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Article: How much do a few hertz hurt? (electromagnetic radiation may cause cancer; includes related article on Heinrich Hertz and James Clerk Maxwell)
- Article from:
- The Economist (US)
- Article date:
- April 16, 1988
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1988 Economist Newspaper Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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ELECTROMAGNETIC radiation is here, there and everywhere. As well as x-rays and gamma rays and visible light, there are also electromagnetic waves given off by electrical apparatus of all sorts, from razors to washing machines; in the rich countries everyone is continuously bathed in them. Until recently, waves from such sources were considered harmless.
The frequencies of waves are measured in hertz (Hz), for reasons explained in the box on the next page. One hertz means one wave each second. The waves come off normal domestic appliances at frequencies of 6OHz, if you live in America, or 5OHz if you live in Europe. Since light, a more familiar electromagnetic ...