International Journal of All Research Education and Scientific Methods (IJARESM)

ISSN: 2455-6211, Volume 4, Issue 8, August- 2016, Impact Factor: 2.287

Electromagnetic Spectrum and Its Impact on

Human Life
1 2
Ashwani Kumar , Dr. Vijay Dangi
1
Department, Biotechnology, UIET, MDU, Rohtak, Haryana
2
Assistant Professor, Department, Biotechnology, UIET, MDU, Rohtak, Haryana

ABSTRACT

An Electromagnetic Spectrum contains an array of electromagnetic waves of different frequencies but is

unseen to human with naked eyes. In our daily life we are surrounded by these waves as everyone is
exposed to electric and magnetic fields, both at home and at work, from the generation and transmission
of electricity, domestic appliances and industrial equipment, to telecommunications and broadcasting.
The article provides the summary of the types of electromagnetic radiations which have their effects on
human body as well as medical usage of these radiations for the treatment of various diseases. The paper
presents that how electronic technology advancement has helped as well as created harmful impact on
human’s life. These effects are short term effects and long term effects. Decreasing the area of vision,
stress and tiredness, loosing of concentration and attention, hearing problem and headache these can be
seen as the short term effects. The long term effects that are commonly seen are irreversible hearing
problems, damaging of embryonic development, risk of miscarriage increase, sperms count decrease,
brain tissue damage, cardiovascular disease, memory loss, lymphoma and DNA (Deoxyribose Nuclic
Acid) damage. So risk assessment of Electromagnetic spectrum is necessary for prevention from
Electromagnetic field to minimize the risk.

INTRODUCTION

The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is a name that scientists give a cluster of radiation when they want to talk
about them as a group. Radiation is energy that travels and spreads out as it goes. EM radiations are
microwaves, infrared and ultraviolet light, X-rays and gamma-rays. The electromagnetic spectrum can be
expressed in terms of energy, wavelength, or frequency. Electromagnetic radiations are used in many areas of
science and technology such as television, radar, microwave ovens wireless phones and MRI
[1].Electromagnetic radiation has many benefits but have many risks that threaten people lives and affect human
health. The rapid increase in used of electromagnetic radiation technology make the pollution of electromagnetic
field of radio frequency generate by telecommunication system is the biggest environmental problems of
twentieth century.

Electromagnetic spectrum has range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. “Electromagnetic
Spectrum” has characteristic distribution of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed by particular object.
The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from below the low frequencies used in modern radio communication to
gamma radiation at the short-wavelength (high-frequency), thereby covering wavelengths from thousands of
kilometres down to a fraction of the size of an atom. The long wavelength is the size of the universe itself, while
it is thought that the short wavelength limit is in the vicinity of the Planck length [2]. Most parts of the
electromagnetic spectrum are used in science for spectroscopic and other probing interactions, as ways to study
and characterize matter [3].

In addition, radiation from various parts of the spectrum has found many other uses for communications and
manufacturing. The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is a name that scientists give a cluster of radiation when
they want to talk about them as a group. Radiation is energy that travels and spreads out as it goes. EM
radiations are microwaves; infrared and ultraviolet light X-rays and gamma-rays. The electromagnetic spectrum
can be expressed in terms of energy, wavelength, or frequency. Regular increased in technological development
worldwide. This generates a great interest by people to follow the evolution. Environmental pollution occurs in
different forms such as air, water, soil, radioactive, noise, thermal, and light pollution [3]. Pollution in its
various types doesn't simply negatively affect the natural world, but they can have measurable impact on human
being Fig. 1.

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International Journal of All Research Education and Scientific Methods (IJARESM)
ISSN: 2455-6211, Volume 4, Issue 8, August- 2016, Impact Factor: 2.287

Fig 1: A diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum, showing various properties across the range of
frequencies and wavelengths [104].

GAMMA RADIATION LITERATURE

Gamma radiation, also known as gamma rays, and de-noted by the Greek letter γ, refers to electromagnetic
radiation of an extremely high frequency and therefore consists of high-energy photons. Gamma rays are
ionizing radiation, and have biologically hazardous properties. Electromagnetic radiation from radioactive
decay of atomic nuclei is referred to as “gamma rays” no matter its energy, atomic nucleus so that there is no
lower limit to gamma energy derived from radioactive decay [6]. Paul Villard, a French chemist and physicist,
discovered gamma radiation in 1900, while studying radiation emitted from radium. Villard’s radiation was
named “gamma rays” by Ernest Rutherford in 1903. The “rays” emitted by radioactive elements were named in
order of their power to penetrate various materials, using the first three letters of the Greek alphabet alpha rays
as the least penetrating, followed by beta rays, followed by gamma rays as the most penetrating. Rutherford also
noted that gamma rays were not deflected by a magnetic field, another property making them unlike alpha and
beta rays. Rutherford measure the wavelengths of gamma rays from radium, and found that they were similar to
X-rays, but with shorter wavelengths and has higher frequency. This was eventually recognized as giving them
also more energy per photon, as soon as the latter term became generally accepted. A gamma decay was then
understood to usually emit a single gamma photon. Rutherford initially believed that γ rays has extremely fast
beta particles, but their failure to be go over by a magnetic field indicated that they had no charge Fig. 2.

Fig. 2: Gamma rays [105].

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International Journal of All Research Education and Scientific Methods (IJARESM)
ISSN: 2455-6211, Volume 4, Issue 8, August- 2016, Impact Factor: 2.287

IMPACTS OF MICROWAVE RADIATIONS

Microwaves do not contain sufficient energy to chemically change substances by ionization, and so are
examples of non-ionizing radiation [75]. The word “radiation” refers to energy radiating from a source and not
to radioactivity. It has not been shown conclusively that microwaves (or other non-ionizing electromagnetic
radiation) have significant adverse biological effects at low levels. Some, but not all, studies suggest that long-
term exposure may have a carcinogenic effect [76]. This is separate from the risks associated with very high-
intensity exposure, which can cause heating and burns like any heat source, and not a unique property of
microwaves specifically.

During World War II, it was observed that individuals in the radiation path of radar installations experienced
clicks and buzzing sounds in response to microwave radiation. This microwave auditory was thought to be
caused by the microwaves inducing an electric current in the hearing centers of the brain [77]. Research by
NASA in the 1970s has shown this to be caused by thermal expansion in parts of the inner ear. In 1955 Dr.
James Lovelock was able to reanimate rats frozen at 0 °C using microwave diathermy [78]. When injury from
exposure to microwaves occurs, it usually results from dielectric heating induced in the body [79].

Table 1: Impact of Microwave Radiation

Sr Impact Causes Deceases References

No.
1 Electromagnetic EMP Baum, Carl E., IEEE
pulse interference is Transactions on
generally Electromagnetic
disruptive or Compatibility. Vol. 49, No. 2.
damaging to pp. 211–218. May
electronic 2007.Reminiscences of High-
equipment, and Power Electromagnetic
at higher energy
levels a powerful
EMP event
2 Human eye Rod and cone Dryness, excess Zimmer, Carl (February
cells in the retina tearing, itching, 2012). “Our Strange,
allow conscious grating, sandy Important, Subconscious
light perception sensation, Light Detectors”. Discover
and vision ocular fatigue, Magazine. Retrieved 2012-05-
including colour pain, 05.
differentiation scratchiness,
and the soreness,
perception of redness, swollen
depth. eyelids, and
tiredness,
3 Photo acoustic The photo Gray, R. C.; Bard, A. J.
effect acoustic effect or (1978). cryoscopy evolution or
opt acoustic consumption” (PDF).
effect is the Analytical Chemistry 50 (9):
formation of 1262.
sound waves doi:10.1021/ac50031a018
following light
absorption in a
material sample.
4 Non-ionizing Ionizing Burns, radiation IARC (31 May 2011). “IARC
radiation radiation which sickness, cancer Classifies Radiofrequency
has a higher and genetic Electromagnetic Fields As
frequency and damage. Possibly Carcinogenic To

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International Journal of All Research Education and Scientific Methods (IJARESM)
ISSN: 2455-6211, Volume 4, Issue 8, August- 2016, Impact Factor: 2.287

shorter Humans” (PDF). Press

wavelength than Release (Press release).
no ionizing
radiation has
many uses but
can be a health
hazard; exposure
to it can cause
burns, radiation
sickness, cancer
and genetic
damage.

IMPACTS OF RADIO WAVES

High-power extremely low frequency RF with electric field levels in the low kV/m range are known to induce
perceivable currents within the human body that create an annoying tingling sensation. These currents will
typically flow to ground through a body contact surface such as the feet, or arc to ground where the body is well
insulated [95].

Microwaves

Microwave exposure at low-power levels below the Specific absorption rate set by government regulatory
bodies are considered harmless non-ionizing radiation and have no effect on the human body [96]. However,
levels above the Specific absorption rate set by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission are considered
potentially harmful (see Mobile phone radiation and health). Long-term exposure to high-levels of microwaves
from experimental animal studies and epidemiological studies in humans is recognized to cause cataracts. The
mechanism is unclear but may include changes in heat sensitive enzymes that normally protect cell proteins in
the lens. Another mechanism that has been advanced is direct damage to the lens from pressure waves induced
in the aqueous humor [97]. High-power exposure to microwave RF is known to create a range of effects from
lower to higher power levels, ranging from unpleasant burning sensation on the skin and microwave auditory
effect, to extreme pain at the mid-range, to physical burning and blistering of skin and internals at high power
levels.

Broadcasting

Broadcasting is the distribution of audio and/or video content to a dispersed audience via any electronic mass
communications medium, but typically one using the electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves), in a one-to-many
model Fig. 3.

Fig. 3: Broadcasting antenna in Stuttgart [127].

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International Journal of All Research Education and Scientific Methods (IJARESM)
ISSN: 2455-6211, Volume 4, Issue 8, August- 2016, Impact Factor: 2.287

Broadcasting began with AM radio broadcasting which sprang up spontaneously around 1920. Before this, all
forms of electronic communication, radio, telephone, and telegraph, were “one-to-one”, with the message
intended for a single recipient. The term “broadcasting”, borrowed from the agricultural method of sowing seeds
in a field by casting them broadly about, was coined by either KDKA manager Frank Conrad or RCA historian
George Clark around 1920 to distinguish this new activity of “one-to-many” communication; a single radio
station transmitting to multiple listeners [98].

RISK ASSESSMENT OF ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

The assessment of human exposure to electromagnetic radiation under occupational and environmental
conditions is one of the most complicated problems of public health science and practice. The problems arise
from the very essence of EMR, the conflicting requirements of the measuring instruments, the complexity of
electromagnetic waves in the working environment, and the still unknown mechanisms of their biological
effects. One of the best ways to develop methods and criteria for exposure assessment of EMR is to determine
the electromagnetic field parameters as well as those related to the quantity of energy absorbed by the organism.
Definitions have been given mainly regarding tissues' electric and magnetic characteristics, and regarding the
energetic parameters of EMR, without description of concrete methods of exposure assessment in different
complicated cases of wide-ranging impulsive, non-homogeneous radiation.

The best parameters for exposure assessment are the Specific Absorption Rate, the energetic loading of the
human body (the electromagnetic dose W), the time-weighted average, using time-dependent hygienic norms
and standards [102]. The purpose of the precautionary principle is that legal requirements are to be made to
safeguard against the possible health risks that have not yet been scientifically established. That a risk is not
established cannot, therefore, be used as an excuse for not applying the principle. Yet, that rationale is exactly
what is happening in the case of the possible health risks from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). The
scientists, representing both the World Health Organization and the European Commission, do not have at all
the precautionary principle in mind when they report on health risks.

Their starting point is instead to determine whether new research findings have been scientifically established
and thus cannot be the basis for an amendment to the existing exposure limits. Uncertain indications of risk are
ignored or played down. This approach is in conflict with European Union (EU) law, which requires that the
degree of scientific uncertainty should be presented correctly. A thorough examination of the state of research
shows many serious indications of possible health risks from exposure very far below existing limits for EMF.
Case law, for other types of exposure, also shows that the precautionary principle can be applied on the basis of
weaker evidence than that. Our investigation shows that the precautionary principle is not being used for its
intended purpose in relation to exposure to EMF. The reason for this position is that decision-makers are being
misled by inaccurate risk assessments [103].

CONCLUSION

After this study it can be concluded that electromagnetic fields are harmful and can have adverse effect on
human body depending upon the intensity and frequency of electromagnetic field. It is always a good idea to
avoid the unnecessary exposure to electromagnetic fields whenever possible. Though technology makes our life
very comfortable but at the expense of our health, it is our first duty to save our life. Thus we should use
technology wisely so that we can save our self as well as mother earth. These negative effects are particularly
important in the electromagnetic fields in the Radiofrequency (RF) zone which are used in communications,
radio and television broadcasting, cellular networks and indoor wireless systems. Along with the widespread use
of technological products in daily life, the biological effects of electromagnetic waves have begun to be more
widely discussed. EMR exposure at the highest frequencies (X-Rays, Gamma rays) is a source of serious
biological damage.

Health effects from exposure to this form of radiation vary from no effect at all to death, and can cause diseases
such as leukemia or bone, breast, and lung cancer. The amount of “absorbed” vs. “exposed” radiation has to be
considered since the absorption depends on the nature, amount and duration of radiation as well as the
individual body condition. It is worth mentioning, however, that research and studies alerting from hazards are
much more than those denying the effects. With increasing evidence linking significant EMF exposure to
adverse health sequel, and with the increasing intensity of electronic pollution resulting from wireless
technology and dirty electricity, it may be prudent to consider erring on the side of caution. Considering the
potential long-term danger, physicians and public health officials should alert individual patients and the public
to this issue and provide ongoing information on precautions to diminish potential risk associated with EMF
exposure.

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International Journal of All Research Education and Scientific Methods (IJARESM)
ISSN: 2455-6211, Volume 4, Issue 8, August- 2016, Impact Factor: 2.287

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