Is Electromagnetic Induction Harmful to Humans?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the potential harmful effects of electromagnetic induction on humans. It is established that the strength and wavelength of the electromagnetic field determine its safety; lower energy waves, such as those from common electronic devices, are generally safe, while high-energy waves, like those from nuclear reactions, can be dangerous. Specific examples include the lethal potential of lightning strikes, which involve massive electron flow rather than just the electromagnetic field itself. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the energy levels associated with different electromagnetic fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic fields and their properties
  • Knowledge of energy levels and their effects on biological systems
  • Familiarity with concepts of wavelength and frequency in electromagnetic waves
  • Basic principles of electrical safety and hazards
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of high-energy electromagnetic fields on human health
  • Learn about the differences between direct and induced electric fields
  • Explore safety standards for electromagnetic exposure in various environments
  • Investigate the principles of electromagnetic induction and its applications
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Individuals interested in physics, electrical engineering, health and safety professionals, and anyone concerned about the effects of electromagnetic fields on human health.

NonPhysicsMajor
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Hey I was wondering if anyone out there can help me. After doing some research I was not able to find out on my own. Well, the question I have is: does creating an electromagnetic field for the purpose of powering something (electromagnetic induction) create any harmful effects to anyone close to it?

Thanks in advance
 
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that would depend on "strength" of the field. or to say it another way, the wavelength of the "ripples".
you wouldn't try is close to the electromagnetic field created by annihilation either nuke!
 
I don't think I understand the explanation
 
Electromagnetic waves carry enegy, and amount of that energy is related to their wavelength (the shorter wavelength they have, the more energy they have). If the amount of energy is "small", it wouldn't have any serious effect on human. however, if they are carrying a "huge" amount of energy, they can be disastrous.

The waves created by your monitor right in front of you are those carrying "small" amount of energy. The waves created in a nuclear reaction or an annihilation (such as electron-positron annihilation) are those that carry "huge" amount of energy, and harmful.

But I can't define a threshold value for wavelength (at what energy you dna gets corrupted, your nerves misfunction, etc), maybe a biologist can.

Better?
 
NonPhysicsMajor said:
..does creating an electromagnetic field for the purpose of powering something (electromagnetic induction) create any harmful effects to anyone close to it?
If the electromagnetic field is large enough it can stop the human heart, so yes. It can kill someone. E.g. If lightning struck close to you, say a meter away, then it can stop your heart and you.

Pete
 
pmb_phy said:
If the electromagnetic field is large enough it can stop the human heart, so yes. It can kill someone. E.g. If lightning struck close to you, say a meter away, then it can stop your heart and you.

Pete


I beg to differ. Fatality or injuries from a lightning strike is the result of massive electron flow through the human body, be it a direct or "stand-off" hit. The EM field generated by a lightning strike is nothing compared to the actual DC current potentialized.
 
pallidin said:
Fatality or injuries from a lightning strike is the result of massive electron flow through the human body, be it a direct or "stand-off" hit. The EM field generated by a lightning strike is nothing compared to the actual DC current potentialized.
It is the induced electrtic field which causes those effects and it is the induced electric field which I'm speaking of. A direct strike is different than a near miss in its manner of interaction with the human body.

Pete
 
pmb_phy said:
It is the induced electrtic field which causes those effects and it is the induced electric field which I'm speaking of. A direct strike is different than a near miss in its manner of interaction with the human body.

Pete

Ah, very good. Thanks for clearing that up for me.
 

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