More and more radiation surrounds us
What about an electric car when even a comparatively small device such as a smartphone gives rise to such discussions? Electric and magnetic fields are generated when operating and charging vehicles. It is necessary to investigate the effects on individuals. Previous studies have shown that smog is not caused by electric motors. There are several causes of radiation, including the position of the battery, the cables, or the power electronics, as well as the operating status of the vehicle.
Position of car parts is important
There is some evidence to suggest that the components in an electric vehicle must be designed in such a way that they emit as little radiation as possible. Car manufacturers achieve this by designing insulation and sheathing accordingly. For example, every electric car has an inverter that controls the speed of the electric motor. As this part emits electromagnetic radiation, the design must be shielded. Metallic housings are generally used. The position of the components is also important. Each part, such as the computer chip, the seat heating and the mobile phone antenna, has a certain limit value that must be observed.
“Batteries are harmful to health” – a justified concern?
According to Markus Fryzel, product specialist at Energielösung GmbH, electromagnetic fields are not completely harmless. High-frequency electromagnetic fields can heat up biological tissue, but low-frequency magnetic and electric fields can generate currents in the human body.
In general, it can therefore be stated that the field can penetrate less deeply into us with increasing frequency. This indicates that the radiation used for mobile communications can only penetrate body tissue to a depth of a few centimetres. However, it has been established that the skin is heated. It has not yet been fully clarified whether this increases the risk of cancer.
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Whether you can feel these energy fields is another question, but it is assumed that this is possible, especially electrical ones. This is also known as electrosensitivity, which is the ability to perceive real electric fields. The perception of such a field differs from person to person based on age and gender. If the perception threshold is particularly low, the person concerned is described as electrosensitive.
Strong electromagnetic fields are capable of heating up the human body. The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection states that the population in Germany is not exposed to this strong radiation in everyday life.
The main reason for this is that the government has set exact limits for electromagnetic fields. These limits are set so that they do not exceed the threshold for warming or even heating human tissue.
However, there are some doubts about the limits set by the German Federal Office. According to a number of environmental physicians, the limit values are set too high.
For example, some people may develop electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Magnetic, electric, or electromagnetic fields can cause headaches, sleep disorders, nausea, or even palpitations. Experts refer to this health disorder as “electromagnetic hypersensitivity”. However, this disorder has not yet been sufficiently clinically investigated and, according to the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection, only affects around 2% of the population.
If the electromagnetic radiation in an electric car is below the limits applicable in Germany, the daily electromagnetic radiation poses no danger to the occupants or passersby. However, there are some individuals who suffer from electromagnetic hypersensitivity and may experience negative symptoms. The automotive industry has therefore ensured that the electromagnetic radiation from electric vehicles, whether it is noticeable or not, is shielded by means of insulation and sheathing.
