Electrosmog: What exactly is it?

The term electrosmog is an artificial word

It refers to the pollution of the environment by technical radiation and fields.

Surely everyone has heard the term "electrosmog" before. But what exactly electrosmog is, and why we've been hearing and reading about it so often lately, and why it's becoming increasingly important, is something not everyone knows. The term "electrosmog" is a made-up word used to describe environmental pollution caused by technical radiation and fields.

Electromagnetic fields that surround us every day

Electrosmog refers to all artificially generated electromagnetic fields in the environment. These fields pose a constant threat to humans, animals, and their surroundings. They emanate from devices, electrical cables, transmitters, magnetized materials, or electrically charged surfaces.

"Smog" is usually understood as severe air pollution. Electrosmog is a compound of the two English words "smoke" and "fog," as well as the word "electro," referring to the source of the pollution. While air pollution from exhaust fumes is visible as a layer of haze in urban areas, so-called electrosmog, in contrast, remains invisible to us.

The term "electrosmog" is also physically incorrect; it should be called "electromagnetic field (EMF), the technical term for it. Electrosmog is classified as non-ionizing radiation. This means that, unlike ionizing radiation such as radioactivity, the electromagnetic waves do not possess the energy to remove electrons from atoms or molecules. Electronic radiation is therefore divided into two groups as follows:

• Low-frequency electric and magnetic fields
• High-frequency electromagnetic fields

We humans are constantly and always exposed to electromagnetic influences. The sun and even our Earth are surrounded by a magnetic field, without which human life would not be possible. Both generate electromagnetic fields. Radiation, such as lightning, also has a natural origin.

With technological advances and the increase in electrification, exposure to electromagnetic fields is increasing dramatically. In addition to low-frequency power lines in homes, high-frequency sources such as mobile phone base stations and radio and broadcast transmitters are also considered sources.

The low-frequency grid consists of the entire path of electricity, from generation to consumption. From the power plant to the house installation, this grid serves the electricity supply, generating electric and magnetic fields. These so-called electromagnetic fields are created as soon as electricity flows. And this is the case with all electrical devices. Low-frequency electrosmog is therefore generated by all electronic and electrical devices in everyday use, from televisions, coffee makers, kettles, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers and washing machines to hairdryers. High-frequency radiation and magnetic fields are generated when you sit in front of the television or make a phone call on your cell phone. No matter what you do, you are constantly exposed to both high-frequency and low-frequency electromagnetic fields. But we are constantly exposed to electrosmog not only at home, but also when you are on the move or at work.