Radio Frequency is a naturally occurring phenomenon in all of nature. Frequencies produce electromagnetic (EM) waves. These waves are referred to as radio waves, heat rays, and light rays. Most commonly, we think of radio waves and frequency as a result from the operation of cellular phones, televisions, radio stations, walkie-talkies and other telecommunication devices. In addition, EM waves are produced from electric motors, ignition systems, gasoline engines, medical equipment, lighting, computers, common household appliances, and various chemicals.

An electromagnetic field (EMF) is a physical field produced by moving electrically charged objects. It affects the behavior of charged objects in the field. Controversy has arisen about whether EMF exposure (think cellphones or other electric devices) affect the brain or body with electromagnetic radiation.

EMF from Wireless Phones and other appliances are theorized to affect the brain and may cause:

• Irritability, Tinnitus and Vertigo
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Ménière’s Disease
• Seizures and Epilepsy
• Autism, Rett Syndrome and other Brain developmental diseases in children
• Brain Tumors, specially Acoustic Neuromas
• DNA Mutations that cause Birth Defects in the fetus (if the pregnant woman is exposed)

Of course, EMF exposure may affect different people very differently.

There are 2 types of DC motors, brushed and brushless. Brushed motors include lower efficiency and susceptibility to mechanical wear and consequent need for servicing. They are cheaper to produce and ultimately are not as efficient as brushless DC motors (BLDC). BLDC motors offer advantages over brushed DC motors including more torque per weight, more torque per watt (increased efficiency), increased reliability, reduced noise, longer lifetime (no brush and commutator erosion), and overall reduction of electromagnetic interference (EMI). If you are sensitive to EMI, we highly recommend selecting machines that use brushless DC motors as they are more efficient and produce significantly less EMI / EMF.

Because AC motors are generators that operate in reverse, they produce an EMF called a back-EMF and does not immediately appear when a motor is initially turned on. The back-EMF is a consequence of Lenz’s law, which states that an induced EMF produces a magnetic flux that resists the change. The back-EMF works to reduce the current in the loop, thus slowing the motor down, and rises as the speed of the motor increases. When a load isn’t present, it becomes nearly equal to the size of the input voltage. The load also works to slow the motor down, and so the power requirements of the motor increase contributing to energy waste and inefficiency in their operation. The EMF created may be more then the EMF created by a DC motor but the amount actually produced is negligible.

Generally speaking, all electronic devices create EMF, it just depends on how much they produce. AC motors tend to produce more, but it does not necessarily mean it will emit a lot of EMF. Don’t be afraid to choose a machine with an AC motor because the differences from a DC motor will not be significantly drastic.

DC motors tend to create less EMF and are a better choice if you want to limit yourself from EMF exposure or are sensitive to it. There are Whole Body Vibration machines that use AC motors and are perfectly normal and effective because they emit minimal EMF. Be sure to choose a machine that emits low EMF.

If you are sensitive to EMF, we highly recommend getting an EMF meter and ensuring your exposure to EMF is minimal. Refer to the chart as a guideline: