The Role of Excess Charge Mitigation in Electromagnetic Hygiene: An Integrative review

Abstract

Overview

The electromagnetic characteristics of many environments have changed significantly in recent decades, primarily due to the increased presence of equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation and the widespread use of materials that can gain excess charge.

Key Points

• Environments with excess charge present an increased risk of infection from pathogens.
• Individuals in such environments may experience compromised performance, respiratory problems, and other adverse health issues due to increased uptake of particulate matter.

Findings

• Adopting improved electromagnetic hygiene measures, such as maintaining optimized humidity levels (specifically 40-60% relative humidity), can help reduce inappropriate levels of electric charge in environments.
• Effective mitigation strategies can decrease the likelihood of ill health, infection, and poor performance resulting from contaminant inhalation and deposition.
• These measures also reduce the risk of damage or data compromise in medical and electronic devices.

Conclusion

• Integrating electromagnetic hygiene practices into clinical guidelines and existing water, sanitation, and hygiene programs is strongly suggested.
• Highlights include: localized deposition of pathogens is increased in electric fields, high charge increases contaminant deposition, optimal humidity reduces infection risks, and proper material specification reduces infection risks.
• The review reinforces the direct link between electromagnetic exposure, excess environmental charge, and multiple adverse health outcomes.