[qwerty]

I just got the Trifield EMF meter and measured the electromagnetic field strength inside my 2006 325i. I want to share my measurements with those who cares about EMF level and hope that BMW corporation do something about this.

The EMF level is very high in the seating areas including the rear seats where my kids seat all the time. It is much higher than my personal acceptable value of 3mG (milliGause). As a reference, the meter reads 0mG (milliGause) when the engine is not running. The meter doesn't measure the earth's magnetic field since it is DC. The meter is designed to measure EMF for frequencies above 30Hz. Also, I measured 20mG (milligause) right under a huge power line tower with at least 10 lines.

Meter placed on the front driver side seat: ~10mG (milligause)
Meter placed on the front passenger side seat: ~50mG
Meter placed on the rear driver side seat: ~10mG
Meter placed on the rear passenger side seat: 50~100mG
Meter placed on the rear passenger side floor right by the door: 100mG+
Meter placed on the Dash board: ~20mg

The measurements show that the EMF levels on the seats are significantly higher than the measurement right below the power lines. This is very concerning.

qwerty

[gloster]

Just put a piece of tin foil on the seat

[Year's_End]

lol^

[noro]

Do you have any comparative results from other modern vehicles?

[Majikthese42]

Were the seat heaters on?

[qwerty]

Originally Posted by noro

Do you have any comparative results from other modern vehicles?

I also measured my 2001 Toyota corolla. The EMF hot spot locations are different but at least the levels are lower in the seating areas. The level on the dash board was very high.

Meter placed on the front driver side seat: ~10mG (milligause)
Meter placed on the front passenger side seat: ~5mG
Meter placed on the rear driver side seat: ~10mG
Meter placed on the rear passenger side seat: ~2mG
Meter placed on the Dash board: 100mg+

qwerty

[qwerty]

Originally Posted by Majikthese42

Were the seat heaters on?

No. The EMF level shoots up as soon as I start the engine.

[ucla1995]

This is VERY dangerous (cancer?), I have a feeling that this could slowly become a big issue for BMW...

[Babe]

Originally Posted by ucla1995

This is VERY dangerous (cancer?), I have a feeling that this could slowly become a big issue for BMW...

Comming from a family full of doctors, high levels have show to sterilze animals in test...

[sparkyg]

Before this thread runs away has anyone actually looked to see what is the recommended exposure and for the amount of time.

You're gonna get cancer from that phone next to your head before your car gets you

[f30er]

Originally Posted by Babe

Comming from a family full of doctors, high levels have show to sterilze animals in test...

Lol, BMW's gonna put Trojan outta business!

[BMW1983]

PLEASE.....SOMEONE....post a DIY gaussian cage ASAP and BE SURE TO remember to post photos and your dyno results.


In all seriousness:

Research since the mid-1970s has provided extensive information on biological responses to power-frequency electric and magnetic fields. The Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Research and Public Information Dissemination (RAPID) Program was charged with the goal of determining if electric and magnetic fields associated with the generation, transmission, and use of electrical energy pose a risk to human health. The fact that 20 years of research have not answered that question is clear evidence that health effects of EMF are not obvious and that risk relationships, if risk is identified, are not simple.

http://www.nachi.org/emfs.htm

[e46e92love]

Between the chemicals in our food, cell phones and all the other electronic gadgetry we all have I'll be surprised if anyone in my generation DOESN'T get cancer. Watch, my generation will be the first to have an avg. life span SHORTER than the one before it. BTW, I'm 29.

[Majikthese42]

Originally Posted by zameergill

Lol, BMW's gonna put Trojan outta business!

Perhaps helping to explain Germany's low fertility rate (1.4 children born/woman -- 2007 est.)

Honda on the EMF generated by the Insight Hybrid:

http://www.insightcentral.net/archives/news01-16.html

[tctic]

It's going to be inevitable with all those electronics in the car. I would believe a Corolla would have less of these electronics around.

[nyc3r]

test this in an Audi, Merc, and Lexus, then come tell us the results.. I have a feeling it's going to be similar

[qwerty]

I think the reason for the high levels in the passenger side is the location of the battery. Since it is located in the passenger side of the trunk, the eletricity must travel to and from the engine via the seating area. I think the levels would be much lower in cars with batteries under the hood.

[raleedy]

I wonder what impact Comfort Access has on interior levels.

[qwerty]

Here are some interesting reports from the governments. Basically, they don't rule out the link between the EMF and health effect and I think it cannot be ignored. It would be too late and costly if someone is affected by EMF.

Some quotes from the reports:
"Possible human carcinogen"
"because virtually everyone in the United States uses electricity and, therefore, is routinely exposed to ELF-EMF, passive regulatory action is warranted such as a continued emphasis on educating both the public and the regulated community on means aimed at reducing exposures"

http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ehib/emf/RiskE...n/ExecSumm.pdf
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/emf/

[Jaws]

I'd be more concerned with the VOCs from plastic, leatherette, etc.

[thekurgan]

There's probably higher levels of EMF in our own homes, of which, I hope, we spend more time in as opposed to our vehicles. Also, how many of us spend time on these forums using a laptop? I really wouldn't worry about the BMW, and if it concerns anyone, sell the thing, get a Prius or some other battery-powered jokemobile.

[BKsBimmer]

Originally Posted by nyc3r

test this in an Audi, Merc, and Lexus, then come tell us the results.. I have a feeling it's going to be similar

To your point here are some interesting links. One link refers specifically to the Lexus GS450H Hybrid. Apparently there is more concern with hybrid cars since they rely on electric engines for power. The other link shows has more info on EMF measurement findings on a range of vehicles and explains the concerns and risks.

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f1775e1

http://eiwellspring.org/EMFMeasureme...sAndTrucks.htm