FAQElectromagnetic Fields and Health Research

1. What exactly is EMF?
Ionising and non-ionising radiation
An electromagnetic wave can be regarded as a package of energy, a photon, that propagates itself in space. The wave has a certain frequency, the number of oscillations per unit time, expressed in hertz (Hz). One hertz is one oscillation per second.

There are roughly two types of electromagnetic wave or radiation: ionising and non-ionising radiation. Radioactive waves and x-ray machines emit ionising radiation. This type of radiation is found everywhere, originating in the soil, in space and in building materials. Ionising radiation consists of waves with so much energy that they can free electrons from atoms, thus ionising the atom. Exposure to ionising radiation can damage biological cell material (DNA).

Non-ionising radiation (NIR) is a collective term for electromagnetic radiation that does not have enough energy to ionise atoms. NIR includes the electromagnetic frequencies between 0 and 300 GHz and optical radiation (infrared, visible light and UV) with frequencies between 300 GHz and 3 PHz (or wavelengths from 1 mm to 100 nm; in the case of optical radiation, the wavelength is usually indicated, rather than the frequency). The effects of non-ionising radiation differ from those of ionising radiation, and vary widely across the NIR spectrum.

Fields and radiation
Electromagnetic waves with a low frequency (0-300 GHz) are generally referred to as electromagnetic fields (EMF), while those with a high frequency (>300 GHz) are known as electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic fields also occur naturally in the environment.

Finally, electromagnetic fields can be divided into extremely low frequency fields (ELF fields) and radiofrequency fields. Extremely low frequency fields have a frequency between 0 and 300 Hz. In normal daily life, the most important of these are the 50 Hz ELF fields created by the transport of electricity (high voltage lines) and the use of electrical equipment.

Radiofrequency fields (RF fields) have frequencies in the range 300 Hz-300 GHz. They are used in wireless communications applications such as WiFi and Local Area Networks, radio and television transmitters and mobile telephony (GSM, UMTS and TETRA). Some domestic applications, including DECT telephones, wireless computer equipment and microwaves also emit radiofrequency fields. Another large group of RF applications is detection equipment such as radars, security pass readers, anti-theft gates and bar-code readers.

2. Why has €16 million been earmarked for this programme?
The aim of the programme is to keep track of new and existing applications involving electromagnetic fields and to strengthen the Dutch knowledge infrastructure in the field of EMF (0-300 GHz) and health. In time, this will enable the Netherlands to develop scientific authority in this field. Finally, enhancing our knowledge of EMF will help us understand both the positive and negative effects on health.

The use of wireless communications and the transfer of digital information have increased sharply over the past few decades. Alongside developments in radio and television, a large proportion of the increase has been caused by the growth in mobile telecommunications and services, advances in medical technology and the general increase in electricity consumption. Scientific research into the health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields and the impact of new technology on well-being has not kept pace with these developments. As a result, scientists are unable to respond adequately to the public’s questions. More and better targeted research is therefore needed in the Netherlands.

3. What exactly will be studied?
 Three research areas have been defined for the EMF programme:
1. Sociological and epidemiological research, looking into the social impact of preventive measures in the field of EMF. A prospective epidemiological cohort study will also be launched.
2. Biological research, involving humans, animals and cells, and all relevant frequencies between 0 Hz and 300 GHz.
3. Technological research: studies aimed at improving measuring methods and EMF modelling, and the development of instruments for these applications.

4. Will the research be objective?
ZonMw works to improve prevention, health care and health by promoting and financing research, development and implementation. It has no personal interest in this research and is thus objective. The entire procedure for assessing grant applications is designed to ensure maximum objectivity. It therefore involves external reviewers and an external programme committee.

5. Will research on electrosensitive individuals be eligible for a grant?
Yes, provided the subject of the grant application is consistent with the programme and of a sufficient standard. The application will of course be judged in competition with other applications.

6. How was the committee put together?
The field of EMF and health is a broad and complex one. In order to be able to assess grant applications in all the individual areas involved, a large committee has had to be set up. All committee members have been selected on the basis of their proven track record in the specific area in question.

The committee includes the following experts:

• an epidemiologist/statistician
• a researcher with experience of human provocation studies in this field
• a sociologist with research experience in risk communication
• an experimentalist with good knowledge of both the biological and the technological aspects of setting up animal experiments
• a cellular and molecular biophysicist with experience of research into both EMF and other potentially harmful agents
• a technical physicist with experience of dosimetry and exposure, who also has an understanding of the technical applications that depend on EMFs
• an individual with practical experience of public information campaigns in this field, and an affinity with the consumer perspective