One of the biggest concerns people have about PEMF therapy is associated with the negative effects of other electromagnetic fields (EMFs), like those created by cell phones or microwave ovens.  All EMFs, whether helpful or harmful, interact with biological processes like enzymatic function, cell replication, tissue regeneration, and nervous system and hormone regulation. The exposure time, wavelength, and frequency of these EMFs will determine whether they enhance or disrupt natural processes. 

Electromagnetic radiation is classified as either ionizing and non-ionizing based on the radiation’s capability of ionizing atoms and disrupting chemical bonds. Ultraviolet and high frequency radiation, like x-rays and gamma rays, are ionizing and therefore create heat. These types of radiation can be harmful, as many people have experienced when getting sunburned. Non-ionizing radiation like that utilized in PEMF therapy doesn’t carry enough energy to disrupt chemical bonds and therefore cannot cause tissue damage like ionizing radiation. Non-ionizing radiation, however, does excite molecules to higher energy states, which can improve health by increasing cellular efficiency. 

Power grids use 50-60Hz frequencies, as do some PEMF devices. However, power grid EMFs are damaging not because of the 50-60Hz frequency, but rather due to surges of much higher, short-wavelength EMFs that fall into the ionizing radiation category. PEMF machines have additional safeguards in the form of filters inside their frequency generators that mitigate uncontrolled surges that arise from electrical outlets to which they are connected.