How Do I Know How Bad the Air Quality Is?

southeast Asia Haze 2026

the sun appearing orange in the Haze, september 2026

I shared this picture here. It’s haze season and it is awful this year.

We do not use air-conditioning during the daytime and like to keep most windows open.

If the air is bad, we close the windows. Bad air quality can be obvious, like now when burning begins and “haze season” starts, the air gets really bad (see picture of the orange sun). We can smell it, our eyes smart and lips feel dry.

People are sharing official numbers to and fro to determine which days or even which hours are better to be out.

But what if the difference is not dramatic? What if you’re used to living in general poor air quality?

Various official guidelines say contrasting advice. How do you tell?

On really bad days, I need to decide when it makes sense to open my windows—at all—for fresh air or keep them closed and run an air purifier. How do you compare the Outdoor AQI measurements (like those on purpleair.com) vs. the indoor measurements on an indoor air quality detector (TVOC, HCHO, etc.)

Air Quality Guidelines

It is convenient to rely on the daily news for air quality guidelines. But here is how numbers can be confusing.

For example, the World Health Organisation (WHO) states that a safe 24-hour average exposure should not exceed 15 µg/m³. This is the threshold the WHO adopted after higher levels are associated with increased risks of serious health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

A level of 50 µg/m³ is more than 3 times higher than this safe benchmark. This has been our area for the last 1-2 months, on and off depending on the winds and weather.

That concentration of 50 µg/m³ converts roughly to ~137 on the US Air Quality Index (AQI).

How “unhealthy” is this?

Most scales classify a AQI of 137 (or 50 µg/m³) along a scale from Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. That is, they agree that is not healthy.

How unhealthy? Different global air quality scales calculate this differently.

For example, some regional systems (like Singapore's NEA bands) categorise 0–55 µg/m³ as "Normal". But that does not mean “healthy” either.

"The “Normal” tier guidelines maintain that physical health effects and reactions can still happen.

So we cannot rely on only an index to determine the true quality of air, especially in a given moment. Like whether to open windows to flood the home with hopefully good air, if we’re in a bad location.

Watch out for the PM2.5 

All indexes include six key air pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Arguably a most dangerous component is called the PM2.5.

The PM2.5 counts only particles 2.5 microns or smaller (about 30 times smaller than a human hair). It’s only a raw physical measurement. It stands for fine particulate matter—tiny pieces of dust, soot, or smoke that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller in size.

PM2.5 measurements are in micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³).

The smaller the particle, the deeper it can penetrate into the respiratory system.

It is difficult to filter. Your home air filter may not display PM2.5 levels.

It is also why indexes like the PSI or the API can differ so much. AQI and µg/m³ are two different measurements.

Converting PM10 or PM2.5 to an index measurement isn’t necessarily about adding them up., You’d need to perform various calculations to convert a concentration measurement to an AQI measurement (keeping in mind the time frame: 10-min, 1-hr, 8-hr, 24-hr, etc).

Southeast Asia haze indexes

Most countries have their own air quality standard on measurement and index. The main differences are in the number of pollutants and levels.

The AQI (used in the US) is different. AQI (Air Quality Index) is a calculated score based on ppm readings and are usually averaged over a specific period. It is a standardized, color-coded scale (usually from 0 to 500). Governments and agencies use these calculations to translate raw pollutant numbers into an easy-to-understand measure of health risk. 

Apart from PM2.5 particles, it measures ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO).

Malaysia’s Environment Department uses an Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), calculated based on several key pollutants, which include PM10 and

Singapore, the National Environment Agency (NEA) uses the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI). It shows a 24-hour rolling average PSI alongside 1-hour PM2.5 concentrations. [1]

It uses only specialised, certified pollutant analysers.

Other indexes may include in lower-cost consumer sensors.

Think of the PM2.5 as only one bag of “goods” in the overall index. 

Local / consumer sensors

Do you live in a ‘low-pollution zone’ in the suburbs but your monitor is showing worse readings?

Consumer grade sensors that are much less accurate and often not calibrated as certified, professional air quality monitors. As far as I know there are only a few high quality air sensors in most neighbourhoods outside of Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Furthermore, air quality can be a highly localized thing.

Local terrain, vehicle traffic, air flow and local wind patterns, river or lake, amount of trees, vegetation can all affect air quality readings. Or you facing the single road entering your neighbourhood of over a hundred homes,

I’m not saying these are not unhelpful. Far from it, they can give a local warning compared to aggregate data that can be weighted average over a whole day (24-hour period). Those are slower to show big changes. For example, if your neighbourhood is in a low-pollution zone, but the homes face a construction site or a data centre activities.

Such monitors can reveal big differences between parts of a town.

Purple Air shows a network of sensors, many of which are consumer grade. Here are the maps for Singapore and Malaysia.

When a neighbour started sharing his data, I found my nose agreed more with his than the index average published.

Air quality health symptoms

Sometimes your body knows before any number or guideline tells you so.

It is well-established the health effects air pollution can have, from heart problems to fertility issues to low birth weight and birth issues.

Be aware of health risks such as asthma, COPD, or heart disease, as well as children and older adults.

This study showed how, in Singapore, the PSI was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality. The “haze seasons” across Southeast Asia are awful, but it’s made this point beyond clear. The worse the air is, the likelier you die.

Other symptoms:

  • asthma

  • cough and throat irritation,

  • allergic rhinitis

  • sinus symptoms

  • eye irritation

  • eczema and other skin irritation

I think your body is your biggest clue as how you are doing.

Even if air pollution is not making you sick, it is killing you earlier. Two recent studies prove this; one is from Berkeley (August 2015) (which attributes 4000 deaths a day in China to PM2.5) and the other from Max Planck Institute (September 2015) (3.3 million premature deaths a year due to mostly PM2.5, this is more than Malaria and HIV/Aids combined!).

These studies published by different scientists and countries just a few months apart show how the air pollution issue is underestimated.

The health effects on children is worse. Because children and infants are still developing and are more exposed than we are.

Ella’s Law 

Nine-year-old Ella had a fatal asthma attack in 2013. She became the first person in the UK to have air pollution recognised as a factor in her death.

Ella’s mother knew she suffered the asthma attack after being exposed to excessive air pollution on her daily walks to and from school. The coroner ruled the same. 

The levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) near Ella's home had exceeded both World Health Organization and European Union guidelines.

Ella's Law became known as the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill, requiring the government to meet stricter air quality standards set by the World Health Organization.

When do you close the windows?

The standard advice is to stay indoors, but you can see that this is actually help your health much if you're in a non filtered space.

My advice would be to try to find the best filtered space and stay there. Filter and clean your home frequently.

Or if you feel better with one, wear a proper N95 mask at home.

On fairly good days, open your windows and get that air flowing.

The thing is, if you don't filter, keeping your windows closed may make little difference. You should probably open them to refresh the air. After all, the air you have inside your home is coming from outside, so your indoor air is really outdoor air plus whatever extra contaminants you have indoors.

References and Resources

  1. The WHO air quality guideline (AQG) states that annual average concentrations of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m3, while 24-hour average exposures should not exceed 15 µg/m 3 more than 3 - 4 days per year. Countries experiencing a haze season are well past these figures.

  2. NO2 is a pollutant from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and maritime traffic in dense urban and port hubs like the Klang Valley and major peninsular ports. Cities are pretty much often hotspots for poor air quality.

  3. Indexes can be too vast or generalised. Remember when the Chinese netizens started buying their own monitors and publish their measurement on weibo and other social networks.

  4. Some PurpleAir sensors show indoor quality which ought to be better than outdoor quality. Those usually have bold black circles around the color dots. It is eye-opening to see inside vs outside.

  5. Air filters are appropriate for a small room so that they can work well. I run a BlueAir in my bedroom for 1-3 hours before bedtime. This reduces noise and EMF exposure.

  6. Read here to understand how air pollution harms children’s brain development issues (1 & 2); cognitive development issues; overall body development; and lung growth issues (1 & 2).

Three Immediate Ways to Lower Nursery EMFs Tonight (Without Buying Anything)

I spent a long time learning about EMFs before I got my own home in shape. Along the way, I learnt about EMFs sources inside the house vs. external threats, and more EMF products than I ever thought could exist in a fringe market.

But here’s the truth: The market is fringe no more. EMFs is a number one threat facing our future generations.

And you don’t have to break the bank to protect baby.

1. Apply the Rule of Distance

The Problem: Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) drop off significantly with distance. For example, doubling the distance reduces the field strength to about 25% of its original value.

A wireless baby monitor or smart device sitting right next to the crib exposes a newborn's thin skull to peak radiation levels.

The Free Fix: Stand further away from appliances when you are using them. Move all appliances such as electrical cords, baby monitors, white noise machines and cameras at least 6 to 10 feet away from the crib.

You still get the video and audio feeds, but the radiation intensity drops with distance before reaching your baby's body.

2. Hardwire What You Can (And Turn Off the Rest)

The Problem: Wi-Fi routers and connected smart appliances constantly ping signals back and forth, 24 hours a day, filling the entire room with invisible cellular stress.

The Free Fix: Go into your phone settings and turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on any devices inside the room when they aren't actively needed. If your router is near the nursery, manually turn it completely off at the wall plug right before you go to sleep.

3. Clear the Wall "Hot Zones"The Problem: EMF radiation passes directly through standard drywall.

Even across concrete walls, EMFs can still pass through them. If the nursery crib is pushed up against a wall, and a major appliance, television or smart meter is plugged into the exact opposite side of that wall in the next room, your baby is sleeping in a magnetic field hot zone.

The Free Fix: Look at what is positioned on the other side of the nursery walls. If there is a TV, computer desk, or refrigerator back-to-back with the crib, simply rearrange the nursery layout. Move the crib to an internal wall that has nothing plugged into either side of it.

Ready for the next step?

A nursery is your baby’s safe space. If you want to completely audit your home, map hidden EMF sources and clear out toxic pollutio, let's work together.

I can help you build the ultimate low-tox sanctuary through:

The Building Biology Home Blueprint Course ($300): A complete, self-paced video guide to prepping a certified non-toxic home.

A Personalised Home Assessment: Book a 1:1 strategy session with me tailored exactly to your space.

This is what you can do immediately. To eliminate sources of EMFs in your nursery, read this.

Common Sources of EMFs in Your Children’s Room (Free Guide for Parents)

Updated 29 October 2026

“What if the safest place in your home for your child is the most harmful?”

In this guide, you will find common sources of EMFs in children’s rooms and nurseries.

I write not only what these sources are, but why some might be more harmful than others. I also share the actions you can take to reduce your children’s exposure to these man-made EMFs.

As a mother and building biologist, my aim is to remove and eliminate toxic sources completely to reduce the body burden on our children, especially during critical developmental phases.

These are changes you can make immediately. For a peace of mind and true health for your child and yourself.

To your space.

Common Sources of EMFs

You probably already know about wireless devices and that power line and cell antenna down the road.

But artificial electromagnetic fields are everywhere within your own home. These devices in the bedroom emit electromagnetic fields that could affect your child.

Your child’s optimal development depends on critical growth stages. Your child’s bedroom deserves the lowest possible EMF levels.

1.Wireless baby monitors

Baby monitors are marketed as a mama’s must-haves. These fancy gadgets let you check on your baby on your smartphone, from anywhere.

Some include features like night vision, alerts, temperature monitoring, and two-way talk. Baby monitors can be Wi-Fi, radio (no internet), audio, and app-based.

But they send audio, and sometimes video, from a transmitter near your baby to a receiver using radio signals (typically 2.4 GHz). Your baby or child is in these near radio frequency fields for 10-12 hours a day, while they are sleeping, if not longer.

Baby monitors promise “connectedness”, but you’re relying on wireless radiation to make the connection, adding to EMF pollution in your child’s room.

Eliminate artificial EMFs in your child’s bedroom: Hardwire your baby monitor instead.

2. Wireless security cameras

Like baby monitors, these emit RF fields around your children while they sleep.

Eliminate artificial EMFs in your child’s bedroom: Hardwire any security cameras.

3. Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi routers emit EMFs constantly, even if no one is using the internet.

Removing Wi-Fi in the bedroom is fundamental to creating calm and safe environment for a night’s sleep. Eliminating Wi-Fi during the day, too, is a great way to reduce your newborn’s EMF exposure.

Eliminate artificial EMFs in your child’s bedroom: Hardwire Wi-Fi. Remove the router from your bedroom.

4. Fans

The motors in the fans put out sizeable magnetic fields as well as electric fields.

Magnetic fields are how fans work. The electric current flows through the motor's coils, generating a magnetic field interacting with another magnetic field, creating a force that causes the motor's shaft to rotate. This pulls the rotor around via magnetic attraction.

Magnetic fields do drop off with increasing distance, so make sure to put as much distane as possible between the fan and where your child is sleeping.

Eliminate artificial EMFs in your child’s bedroom: Use a meter such as a Trifield that has both a gaussmeter (for magnetic fields) and an electric field meter.

5. Adjustable tables

Adjustable tables are powered by pretty strong electrical motors. They rely on a transformer in order to convert the power.

Eliminate artificial EMFs in your child’s bedroom: If you must use an adjustable table, one workaround is to cut the power to the table when you are not using it.

6. Dimmer switches

You want to control the level of lighting in your child’s room, but dimmer switches emit 10 to 50 times more EMF than regular on/off switches due to their electronic components.

By design, dimmer switches interrupt electrical current by “chopping” the electrical waveform to lower light intensity.

Some turn the light bulb circuit on and off as many as 120 times a second. This puts out high-frequency voltage transients into your home wiring that radiate into the room as well as other rooms!

Dimmer switches have been measured to put out dirty electricity even when they turned “fully on”.

Eliminate artificial EMFs in your child’s bedroom: Replace dimmer switches with standard on/off switches to eliminate a direct source of EMF pollution in your home. Avoid smart switches.

7. Bedside Clocks

Often emit low-frequency EMFs. Many clocks produce measurable magnetic or electric field radiation, as well as circadian-disrupting blue light. These are up to 20 times above recommended “safe” levels at the bed.

Some even have Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth functions built in.

Battery-powered models put out far less EMFs than plug-in digital clocks. But 100% EMF-free alarm clocks use no electricity or batteries. Only mechanical wind-up clocks are EMF-free.

Eliminate artificial EMFs in your child’s bedroom: Choose analog alarm clocks or even mechanical wind-up clocks.

8. Electrical wiring

Currents along wiring emit low-frequency EMFs, even when devices are turned off. So long as you’re in a house, to the extent of the wiring, you are likely surrounded by such EMFs.

Eliminate artificial EMFs in your child’s bedroom: Use a meter such as a Trifield that has both a gaussmeter (for magnetic fields) and an electric field meter.

9. Smart toys

You can find RF chips in all sorts of things these days, including in toys. The idea is that you can these toys with phones and also communicate with other smart toys in the product line.

Children should not be playing with phones. You don’t want smart toys next to children, especially when they sleeping, as the toys may be accidentally turned on.

Eliminate artificial EMFs in your child’s bedroom: The safest (and easiest) thing to do is to remove these toys. How do you know if you have a smart toy? Batteries are a giveaway, because RF chipped toys need them to operate.

10. Baby rockers

Like baby monitrs, these devices can come with smart features, multiple motions, and parent-friendly designs—anything to promise your child’s sweet sleep.

However, the rocking mechanism and elevated electric fields from the wiring create high levels of EMFs.

11. Cell phones

Wireless mobile devices emit high levels of EMF whether you are using them or having them plugged in and charging near baby areas.

12. Smart home devices

Do you have these? Smart appliances such as humidifiers, sound machines, night lights, voice assistants, smart thermostats, and connected baby products…

Eliminate artificial EMFs in your child’s bedroom: Hardwire devices, if you must use them in the room.

13. Laptops

Work-from-home has become normal. You might keep your laptop in the bedroom.

I only use mine with I will only use it with an ethernet cable. But even with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth turned off, I’ve measured other high EMFs.

Eliminate artificial EMFs in your child’s bedroom: Hardwire devices, if you must use them in the room.

14. Spring mattresses

Technically, spring mattresses are not emitting EMFs by themselves. However, they attract ambient magnetic fields and electric fields where you’re sleeping.

They’re especially a concern if you are very sensitive. Or if you are a child more vulnterable to the effects of EMF radiation. It is hard to quantify or have an exact number on how much radiation spring mattress can emit, due to the fluctuations in the environment. Suffice to say, given how much time we spend on a mattress, you want to take this into consideration.

15. Ethernet cables

Ethernet cables enable us to use the Internet without exposure to Wi-Fi. But even shielded cables can measure high in electric fields.

Eliminate artificial EMFs in your child’s bedroom: Keep them at least 1 or 2 feet away from your body.

More about EMFs

Congratulations on going through the list.

Here’s a quick downloadable PDF. Click on the image to save.

Common Sources of EMFs in Your Children’s Room (Free Guide for Parents)

You can see how you do not need major renovations or expensive tools to reduce EMFs in your child’s bedroom.

By now you are becoming aware of the major types of EMFs. Here is an introduction to EMF radiation.

Measuring EMF Levels in Your Child’s Bedroom

If you want to go a step further, a Building Biologist will assess your whole space. The key areas include:

  1. Crib measurements. Measure every area of the crib at mattress level. Pay attention to the head area where your baby’s head will lie. Take multiple readings throughout the day.

  2. Changing area assessment. Measure EMF levels at your changing station, especially if it is near electrical outlets or wireless devices.

  3. Feeding locations. Where do you sit and feed for hours? Check your primary feeding areas, whether it is a nursing chair or where you sit and breastfeed, prepare milk, and/or pump breastmilk.

  4. Play area evaluation. Babies grow so fast, and they’re usually rolling and crawling by six months. I measure EMF levels to help you identity optimal areas for tummy time and play activities.


Do you want to know more? I expand on these in my ebook “The Building Biology Home: Guide to Creating A Calm and Safe Bedroom”. You’ll learn:

  • Why building EMF-awareness habits is crucial for your children’s health

  • The science on EMFs, optimal development, and children’s critical growth stages

  • The daily routines to start now to protect against EMFs

  • Pro tips for maximum effectiveness, including EMF protection products

  • Frequently asked questions about EMFs and children

  • How-To-Guide: Use an EMF meter to measure electric fields, magnetic fields, and radiofrequency radiation in your nursery

This is your essential EMF protection guide for mothers and fathers seeking to create a safe and optimal space for their children. I’m a mother and I understand your concerns. You will not find fear-mongering or a sales pitch for gadgets.

Every tip is something you can understand and implement today. Every strategy effectively reduces exposure while helping you become a better parent during these precious early years.


Eight Ways You Are Adding Hidden Toxins in Your Food

You already know that a surprising number of foods contain microplastics. Seafood is contaminated with microplastics for one.

But how you prepare, and eat your food is more important than the food itself.

Your kitchen is a top priority if you want to eliminate potential toxins and hazards to your health. Many kitchen items that you use every day, every meal, expose you to harmful chemicals.

Studies have shown that your daily intake of microplastics from food and drink is estimated to be anywhere from zero to 1.5 million microplastic particles per day.

1—You use tea bags

Those silken pyramid tea bags aren't silk. They're nylon and PET plastic.
When hit with boiling water, they shed billions of invisible plastic shards directly into your drink.

This 2019 Canadian study was the first to test nylon and polyethylene tea bags. The landmark study found that they release 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics directly into your cup of tea!

It depends on the exact material, temperature, brewing duration, and how you stir your tea. But that is too much detail when I just want to relax with my cup of tea.

Remember how foods such as seafood are held up as things to avoid further plastics exposure, but microplastics in so-called “filter feeders”, such as mussels, was just 0.2-0.70 microplastic particles per gram. This is far less than that 11.6 billion microplastics released when brewing a single cup of tea with a plastic tea bag!

2—You use plastic grinders

Herbs and spices come in such convenient plastic grinders, but you are also grinder plastics into your food. This study found how the grinding mechanisms made from plastic can wear down over time, releasing microplastics into ground spices.

This also sets up your pantry to always have handy herbs on hand.

3—You chew gum

Do you chew gum to freshen your breath or to reduce post-meal acid reflux?

A single gram of chewing gum can release up to 637 microplastic particles. Chewing gum is made from a gum base (plastics and rubber), to which sweeteners and flavourings are added. As you chew, the gum base releases microplastics.

Even natural gums made with plant polymers release a similar number of microplastics as the synthetic gum. This suggests that microplastics aren’t only coming from the gum base but from microplastics introduced during the production or packaging process.

4—You microwave food using plastic containers

Companies such as Rubbermaid and Tupperware make plastic storage containers without bisphenol A (BPA), well-researched for their toxic effects. But it’s hard to know exactly what chemicals are in all plastic storage containers.

Takeout containers are not usually designed for multiple uses, so definitely do not reuse them in the microwave.

Microwave-safe plastic containers might not melt, but that doesn’t mean they’re stable under heat.

Choose safe containers that have a microwave-safe symbol (usually a symbol of a microwave with a few wavy lines above it).

However, microwaves also emit EMFs, another toxin known to affect your health. Swap out your microwave for more healthful appliances.

5—You store food in plastic containers

As a mother, I understand—plastic containers are light, easy to use, and they don’t break and create (more) mess.

Plastics labeled 3 (PVC/vinyl), 6 (Polystyrene/styrofoam), and 7 (“miscellaneous plastics”, including BPA) are considered most risky. But the thing is, chemical compounds that make up plastic like to bind to fat molecules.

Choose inert materials such as glass, stainless steel and other safe metals, or porcelain and safe clay.

6—You prepare food with latex gloves

Commercial kitchens depend on latex gloves to ensure a level of hygiene and food safety, but people are starting to use at the home too?

Plastic gloves food (like the type used by service workers) worn during food handling has been found to transfer microplastics to the food too. When these disposable gloves end up in the trash, they also contribute to plastic waste and break down into more microplastics in the environment.

If you are preparing food at home for yourself, keep your hands actually clean. You’ll be cutting down a frequent use of plastic and your food might taste better, like how your mama did it.

7—You use nonstick cookware

Nonstick cookware can release PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), which are also known as forever chemicals if heated above 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t depend on the coating to stay perfect for long. They can get scratched, chipped, or worn down. Depending on the tools you use or how hard you go at scraping and cleaning the pan, nonstick layers will degrade.

They even emit toxic fumes that can cause polymer fume fever—causing flu-like symptoms.

Opt for ceramic pans, stainless steel or cast iron.

8—Your tools

Cooking utensils, especially those made from aluminum, copper, and lower-quality metal alloys, can leach toxic metals into food, posing serious health risks.

Cooking acidic foods, in particular, causes a heavier load of heavy metals like lead, nickel, cadmium, and chromium to leach into your food.

The Building Biology Perspective

The kitchen is central to how you feed and nourish yourself at home. Whether you are a chef who loves experimenting in the kitchen or you need to be quick and efficient in your daily eating habits, how you work in your kitchen is a big factor in whether you add or reduce common toxins to your body.

Many plastic containers and modern appliances of convenience come with specific usage and maintenance instructions, as they can otherwise leach toxic chemicals into your food. Always check the manufacturer’s directions for information if the container is safe how you use it.

If you are unsure or want to be safe, choose biologically safe materials.

Are you planning a new kitchen? Work with me to create your building biology kitchen.

Check out my guide to a tox-free kitchen with over 100 more ways to avoid hidden toxins in your food. It is free!

Why Do I Feel Dizzy All the Time?

Do you feel dizzy sometimes? For no apparent reason?

There is an important factor most overlook. EMF pollution in your environment.

There’s a real, physiological basis for why electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and radiofrequency (RF) emissions can make people feel dizzy, disoriented, or experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Some doctors call it Meniere's disease, an disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. They said no cure and we don’t know what causes it.

How EMFs Cause Dizziness

There are a few ways EMFs can cause dizziness.

—Vestibular and Neurological Interaction

The inner ear’s vestibular system controls balance and spatial orientation. EMFs can interact with this system in two main ways:

  1. Magneto-hydrodynamic effects. Strong electromagnetic fields can subtly move ions in the fluid of the inner ear (endolymph). They electrically conduct fluids. This can trick your brain into thinking your head is turning, causing dizziness or a sense of tilting.

  2. Electrical interference with neural firing: Neurons communicate through tiny electrical impulses (millivolt range). High-frequency or pulsed EMFs can induce microcurrents in nearby tissue, interfering with those signals—especially in areas like the cerebellum or vestibular nuclei that control equilibrium.

This is why people sometimes feel unsteady or lightheaded near powerful radar, antennas, or high-voltage installations—even without measurable heating effects.

—Cardiac and Autonomic Nervous System Response

EMFs cause tremendous amounts of oxidative stress, which is directly linked to cardiovascular disease. The autonomic nervous system (which controls involuntary functions like heart rate and blood pressure) can be affected.

EMFs can modulate vagus nerve activity, leading to momentary changes in heart rhythm, blood pressure, and respiration. This can trigger orthostatic-like symptoms—faintness, nausea, or dizziness. Your experience of your heart reacting near the array fits this category: your body’s electromagnetic control system (the heart’s sinoatrial node and vagus nerve) is incredibly sensitive to outside fields.

—Tinnitus and Microwave Auditory Effect

Some people hear a ringing or clicking sound (tinnitus-like tones).

This is an effect known as the microwave auditory or "Frey effect". Brief but intense pulses of radiofrequency (RF) energy can elicit auditory sensations when absorbed in the head of an individual. Even though the effect doesn’t involve air vibration (like normal sound), it’s perceived inside the head—exactly as many people describe when near high-powered transmitters or radar installations.

Why? Because pulse microwave radiation can cause tiny thermoelastic expansions in brain tissue, creating pressure waves that the cochlea interprets as sound. It’s been documented in military and biomedical research since the 1960s.

—Individual Sensitivity

Some people appear more electromagnetically sensitive due to genetics, pre-existing neurological patterns, or prior exposure.

The thing to understand is that biological systems have natural resonance frequencies. For example, the human brain’s EEG (electroencephalogram) rhythms range from 1–40 Hz. (It can go from delta (0-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-13 Hz), and beta (13-30 Hz), which is a discussion for another article.)

The heart and cell membranes operate around low-frequency electrical potentials (tens to hundreds of millivolts).

If an external electromagnetic source happens to pulse or modulate within these ranges, it can cause entrainment or dissonance effects.

You feel it as fatigue, anxiety, confusion, or vertigo.

Arrays (e.g., long-range radar, ELF/VLF transmitters) emit wide-spectrum energy that can overlap these biological bands, especially during active experiments.

In countries such as the USA, Russia and China, they have ionospheric heaters. These powerful HF transmitter (2.8 to 10 MHz) induces controlled temporary modification to the electron temperature at desired altitude.

The U.S. operates the HAARP facility in Alaska, while Russia has the Sura Ionospheric Heating Facility, and China is reportedly building an advanced ionosphere heater in Hainan.

Other Symptoms of EHS (Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity)

Dizziness symptoms seldom come alone. More people suffer with some form of EHS (Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity).

At the same time, there is no strict standard regulating EMF pollution.

Many countries have chosen to adopt stricter exposure limits based on scientific research. Their limits are many times lower than the international standards.

Symptoms include:

  • Head pressure, dizziness, nausea

  • Ear ringing, inner vibration sensations

  • Heart palpitations or skipped beats

  • Cognitive fog or short-term confusion.

My Story

One thing that clued me in was my crazy ear ringing when I sit in my home (or my workplace) for an entire day.

When I’m out in crowded places, my hearing becomes little more than hearing my own heart beat and breathing (basically, inner ear sensations and flow). It increases when I am pregnant. These cease when I leave the location.

But when I’m out in my garden, specifically the side that faces nothing but a lovely hill, I hear absolute peace and calm.

As mentioned, all the symptoms became most apparent when I was pregnant, which is how I came across building biology. But growing up, I had never not heard a high pitched sound when it's "quiet". I thought it was normal.


Learn more about EMR.