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SILENT VOICES

Spiritual, Paranormal & Metaphysical Magazine

EMF Meters:

Can They Really Help The Ghost Hunter? By Steve Parsons

Steve Parsons

It is desirable for any investigator who making measurements of physical variables that they have at least a basic understanding of the particular variable that they are seeking to measure. ‘EMF’ the abbreviation used by all paranormal investigators is in reality the wrong abbreviation. In Physics an ‘EMF’ refers to an Electro-Motive Force and describes the electrical potential between two points of an electrical circuit. However, ‘EMF’ has become a universally accepted abbreviation for Electro-Magnetic Fields especially within ghost hunting groups and also by those selling devices for detecting and measuring domestic electro-magnetic fields. To avoid confusion this guide will use the ghost hunting understanding of the abbreviation and thus for the rest of this guide ‘EMF’ will refer to an electro-magnetic field. Basically an EMF may be thought of as invisible lines of force produced whenever electrons flow (electric current) through an object such as a cable.

As the name implies an Electro-Magnetic Field is actually made up from two separate component fields. The Electric Field and the Magnetic Field. Each field may also exist separately too; electric fields are produced by most living and many non-living organisms and objects and magnetic fields are only produced by materials that are naturally magnetic – Ferrous metals and some minerals for example. They are referred to as Static Magnetic fields. A Moving Magnetic field is created whenever an electrical current flows through a conducting body, in which case the magnetic field always has an associated electric field too. Moving magnetic fields are produced by both alternating (AC) and direct (DC) current flow. Investigators who decide that they wish to measure EMF are encouraged to invest a few pounds in a good though basic secondary level school physics book and fully read the relevant section.

As to why paranormal investigators seem to place such great reliance on measuring EMF; sadly, this normally has more to do with a poor understanding of the links between paranormal reports and the potential involvement of EMF. There are two types of electro-magnetic emissions that currently are of interest to paranormal investigators - Non-Ionising and Ionising. The Electromagnetic spectrum extends from the ultra short wave lengths that comprise ionising radiation and x-rays down into the non-ionising portion of the spectrum such as the visible light, radio waves and finally into the Earth’s own geomagnetic field, often described (albeit inaccurately) as being DC, i.e. without any frequency. It might be worth pointing out here that despite what some investigators might say sound waves are not part of the electro-magnetic (EM) spectrum as they are produced by the movement of acoustic waves through a physical medium such as air or water.

Researchers have been extending their search into many areas of the EM spectrum in the desire to try and obtain answers to the puzzles of the paranormal.
Most recent research has concentrated upon the lower regions of the EM spectrum, specifically those frequencies below 50-100Hz. These studies have centred on lab based research by Parapsychologists and Physicists in several countries; most notably Prof. Michael A. Persinger at Canada’s Laurentian University, in Toronto. These very low frequency EMF’s together with static geomagnetic fields from the Earth have been suggested as a possible explanation for many unusual reports including UFO related events, Poltergeists and Hauntings. The research conducted by Persinger and others seems to show that some people’s brains may be susceptible to these emissions, creating additional electrical activity within the brain. Other researchers, namely Swedish Psychologist Pehr Granqvist and a team at Uppsala University disagree with this conclusion. They reproduced several of Persinger's key experiments and reached the conclusion that EMF was not a significant factor in creating anomalous sensations.
Of course, we have evolved to use and trust our 5 senses and the brain can only interpret this interference in a sensory manner; therefore, the percipient may see, hear, taste, touch or smell something and believe it to be a real experience without apparent cause and therefore anomalous. EM radiation has been claimed to affect PSI abilities too, for example; it has been reported in studies that success in PSI tests and reports of spontaneous PSI experiences have appeared to decrease at times when there are high fluctuations within the local geomagnetic field.
The Geomagnetic Field (GMF) strength is normally between 20 and 60 microTesla (uT) 200~600 milli Gauss (mG) depending upon where in the world it is measured. Factors including local geology and the presence of both Ferrous and non-Ferrous metals used in the construction of a building can affect the local GMF as do changes to the amount of solar radiation that is received on Earth.

Electro-magnetic fields at 50Hz and 60 Hz – are mainly produced by the mains electric supply. These frequencies are very close to those naturally produced by the brain itself, which operates mainly at frequencies below 100Hz. It is perhaps therefore not too surprising to learn that exposure to some types of low frequency EMF can have a measurable effect on human physiology and behaviour. Some research has suggested that EMF exposure may even by harmful and is the main reason why there are so many EMF detectors available in this increasingly healthy conscious world. So far, Lab based studies have included placing subjects into fluctuating random electro-magnetic fields generated by two large coils between which the subject sits; another method uses low amplitude EMF’s directed into the brain via a helmet mounted with electrodes. This latter method has seemingly produced a number of profound experiences for subjects and accordingly has been knick-named ‘The God Helmet’ Many test subjects have reported experiences that were suggestive of religious or paranormal experiences, such as feelings of being watched and touched, a presence in the room with them and the hearing of voices. At a range of specific frequencies Persinger claimed that subjects even reported experiences that were remarkably similar to the Near Death Experience (NDE). Laboratory experiments have indicated that the critical frequencies that affect the brain are much lower, in the 0.5Hz – 30Hz range.
Following on from this research it was postulated that a person in the everyday environment might also have these same experiences if they are subjected to similar EM fields. Similar EM fields have been measured in the real world; power cables, computers, TV’s and other domestic appliances have all been found to produce broadly similar EMF's to those used in the lab experiments.

So far all of this research has been confined to the lab with only limited studies carried out in the field, where it seems that the environmental EMF’s might indeed be linked to some anomalous personal experiences.

In an experiment carried out in the Edinburgh vaults; test volunteers reported a higher number of feelings of being watched or uncomfortable in particular areas where the EMF was higher than in other areas where no ‘paranormal’ activity had been reported; although it can be argued from a physics point of view that this experiment was flawed and therefore open to question. Some recent field work has suggested that the affects of amplitude and frequency changes within the mains electrical supply frequency may also be linked to some anomalous reports.

Many ghost hunters now carry an EMF detector. In fact the EMF detector is still the current number one 'must have' tool for any self respecting ghost hunter! Most of the devices that are marketed and bought by the average paranormal investigator are designed purely to measure the EMF that is given off by domestic or industrial appliances at frequencies of 50Hz and above (Models made primarily for the American market are of course calibrated at 60Hz). These devices, in reality measure too high a frequency range to be of any use for measuring the types of fields suggested to cause anomalous sensations. As mentioned, the laboratory experiments have indicated that the critical frequencies that affect the brain are much lower, in the 0.5Hz – 30Hz range. Brain electrical activity is divided typically into ranges referred to by Greek letters:
Delta (0.5-4Hz), Theta (5-7Hz), Alpha (8-12Hz), Beta (18-30Hz) and Gamma (30-50Hz).
It is the lower ranges; Delta – Beta that are linked by experiment to experiences that might be described in terms of being anomalous or paranormal. The equipment needed to properly measure EMF’s at these frequency ranges is highly specialist and almost without exception expensive.

There is a disturbing trend seen in recent years and one that seems to be spreading: Ghost hunters who possess Electro-Magnetic field measuring instruments without any knowledge whatsoever what they are looking for or even why; measurements are produced and stated as being evidential and proof of paranormal activity based on little more than wishful thinking. Many ghost hunters believe that ghosts emit or give off EMF radiation and that when their EMF detector ‘goes off’ then it has detected the presence of a ghost. Many paranormal groups have sprung up, their techniques based entirely on information gleaned from TV ghost hunting shows and sensationalist paranormal media. Invariably, they rush to buy their own ‘EMF’ meter (because every other group has got one) and without even a cursory glance at the research material consider they have the means to detect ghosts and ghostly activity. To make matters worse, these investigators inevitably encounter perfectly normal EMF’s that trigger the detector and after a quick sweep over the mains wiring to pronounce that it is not the cause, readily declare the location haunted and have proved it to be so. Perhaps and most bizarrely of all; in recent years there have been claims from many ghost hunters that there are some EMF meters (such as the KII) that can be used to effect direct spirit communications. In effect, the EMF meter has become a tool for divination. The ghosts and spirits causing the meter response to alter as a direct representation of their responses to questions put by the ghost hunter. This strange notion also applies to other devices in which EMF is in some way measured i.e. the Ovilus, Ghost Radar (iPhone App) and the Franks Box EVP device. As far as is known ghosts do not have the ability to radiate or manipulate electro-magnetic energy and such ideas are merely counter-productive and unlikely to contribute anything useful to the debate.

In truth, EMF’s are to be found within all environments and locations, with large variations in their frequency and amplitude being perfectly normal. It is therefore wrong to simply assume that any EMF that is detected has an anomalous or even potentially paranormal origin without extensive testing. Even then, the tools that are available may simply be the wrong item of equipment and may not be capable of properly measuring the actual emissions. For example, consider a single-axis EMF meter, which is the most commonly found type of meter in the ghost hunter’s kit box. This is only capable of measuring an EMF in one direction. EMF’s are three dimensional and take the form of a circular or spherical field surrounding the source.
Moreover the two components of the EMF – the Electric Field and the Magnetic Field are orientated at right-angles to one another. If the direction of the EMF meter’s single sensor is not properly aligned with the direction of the EMF the meter will give a misleading reading or may not even be able to detect and measure the existing field strength at all.
It must also be remembered that EMF meters are designed to measure a specific range of frequencies (commonly calibrated around 50 or 60Hz) and that outside that range they cannot produce reliable measurements. Most models do not indicate the frequency of the EMF they are measuring and so the information they supply can only ever be treated as an overall guide to the actual EMF levels present. They do not provide a definitive measurement.

Looking at EMF meters that are advertised and offered to the amateur paranormal investigator one sees a very wide range of usefulness. Basic meters costing just a few tens of pounds; such as the CellSensor® and the Dr.Gauss® may just be sufficient for an experienced investigator to estimate the general levels of EM radiation from man-made electrical appliances and cables. In actual fact this type of meter are not strictly 'EMF' meters at all – they only measure and display the magnetic field component, hence they display the results in units of magnetic measurement i.e. milli Gauss (mG). Higher specification single-axis digital meters including the ‘EMF-822’ and the standard AlphaLabs TriField® meter may permit more accurate measurements to be obtainable. Some of these meters do provide the opportunity to make separate measurement of both components of the EMF – the Electric field and the Magnetic field, typical units of measurement are mG for the magnetic field and Volts/ metre (V/m) for the electric field. Towards the top of the amateur price-range are the digital 3-axis meters that have the ability to measure both types of field, simultaneously and separately; some also have the ability to store the data either to an internal memory; the Model 1394 Tri-axial digital meter is one of the more advanced models available and can be linked to a PC for either real-time or data-logging of the EM field strength.
Beyond this, are some expensive items of equipment that are capable of directly measuring the Earth’s local geomagnetic field and also emissions at a broad range of AC frequencies. Traditionally used in laboratory research, they are now being used to explore haunted locations for the first time.
Regardless of the type of EMF meter you may have, provided it is used correctly and wisely they are all capable of providing the paranormal investigator with limited but potentially useful information. However, even the most expensive and accurate meter if it is used incorrectly or without proper knowledge of what the presented information means, will only result in wasted effort and meaningless data being collected.
There is a further type of EMF meter that is extensively used by paranormal investigators that needs to be considered too: The Natural EM TriField® meter made by Alpha Lab is designed to measure changes within an electro-magnetic field – i.e. it only gives a reading when it detects that the level of the either the magnetic field or the electric field is changing, the meter reads Zero in a stable and unchanging field. Changing fields may be worth examining following the lab studies carried out by Persinger which indicated that the brain may be more readily affected by fluctuations within the overall field strength rather than just simply changes within the overall amplitude. The Natural EM TriField® is currently the only hand-held stand-alone device that allows paranormal investigators to quickly assess changes within the field strength.

Ionising Radiation
Ionising radiation is radiation in which an individual particle (for example, a photon, electron, or helium nucleus) carries enough energy to ionise an atom or molecule (that is, to completely remove an electron from its orbit). Such ‘ionisations’; if enough occur, can be very destructive to living tissue. Traditionally, such radiation is measured using a Geiger counter. There is very little evidence to link this type of radiation to manifestations of paranormal activity although some researchers have claimed results that suggest it may be implicated in one or two cases. There are some additional problems associated with the use of Geiger counters that paranormal investigators need to take into account.
Traditionally, many investigators use military surplus models obtained from government surplus stores and internet sites – these models can be of indeterminate origin and condition and as a result the calibration of such machine cannot be relied upon to be accurate. Such meters also appear on internet auction sites and whilst the price may appear attractive the same problems of reliability and calibration need to be considered. There are Geiger counters available from paranormal equipment suppliers that offer an affordable option; these include the RadAlert Gem II and the RadAlert 1202. Both models use solid state electronics and have simple to read displays. They also offer a better degree of reliability and accuracy of the measurements. But even these expensive state of the art models too are not without their own pitfalls to fool the unwary investigator:
Geiger counters are designed to measure high energy electro-magnetic (ionising) emissions but they can be affected by strong regions of non-ionising EMF too. This may be simply demonstrated by holding a Geiger counter close to the rear of a CRT television set (not an LCD or Plasma model) or some other source of powerful EMF emissions. The Geiger counter will show a higher than expected reading and may even indicate very high ionising radiation levels are present.
In one published investigation where ionising radiation was suggested as being abnormal and therefore a potential cause of reported paranormal experiences it was later found that the Geiger counter was probably being affected by bursts of non-ionising EMF coming from the mains electrical wiring.
If ionising radiation is to be linked to some types of paranormal activity being reported it is most likely that this is as a result of the high energy emissions affecting the brain in a similar way to the lower energy non-ionising EMF has been shown to. Geiger counters are commonly used by those investigators who are interested in UFO and Earth Mysteries and it is claimed that increased ionising radiation has been measured within stone circles and at alleged UFO landing sites.

In conclusion, there seems to be little benefit in terms of progressing any paranormal investigation of spontaneous cases to using meters that measure EMF or Ionising radiation. In fact, it is probably more correct to say that the use of such meters and devices actively hinders the investigation process by at best wasting valuable time and effort that could be more productively spent in other lines of investigation and in the worst case, seriously mislead and result in the investigator being drawn to erroneous conclusions.

© Steve Parsons 2011
www.parascience.org.uk

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