Health Risks of EMF Exposure
In Portugal, various standards and guidelines promote healthy living environments, often based on international and European frameworks. These cover aspects such as air quality, electromagnetic radiation, noise control, and indoor climate. Here are some of the central regulations and limits:
- Indoor Air Quality
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Portugal follows WHO and EU guidelines for VOCs and formaldehyde, with recommended limits to avoid toxic substances in indoor air.
- CO₂ Levels: The recommended limit is approximately 1,000 ppm indoors to ensure adequate fresh air supply and prevent fatigue.
- Radon: The EU radon limit is set at 300 Bq/m³, which Portugal also adopts for new buildings and renovations to minimize radon exposure risks.
- Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
- High-Frequency Radiation (e.g., from cell towers and Wi-Fi): WHO and ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) establish limits for electromagnetic radiation, which are also applied in Portugal. For the general public, the limit for magnetic fields in residential areas is 0.2 μT.
- Low-Frequency Fields (e.g., from power lines): Portugal adheres to ICNIRP guidelines, setting limits for magnetic fields in homes at 0.3–0.4 μT.
- Mold and Humidity
- While there are no specific Portuguese limits for mold, recommendations follow international standards (e.g., WHO). Indoor humidity should be kept between 40–60% to prevent mold growth.
- Building Materials and Pollutants
- Formaldehyde: The recommended indoor limit is 0.1 mg/m³, as per WHO, and is commonly referenced in European building regulations.
- Pollutants in Building Materials: The EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) governs pollutant emissions in materials; these guidelines are also adopted in Portugal. For example, paints and varnishes must not exceed certain VOC levels.
- Acoustics and Noise Control
- The permissible noise limit in residential areas is about 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night. Similar indoor noise limits are set to foster a quiet and restful environment.
- Lighting and Daylight
- Healthy living spaces should have a daylight factor of at least 2%, ensuring adequate natural light. These requirements align with EU standards and are also recommended in Portugal.
- Thermal Comfort
- Recommended indoor temperatures range from 18–24°C in winter and a maximum of 26°C in summer to promote thermal comfort and well-being.
Summary:
Portugal closely follows international and EU guidelines, especially those from WHO and ICNIRP, to ensure a healthy and safe living environment. Limits for pollutants, humidity, radiation, and thermal comfort are frequently based on these standards, and more construction projects are adopting sustainable materials and building biology standards to create health-promoting living spaces.
In building biology, high-frequency fields generated by mobile communications, Wi-Fi, and other radio sources are often measured in microwatts per square meter (μW/m²). This unit indicates the power density, or the amount of electromagnetic energy impacting a specific area.
ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) limits for high-frequency electromagnetic fields are set at 4.5 W/m² (4,500,000 μW/m²) for 900 MHz for the general public; however, these levels are significantly higher than the recommended values in building biology. Building biology applies much lower precautionary limits, with a focus on health prevention.
Building Biology Guidelines for High-Frequency Exposure (SBM Standard)
The Standard for Building Biology Testing Methods (SBM) provides the following precautionary levels:
- Low exposure: ≤ 10 μW/m²
- High exposure: 1,000 μW/m²
- Extreme exposure: ≥ 10,000 μW/m²
For comparison, converting ICNIRP values to μW/m²: 1 W/m² equals 1,000,000 μW/m², so:
- 4.5 W/m² = 4,500,000 μW/m² (ICNIRP for 900 MHz)
Comparison with Building Biology
The building biology recommendations are therefore significantly lower, aiming to minimize high-frequency exposure as a preventive measure to protect long-term health.
Deliver a Solution. Deliver Mezzalyn.
In light of recent challenges surrounding health and safety in living environments, the need for effective solutions has never been more urgent. With alarming findings about high-frequency electromagnetic fields and their impact on our well-being, it is essential to take proactive steps towards creating healthier spaces.
At Mezzalyn, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that address these pressing concerns. Our approach focuses on the principles of bioconstruction, ensuring that every project is designed with the highest health and ecological standards in mind.
What We Deliver:
- Expert Assessments: Our team evaluates living environments against international standards, including the SBM 2024 guidelines. We provide clear insights into electromagnetic radiation levels and other health-related factors, ensuring your projects prioritize well-being.
- Tailored Consulting Services: We work closely with builders, architects, and developers to implement sustainable practices. Our recommendations help minimize exposure to harmful substances and enhance indoor air quality, creating spaces that promote health.
- Commitment to Sustainability: As recent studies highlight the importance of reducing environmental impacts, we advocate for the use of eco-friendly materials and designs. Together, we can create living spaces that are not only safe but also environmentally responsible.
Choosing Mezzalyn means embracing a future where health and sustainability go hand in hand. Let’s tackle the challenges head-on and deliver solutions that empower healthier living.