EMR and its Effect on Human Health
Jordan Wheatley, Allison Price, Matt McComas, Rohan Chandran, & Katelynn Cook
YSDE
What is EMR?
EMR (Electromagnetic Radiation) is a form of energy emitted by a variety
of devices such as cell phones, radios, microwaves, etc.
“EMR is a form of energy with both electrical and magnetic fields that travels in
waves. Wavelength and frequency vary depending on the source. There are many
sources of EMR, both natural and human, but the term is sometimes used more
narrowly to refer to emissions from wired and wireless electric technologies. EMR
from these sources is in the non-ionizing range of the electromagnetic spectrum. In
other words, it does not carry enough energy to break chemical bonds. EMR is greatest
close to the source and decreases quickly with distance from the source.” (Suzuki,
2014)
What is Electromagnetic Sensitivity?
According to Diane Schou, a victim of EM sensitivity (EMS), EMS is not a disease or
something you are born with; instead, it is an injury. Diane claims to have been injured by a
cellphone tower that was built close to her home. It is said to cause hair loss, headaches,
tiredness, rash, and sudden confusion.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Experiment and Interview
The Vacuum Experiment
We designed and conducted an experiment on
whether or not the electromagnetic waves from a
vacuum will effect the way you concentrate and
think. For the experiment we chose the vacuum
because it emitted the broadest level of frequency
that was available, and was therefore more likely
to affect a variety of individuals. Since our time
was limited we decided to design a test
concerning just cognitive abilities including focus
and accuracy.
The subjects objective was to hit the
center of two targets by alternating
back and forth from each. We first
needed a control to compare the
results of the experiment. Behind a
curtain, we set up a control
-speakers- imitating the vacuum’s
noise to fool the subject into thinking
it was real. We then took a real
vacuum and placed it close to the
subject’s head.
Results
Conclusion
Our results weren’t what we had hoped for; they were all inconclusive.
Person
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Control Radiation Control
Radiation
16
18
9
3
15
13
12
17
13
14
5
0
18
15
7
14
3
-6
4
3
-3
-2
5
3
Does EMR Affect Human Health?
After we conducted our experiment and interview, we began to analyze our data. We
studied the results of the experiment first; we speculated that our data was inconclusive.
The stature of the circular targets used in the experiment were too small to recognize any
trends. The experiment demonstrated inconclusive results. We then began to decipher the
interview with an electromagnetic hypersensitive person. Through looking at the interview,
the group also concluded while Diane’s testimony was convincing, it cannot be considered
scientific without corroberation. The group used the data from the experiment and the
interview to conclude that with the time allotted, we had inconclusive data, for we had no
reasoning as to whether or not electromagnetic radiation affects human health after a short
duration of time.
Since we focused entirely on short-term effects, it’s difficult to determine whether or not
electromagnetic radiation would have a negative effect on human health after a long period
of time. In Green Bank, we were faced with the radio quiet zone, which made it tricky to
get access to radiation to perform experiments. Also, we performed our experiment on a
small amount of people. Thus, it is extremely challenging to conclude much from the data
we were able to collect. Further research is a must since we are exposed to low frequency
radio waves constantly.
Interview
We interviewed an individual who had been
injured by electromagnetic radiation. Diane had
previously lived in Iowa harmoniously until a U.S.
cellular tower was installed. After the installation,
she paid no mind to the tower, until she began
experiencing alarming symptoms nine months
later. These symptoms included headaches, rash,
hair loss, and sudden confusion. Diane thought
the rash was caused by something she had eaten,
and she figured the hair loss and forgetfulness
were caused by aging. However, she could not
think of what the headaches could be a result of.
After a while of ignoring the worsening
headaches, Diane sought medical attention.
After listening to the doctor’s explanation of the headaches,
Diane was not satisfied with his reasoning. Diane sought
explanation for these symptoms; her husband came up with
the idea that she might be experiencing symptoms from
electromagnetic radiation sensitivity. She and her husband
conjured up an experiment that would test this hypothesis.
Diane traveled to a white zone in which she would stay for a
week or two. A white zone is an area where people can go to
escape electromagnetic radiation. While at the white zone
she began to feel remarkably better. Diane then traveled
back home to complete the second part of the experiment.
At home she began to experience the same symptoms over
and over again. Diane began to notice when she was away
from the U.S. cellular tower she felt much better!
Citations
If the blue diamond falls below the red square, the subject
performed worse with radiation.
• http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/enviro-healthpolicy/electromagnetic-radiation-and-fields/
Ride in EMITT
The electromagnetic spectrum is the total range
of frequencies or wavelengths of
electromagnetic radiation beginning with low
frequencies (low frequency waves are emitted
by common household devices) and ascending
to high frequency waves.
• http://newsturkey24.com/i-used-to-be-sick-all-the-time-dozens-ofamericans-who-claim-to-be-allergic-to-electromagnetic-signals-settlein-small-west-virginia-town-where-wifi-is-banned/9918
We rode in the E.M.I.T.T (Electromagnetic Interference Tracking Truck) to learn about the
types of EMR in the radio quiet zone. This truck drives around the Green Bank area to tell
people to turn off their WIFI and other devices that interfere with the GBT. Inside, the
truck has a large device takes up the passenger seat and tracks all interfering devices
around. We drove to the end of the Green Bank road and got over 100 WIFI signals, but
little else.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8SelMsICrE
• http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/nonsense-about-the-healtheffects-of-electromagnetic-radiation/
Our project focused on low frequency
waves.
Objectives
Our objective was to find out if electromagnetic radiation affects human
health. We accomplished this by: studying third party research, conducting
experiments, interviewing an EMS victim, assessing EM noise with
EMITT in local area, and analyzing our data.
RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN © 2012
www.PosterPresentations.com
The points below the line mean the test subject did better
with radiation and the points above the line mean the
subject performed better without.
This is an example of the
circles that a test subject
performed on.
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_radiation
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_radiation_and_health