1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Electromagnetic fields are present everywhere in our environment but are invisible to the human eye. Electric fields are produced by the local build-up of electric charges in the atmosphere associated with thunderstorms. The earth's magnetic field causes a compass needle to orient in a North-South direction and is used by birds and fish for navigation. Besides natural sources the electromagnetic spectrum also includes fields generated by human-made sources: X-rays are employed to diagnose a broken limb after a sport accident. The electricity that comes out of every power socket has associated low frequency electromagnetic fields. And various kinds of higher frequency radiowaves are used to transmit information – whether via TV antennas, radio stations or mobile phone base stations (WHO, 2021).
Humans have been constantly exposed to electromagnetic radiation, including sunlight, cosmic rays, and terrestrial radiations. However, a substantial increase in exposure, especially to low frequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR), started in the early 20th century with the generation of artificial electromagnetic fields and continued with the development of power stations, radio, radar, television, computers, mobile phones, microwave ovens, and numerous devices used in medicine and industry.
Electromagnetic radiation wave is the essential driver of modern technological and economical growth. The excessive use of EM field based electrical device has some adverse impacts on human health. This paper analyses most of the negative impacts, such as Brain tumors, sensory system collapse, lymphatic system down, testicle and spermatogenesis problem, malformed formation of cartilage from proven studies investigation. Separate in vivo and in vitro studies result accumulated in the paper. The ultimate finding is whether EM field is dangerous or not. Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to investigate the Electromagnetic Field/Radiation on Human Health.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the problems of the research work which entails that, humans have been constantly exposed to electromagnetic radiation, including sunlight, cosmic rays, and terrestrial radiations. However, a substantial increase in exposure, especially to low frequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR), started in the early 20th century with the generation of artificial electromagnetic fields and continued with the development of power stations, radio, radar, television, computers, mobile phones, microwave ovens, and numerous devices used in medicine and industry. These technological advances have aroused concerns about the potential health risks associated with unprecedented levels of EMR exposure. Ionizing radiation causes biological effects by directly or indirectly damaging the DNA molecule.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the Electromagnetic Field/Radiation on Human Health. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To identify the effect of Electromagnetic Radiation on Human Health
- To determine the causes of Electromagnetic Field/Radiation on Human Health
- To recommend possible solution to the above stated problems.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does Electromagnetic Radiation have any significant effect on Human Health?
- What do you understand by Electromagnetic Radiation?
- What are the causes of Electromagnetic Field on Human Health?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: There is no significant effect of Electromagnetic Radiation on Human Health
- H1: There is a significant effect of Electromagnetic Radiation on Human Health
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to health practitioners and other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Investigation of the Electromagnetic Field/Radiation on Human Health in Nigeria.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.9 Definition of Terms
Electromagnetic Field (EMF):
An electromagnetic field refers to the invisible area of energy that forms when electric and magnetic forces interact around devices such as power lines, mobile phones, and wireless routers. EMFs occur naturally and through human-made technology, and their intensity depends on the strength of the electrical current and frequency involved (World Health Organization, 2020).
Radiation:
Radiation in this context refers to non-ionizing electromagnetic waves emitted by electronic devices and electrical installations. It carries energy but does not have enough force to break chemical bonds in human cells, making it fundamentally different from ionizing radiation like X-rays (ICNIRP, 2020).
Non-Ionizing Radiation:
Non-ionizing radiation is a low-energy form of electromagnetic radiation commonly produced by radios, microwaves, mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, and power lines. It does not remove electrons from atoms but may cause thermal or mild biological effects when exposure is prolonged (Foster & Moulder, 2013).
Ionizing Radiation:
Ionizing radiation possesses enough energy to detach electrons from atoms, which may lead to cellular damage. Examples include gamma rays and X-rays. It is not produced by consumer electronic devices used in daily life and is therefore different from EMF exposure studied in this research (National Research Council, 2006).
Exposure Level:
Exposure level describes the amount of electromagnetic energy a person interacts with over a period of time. It depends on distance from the source, duration of contact, frequency of the device, and environmental conditions. Higher exposure often results from close-range and long-duration device use (Hardell & Carlberg, 2015).
Field Intensity:
Field intensity refers to the strength or magnitude of the electric and magnetic components of an electromagnetic field. It is usually measured in volts per meter or microteslas and helps determine whether an environment stays within safety guidelines (ICNIRP, 2020).
Health Effects:
Health effects represent the physical or psychological responses that individuals associate with EMF exposure. These include headaches, sleep disturbance, fatigue, or anxiety about radiation. While some effects may be based on perception, others relate to behavioral patterns such as device overuse (Redmayne, 2019).
Radiofrequency (RF):
Radiofrequency refers to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum used by mobile phones, Wi-Fi networks, radio transmitters, and similar technologies. RF waves are non-ionizing and form the basis of most wireless communication systems (Frey, 2012).
Electromagnetic Radiation Source:
An electromagnetic radiation source is any device or installation that emits electromagnetic waves, such as transformers, mobile phones, power lines, microwave ovens, or wireless routers. These sources vary in strength depending on voltage, frequency, and operational design (Balmori, 2015).
Safety Limit:
A safety limit refers to the maximum permissible level of electromagnetic field exposure established by international regulatory bodies to protect the public from potential health risks. These limits ensure that radiation levels from common devices remain within scientifically acceptable boundaries (ICNIRP, 2020).
Risk Perception:
Risk perception is the way individuals interpret or feel about potential health effects of EMF exposure. It is shaped by personal experiences, information sources, cultural beliefs, and psychological factors, sometimes leading to concerns that exceed actual measurable risk (Huss et al., 2014).
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