Dowsing & EMF: Balancing Your Environment and Energy
Dowsing & EMF: Balancing Your Environment and Energy
Understanding EMFs in Daily Life
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) arise whenever electricity flows. Household sources include powerlines from the street, wiring inside walls, and everyday devices (e.g., stovetops, computers, TVs). Australian homes usually operate on 240 V; as a result, indoor electric fields are low and heavily shielded by walls and even furniture. Magnetic fields, on the other hand, are generated by current and drop quickly with distance.
In workplaces, EMFs may come from factory machinery, photocopiers and lighting. Outdoors, both high‑voltage transmission lines and lower‑voltage distribution lines generate magnetic fields; however, houses built on typical easements often shield residents from most electric fields and magnetic fields fall off as you step away.
EMF vs. Other Radiations
It’s easy to confuse power‑frequency EMFs with microwaves or X‑rays, which involve very different energies. Microwaves, used in ovens and communication devices, heat tissue when absorbed; X‑rays carry enough energy to break molecular bonds In contrast, extra‑low‑frequency (ELF) fields from household electricity do not cause heating or bond breaking.
Typical Magnetic Field Levels
Below are indicative ranges of magnetic field strengths from household appliances and power infrastructure.
Values vary by model and load, but they illustrate the relative magnitude of typical exposures:
| Source (50 Hz) | Typical magnetic field range (mG) |
|---|---|
| Electric stove | 2 – 30 |
| Refrigerator | 2-5 |
| Electric kettle | 2-10 |
| Toaster | 2-10 |
| Television | 0.2 -2 |
| Personal computer | 2-20 |
| Electric blanket | 5-30 |
| Hair Dryer | 10-70 |
| Pedestal Fan | 0.2 -2 |
| Distribution Line ( Street) Directly Underneath | 2-30 |
| Distribution Line 10m away | 0.5 -10 |
| Substation at fence | 8 |
| Transmission line underground | 10 -200 |
*1 microtesla (µT) = 10 milligauss (mG).
Australian guidelines (based on international ICNIRP recommendations) set a public exposure limit of 200 µT (2 000 mG) at 50 Hz;
typical home levels (0.1–2 mG) fall well below this, although sensitivities may vary individually.
High‑Voltage Lines & Health: Sensitivity and Caution
High‑Voltage Lines & Health: Sensitivity and Caution
Many people feel uneasy about living near high‑voltage powerlines, and some report headaches, fatigue or other symptoms they attribute to EMFs. This perceived sensitivity—often called Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS)—includes a range of experiences such as headaches, body pain, lethargy, tinnitus and anxiety While mainstream science continues to explore EHS, individual experiences are valid and deserve respect.
There is also growing awareness about potential long‑term health effects of very low‑frequency magnetic fields. In 2002, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified extremely low frequency EMFs as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” based on limited evidence linking higher-than-average exposures to childhood leukaemiaSome epidemiologic studies found increased risk of childhood leukemia at daily average exposures above 0.3–0.4 µT. Although mechanisms are still being investigated, these findings encourage many to take a conservative approach—especially those who already feel EMF-sensitive.
Magnetic fields from high‑voltage lines drop steeply with distance; homes more than 50 m away generally experience background-level fields. Nevertheless, for those who believe in EMF sensitivity, selecting a home farther from major lines can offer peace of mind. Utilities like Energex practise prudent avoidance by siting new lines away from homes when feasible. Individuals concerned about EMF sensitivity may likewise choose to avoid living near high-voltage corridors.
How Vivian Combines Dowsing & EMF Awareness
Vivian blends medical dowsing and house dowsing with practical EMF literacy:
- Environmental scan: She uses dowsing to map energy lines and “hot spots” in your home or office, complementing EMF meter readings and drawing on guidelines from ARPANSA and Energex.
- Contextual advice: She explains what typical EMF levels mean and how to interpret them—respecting personal sensitivity while providing balanced information.
- Practical adjustments: Recommendations might include moving sleeping areas away from meter boxes or heavy appliances, routing extension cords away from beds, or altering device usage to reduce exposure.
Simple Steps to Reduce Exposure
- Increase distance: Even 30–50 cm can significantly reduce magnetic field strength from appliances.
- Relocate devices: Keep chargers, routers and high‑load power supplies away from sleeping and sitting areas.
- Unplug when not in use: Devices still produce low‑level electric fields when plugged in.
- Tidy cabling: Avoid coiled cables under desks or near beds.
- Seek expert advice: Energex provides information and can measure EMFs around South East Queensland (phone 13 12 53)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMF sensitivity (EHS)?
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) is a term used when people report headaches, body pain, lethargy, tinnitus and anxiety that they feel are triggered by EMF exposurearpansa.gov.au.
Though EHS is not yet defined by a standard medical test, these experiences are real for many individuals. Approaches like dowsing, lifestyle adjustments and cautious EMF management can offer support.
Are high‑voltage lines a health concern?
Some studies suggest that children exposed to daily average magnetic fields above 0.3–0.4 µT may have a higher risk of leukaemiacancer.gov.
The IARC therefore classifies extremely low frequency EMFs as possibly carcinogenic to humanscancer.gov. In response, many people choose to avoid living directly under high‑voltage lines.
Magnetic fields decrease rapidly with distancearpansa.gov.au, so homes more than 50 m away generally see background levels, but personal preferences differ.
Why take precautions if the science is still evolving?
Given the classification of ELF-EMFs as “possibly carcinogenic”cancer.gov and the growing number of people who feel EMF-sensitive, many choose a precautionary approach: minimising unnecessary exposure, especially for children, and staying informed as research continues.
Dowsing and EMF awareness can help you make personalised decisions that align with your beliefs.
What about smart meters and solar inverters?
These devices can produce higher-than-background magnetic fields when operating. Moving beds or seating at least one metre away or relocating the device if needed can reduce exposurearpansa.gov.au.
Do walls block EMFs?
Walls and solid objects block electric fields but have little effect on magnetic fields.
However, because magnetic field strength decreases rapidly with distance, simple separation (e.g., moving your bed away from a device) often sufficesvibrationalhealth.com.auvibrationalhealth.com.au.