Alternating Electric Fields (Low Frequency)
These are caused by electrical voltage in cables and devices that are connected to the power supply—even when they’re turned off like wall sockets and switched-off appliances.ELECTRO SMOG
Electrosmog, or E-smog, is the invisible cloud of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields surrounding us. We can’t see it, but it’s everywhere—quietly shaping our environment.
Our homes, offices, and cities hum with technology: wiring in the walls, Wi-Fi signals in the air, appliances, computers, and countless other devices all releasing electromagnetic fields.
Research reveals that these fields influence our bodies far more deeply than once believed. And as modern life demands constant connection, our daily exposure continues to rise.
To understand these fields better, we can group them based on how they’re created and how they behave.
- Electric fields (E-fields) arise from electric charges or voltage differences. Any device carrying a voltage—even if no current flows—can produce an electric field. For example, a powered-on device plugged into the wall creates an electric field whether or not it’s drawing current.
- Magnetic fields (B-fields) arise from the movement of electric charges (i.e., electric current). So, a current must be flowing for a magnetic field to form.
How They Work Together
- A changing E-field generates a B-field, and
- A changing B-field generates an E-field.
This interplay is the basis for electromagnetic waves like light, radio waves, and Wi-Fi signals. There are five different categories -
- Alternating Magnetic Fields (Low Frequency)These fields arise when electrical current flows through active devices, cables, transformers, or power supplies.
- Electromagnetic Waves (High Frequency)Emitted by wireless transmitters from mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, TVs, radios, radar systems, and some household and office appliances (e.g. microwaves and gaming consoles).
- DC Electric Fields (Electrostatics)These static electric fields are often found near electronic screens, synthetic fabrics (like carpets and curtains), and plastic surfaces or laminates.
- DC Magnetic Fields (Magnetostatics)Generated by direct current (DC) systems, such as trams, railways, solar panel installations, and magnetic materials.
Electrosmog Made Visible
You're looking at Richard Box’s installation titled FIELD, created in 2004 while he was Artist-in-Residence at the University of Bristol’s Physics Department. This striking piece involved planting 1,301 fluorescent tubes across a 3,600 m² field directly beneath high-voltage AC transmission lines. The tubes—sourced from hospitals—lit up without any wiring or solar power, drawing energy solely from the ambient electromagnetic field generated by the overhead cables.
The phenomenon arises because the 400 kV power lines create a strong alternating electric (and magnetic) field between the lines and the grounded earth. When the fluorescent tubes stand close enough—within the electric field—they ionize the low-pressure mercury vapor inside, producing ultraviolet radiation that excites the phosphor coating, causing them to glow visibly, albeit more dimly than if directly powered. Electrosmog made visible!
OUR INVISIBLE ENVIRONMENT Learn more about our invisible environment Shop Now
We live surrounded by forces we cannot see — from electromagnetic fields to airborne pollutants and digital frequencies. Though invisible, these influences can have a real impact on our bodies and minds. Explore how the modern environment affects your well-being and what you can do to restore balance and protection in everyday life.