Electromagnetic pollution

Electronic smog
Electronic noise
Intermittent electrical signals

Nature

Electronic smog occurs when electromagnetic waves from equipment like computers and electronic game machines or discharges of static electricity send signals to equipment causing it to malfunction.

Background

Electromagnetic pollution emerged as a global concern in the late 20th century, coinciding with the rapid proliferation of wireless technologies, power lines, and electronic devices. Initial apprehensions arose from localized reports of health and ecological effects, prompting international studies and policy debates. Over time, mounting evidence of pervasive electromagnetic fields in urban and rural environments led to heightened public awareness and calls for regulatory frameworks, reflecting the problem’s growing recognition across scientific, governmental, and civil society sectors.

Incidence

Such pollution has caused deaths and injuries. Airport radar screens have been jammed. Production line robots have functioned faultily. Roller coasters have crashed. Railway switches have malfunctioned and train doors have opened inadvertently. Computers can malfunction or lose their memories and their components damaged.