There are many different AC EMF meters on the market.  The ones you will most often see are the K-II safe range EMF meter, Tri-Field, Call Sensor and the Extech electromagnetic field and extremely low frequency meter, the main difference between the two models being the Extech supports a full digital readout, the tri-field uses a meter and the K-II (the most basic of just about all emf meters) only has reference lights which light at different readings. For this reason we rely on the Extech meter as our meter of choice for verifying the presence of EMF fields.

 

Generally Accepted Limits:

 

The U.S. government has been slower to act in establishing its own standards.  Because of this the Swedish standard is generally accepted throughout the world. After more than 25 years the Swedish government established a safety limit for exposure to EMF magnetic field at 2.5 milligauss. What this possibly means is that if someone consistently experiences exposure which exceeds the standard, that person could be at risk for developing health problems which can range from headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, skin rashes, miscarriage, leukemia, and cancer. In fact, numerous court cases where plaintiffs claim to have been injured by EMF’s are now in progress.  One must ask themselves if this is why the US government is hesitant to establish a 'safe limit' for exposure.  Once a standard is set, this could open the flood gates for law suites.

Electrical sensitivity Symptoms:

In a recent ES survey, the five most common symptoms experienced when EMF exposed were:

 

• Skin itch/rash/flushing/burning and/or tingling
• Confusion/poor concentration and/or memory loss
• Fatigue/weakness
• Headache
• Chest pain/heart problems

 

Less commonly reported symptoms included:

• Nausea
• Panic attacks
• Insomnia
• Seizures
• Ear pain/ringing in the ears
• Feeling a vibration
• Paralysis
• Dizziness
• Pressure in the chest
• Facial flushing
• Pain or burning in the eyes
• Pressure in/behind the eyes
• Itching
• Burning
• Skin rash / Bruising
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Numbness / tingling
• Dryness of lips, tongue, mouth, eyes

 

More severe reactions can include:

• Brief hallucinations
• Paralysis
• Psychosis
• Stroke

 

Some ES patients experience only one symptom when EMF exposed, but often more than one symptom is apparent. Electromagnetic frequency sensitivity testing can be done at a facility such as the Environmental Health Center in Dallas, Texas to determine if an individual has electrical sensitivity. An Electrical Sensitivity Diagnostic Kit may be helpful in determining which type of ES affects an individual (AC magnetic fields, electric fields only, or DC fields) by exposing the subject to one type of EMF at a time in order to analyze the cause of symptoms.

 

How to reduce EMF:

 

Power Frequency Electric Fields

 

Most people who describe themselves as electrically sensitive have sensitivity to at least electric fields, and often to other fields. Electric field control can be time consuming and expensive. The fields that are most often a problem are from electrical wiring in a building or from appliance wiring. Although power frequency fields can be measured directly, the preferred approach for this type of work is "body voltage testing," which is measures he weak electric fields inside a room.

 

Corrective measures:

 

Electric field shielding (conductive paint, mat, screen)Replace all existing wiring with armored cable

 

• Shield all appliance sources
• Eliminate elevated neutral to ground voltage on the building electrical system through proper grounding

 

Power Frequency Magnetic Fields

 

Magnetic fields are present wherever electricity is in use, and radiate from power lines, appliances, electrical wiring, etc. Many people who suffer from electro-sensitivity experience discomfort in the presence of these fields.

 

Corrective measures:

Eliminate plumbing current (neutral current diversion) problems

 

• Eliminate all "net currents," or current imbalance problems, on electrical circuits in the building.
• Magnetic shielding for high current point sources, such as electrical service panels

Higher Frequency Fields - Conducted

 

This usually refers to multi-frequency electrical noise that is conducted into your home wiring system through the power feed and grounding system or generated within the house by dimmer switches or motorized appliances and then radiated from the wiring in a field. If a broadcast transmitters are close by, their signal will also ride in on the power feed.

 

Corrective measures:

• Improve the grounding of your house. The power company neutral in the feed to your house is connected to ground for a number of reasons but the ones that are significant for electro sensitivity reasons are to conduct high frequency noise and transients to ground and to stabilize the neutral-to-ground voltage.

 

Why is this information important to paranormal researchers?

 

There are lots and lots of paranormal tv shows out there that shows investigators walking around trying to chase down a ghost using an AC emf meter.  Why?  Beats me- from my research there is no scientific relationship between a spirit and AC meter readings.  Now with this said, I have personally witnessed some spikes on these types of meters that could not be explained.

The biggest thing for the paranormal investigator to understand is that high EMF fields can bring about the same feelings and sensations to a person that have often been reported in claims of a haunting: confusion, memory loss, panic attacks, insomnia, feeling a vibration, anxiety, irritability and even brief hallucinations just to name a few.  It is so important for the investigator to rule out all possible explanations before assuming a place is haunted.

The next time your on an investigation and you see someone running around with an AC meter trying to 'chase down a ghost' ask them why and see if there answer is "because I saw it on tv."

Article Written by Gene Lafferty

 

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