The electromagnetic spectrum is the sum of all types of electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic fields constitute that part of the electromagnetic spectrum ranging between the frequencies of 0 Hz and 300 GHz. Even from a regulatory and legislative point of view, this range is split in two: low frequency, between 0 and 100 kHz, and high frequency, between 100 kHz and 300 GHz. Low frequency comprises a range called ELF: Extremely Low Frequency (between 30Hz and 300Hz) which is typical of the electromagnetic field emissions generated by electric power generation, transportation and distribution infrastructures.
All environments — both at home and in the workplace — have electromagnetic fields of natural origin such as light itself or artificial fields generated by the massive presence of electrical systems and devices. During the 20th century, environmental exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields has steadily increased , a consequence of our demand for energy, the continued development of wireless communication technologies, and changes in work practices.
When a human being is immersed in an electromagnetic field, the body absorbs energy and this produces a deviation from the natural equilibrium. For this reason, it is important to protect people from the possible long-term effects on the human body, even before the various scientific and medical studies demonstrate the real health effects of such electromagnetic fields.
Interest in the problem of electromagnetic pollution has grown, particularly in recent years as a result of the great amount of research and studies performed. Standards and technical documents have been drawn up, even enacting specific laws to protect the environments most at risk, such as the workplace; more specifically, Italian Legislative Decree 81/08 (consolidated act covering safety in the workplace) first defines exposure to electromagnetic fields as a specific risk to which the worker is subjected; this risk must therefore be assessed and reduced to within certain limits to safeguard environmental health and ensure that the activities performed are safe.
In addition to possible effects on the human body, electromagnetic fields can create disturbances and interfere with electronic equipment; therefore, at the European level, limits have been set to ensure their satisfactory, safe performance.
IN ALL INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES THAT REQUIRE HIGH CURRENTS OR THAT USE INTENSE ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC FIELDS, THE USE OF APPROPRIATE SHIELDING SYSTEMS IS ESSENTIAL TO PROTECT BOTH WORKERS AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IN THE VICINITY OF FIELD SOURCES.
Thanks to its structured reality, BEShielding s.r.l. can provide complete professional consulting covering: all technical measures needed to reduce exposure levels, the design and production of appropriate metal shields to mitigate ELF magnetic fields, in compliance with the rules laid out in framework law no. 36 of 22/02/2001, Council of Ministers Presidential Decree of July 8, 2003 and Ministerial Decree of May 29, 2008, (valid for Italy), bringing the appropriate environmental benefits to the people involved. This is done by reducing magnetic field mission values, returning them to within the predetermined limits.