PROBLEMS WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
There is currently much controversy about the effects electric, magnetic and radio/microwave fields may have on our human biology. Increasingly, evidence is showing correlations between childhood leukemia and exposure to strong magnetic fields, increased miscarriages and eye cataracts due to extended computer use, brain tumor development and cellular phones, electric blanket use and miscarriages. Magnetic fields have been shown to disrupt rapid cell development that occurs in fetal growth which is why pregnant women are often cautioned about over-exposure to electro-magnetic fields. Strong magnetic fields can be emitted by faulty wiring, transformers in computers, fluorescent lights, dimmer light switches, switch boxes, electric blankets, car ignition wiring, and many hidden sources in the home, at work, and in the environment. Also, orgone accumulators react unfavorably to strong electromagnetic fields and should only be used in an area that is relatively free from such energetic "pollution".The exposure of an orgone accumulator to certain secondary energies can create an over excitation of the orgone energy called the "oranur state" which can be uncomfortable and even toxic. If the oranur state is prolonged, it can actually kill the orgone energy, turning it into a deadly form called "dor" - deadly orgone energy. For this reason, the environment in which you use an orgone accumulator is very important.
Do not use orgone accumulators near operating televisions, computers, fluorescent lights, electric blankets, microwave ovens, standard radioactive smoke detectors, x-ray equipment, electrical air-ionizing generators, strong chemical fumes or within 50 miles of a nuclear plant.
Remember, what is good for an orgone accumulator
is good for you, too.
Radioactive exposure:
Exposure to nuclear radioactivity was the first observation of
the oranur effect by Dr. Reich which he wrote in The Oranur
Experiment. Because of the serious consequences of that exposure,
orgone accumulators should never be used around any nuclear materials.
The standard form of smoke detector in the home is made with .9
microcuries of americium-- a radioactive material. For your own
health--remove them and replace them with the photoelectric kinds.
Especially get them out of your bedrooms, particularly children's.
New studies as well as Canadian ones done by Dr. Petkau, show
that continual, low-dose radiation is as harmful as brief, high
doses.
The proximity of nuclear power plants is debated; some accumulator
users become more sensitive to radioactive exposure and eventually
have to move even beyond 50 miles. However, be at least 25 miles
from one, not just for using an accumulator, but for your own
health as well.
If the orgone accumulator is located in a clinic, do not place
it anywhere near x-ray equipment.
If you are receiving radiation therapy, or any test where you
have to ingest a radioactive substance, do not use an accumulator.
Irradiated blue topaz gemstones are also radioactive.
Electrical devices:
Because electrical devices are very different, it can be confusing
in trying to figure out what can irritate an orgone accumulator.
An informed, but also a common sense approach is the best in this
regard. "Operating" means turned on, as when fluorescent
lights are either on or off, or when a microwave is actually emitting
microwaves when heating food. You can use an accumulating device
around these appliances when they are turned off.. Some appliances
can be plugged in, turned off, and still give off an electromagnetic
field such as the newer "instant on" TV sets, however,
and they need to be unplugged before using an accumulator near
them.
Televisions & computers:
The main problem with TVs and computers is the cathode ray gun
which is activated only when a picture is on the screen and it
emits high level electromagnetic fields as well as low-dose x-rays.
The newer lap top computers with LCD screens don't emit low-dose
x-rays or as much EM radiation as the cathode ray tube style,
but even they do give off some low level electro-magnetic (EM
fields) and it is not advisable to use an orgone device close
to them when they are switched on. Long term, continual exposure
to cathode ray tube (CRT) computers is not good for anyone whether
or not they are using an accumulator. TVs and computers also give
off strong electro-magnetic (EM) fields. It is especially very
difficult to be shielded from the magnetic fields. This form of
irritation can cause the initial over-excitement of children when
they first watch TV which quickly becomes the zombie, couch-potato,
low energy state. In energetic terms, the orgone energy in your
body becomes over-excited initially by the irritation from the
low-dose x-rays and EM fields, the oranur state. When the over-excitation
is prolonged, the orgone energy is deadened, the dor state, and
a loss of energy is observed. The EM fields usually drop off after
three feet from the emitting object. (Remember in the "old
days" when they used to tell us to sit back from the TV?
Now think of how close and for how long people sit at computers.)
Fluorescent lights:
Like televisions and computers, fluorescent lights contain a small
cathode ray gun at one end that activates the gases inside the
tube to create the light. Again, it is the biological irritation
from this CRT and the transformer that is the problem. Dr. John
Ott, in his pioneering book Health & Light, documented these
effects as well as the problems associated with the color of the
fluorescent light.
Electromagnetic fields from a regular incandescent table lamp
are not usually a problem..on or off.
Electric Blankets:
Studies have shown that the strong magnetic fields from electric
blankets can interfere with cell growth, causing miscarriages
in pregnant women. Being so close to this field, and for so long
while sleeping, poses significant health problems. Using an orgone
accumulator blanket in any form with an electric blanket can make
physical symptoms worse and must be avoided. Regular household
appliances like a vacuum cleaner, blender, toaster, etc. that
are on briefly, don't seem to be bothersome. Refrigerators, heaters,
etc. that may be running all the time are OK, just don't stand
right next to them for any period of time, for instance, if you
are wearing the orgone vest, or wrapped in an orgone blanket.
Electric Heaters and Sparking Motors:
Do not store or use an orgone device within 3 feet of operating
electric heaters or sparking motors.
Microwave ovens:
Actual studies of radio-microwaves on orgone accumulators has
not been done. However, because microwaves do irritate (cook)
tissue, logically they should be avoided as the amount of leakage
coming from them is often unknown. Initial studies on the chemical
changes occurring in food heated by them suggest they shouldn't
be used even for that purpose. Hospitals no longer use microwaves
to heat milk for infants as it alters it to such a degree as to
promote the growth of pathogens.
Air ionizers:
Not only do the electrical fields of an air ion generator irritate
an orgone accumulator, but the blackish, dust-like particles created
by them also have a very toxic effect. Studies were performed
in the '70s which suggested that the black deposits might be "melanor"
a substance formed from the high concentration of dor- precipitating
it out of the atmosphere. Why the ion generators do this is unknown.
Strong chemical fumes:
The irritation of accumulators by strong chemical fumes like acetone,
paint thinners, pesticides, etc. is a common observation.
Contamination of an orgone accumulator:
If your orgone accumulator device develops irritation, wiping
it down with water and airing it out is the best remedy. Orgone
blankets and the like, should be aired out, preferably in fresh
air and sun for a number of days if they develop an irritating
feeling. If you discard an accumulator, dismantle it first.
ORGONICS is now offering a range of devices to measure
these various fields. Once you find the electromagnetic "hotspots"
you can then take the steps necessary to remedy the situation
such as improving grounding wires, moving cribs away from walls
where wiring is located, shielding computers or replacing the
CRT styles with energetically "quieter" LCD screens,
removing fluorescent lights, throwing out the microwave oven and
seeing how far back you should sit while watching your big screen
TV.
THE TRIFIELD® METER (and BroadBand Trifield ® Meter)
Very easy to use and simple to read. An
invaluable tool for home and work.
Measures: AC electric fields, magnetic fields, and radio/microwave
fields.
The original Trifield ® Meter combines all the features needed for fast, accurate measurements of three fields: AC electric and magnetic fields, and radio/microwave emissions. It independently measures the electric field and the magnetic field, and is properly scaled to indicate the full magnetude of currents produced by each type of field inside a conductive body. As a result, it "sees" much more than anyother electromagnetic pollution meter.
Depending
upon which four settings the knob is set, (MAGNETIC 0-100 range,
MAGNETIC 0-3 range, ELECTRIC, RADIO/MICROWAVE), the meter detects
either frequency-weighted magnetic fields (two separate scales),
or frequency-weighted electric fields in the ELF and VLF range.
It has significant sensitivity at 100,000 Hz well past the 17,000
Hz horizontal scan of video displays. The radio/microwave setting
can detect up to three billion Hz (3GHz), which lets you gauge
radio-wave power, CB and cellular phone equipment, and many types
of radars. (for a more sensitive microwave meter, see the MicroAlert™
listed further on.)
This meter is the only one which combines magnetic, electric, and radio/microwave detectors in one package, so that the entire nonionizing electromagnetic spectrum is covered. in addition, the magnetic setting and the electric setting measure true magnetude: a feature found elsewhere only in more expensive meters. If you hold the meter in the center of a room and tip it to various angles, the magnetic reading will stay approximately the same regardless of which way you tip or rotate it. The electric reading is similar, although the presence of your body alters the actual electric field, so readings will vary more. The radio/microwave setting reads the full power of radio/microwaves when the meter is pointed toward the source.
The standard Trifield® Meter is one of the least expensive meters available. The few other meters below $150. read only low-frequency magnitude fields and only in one direction (not true magnitude). The magnetic section of the Trifield® Meter has three field detecting coils pointing in the X, Y, and Z directions. A circuit amplifies these signals and gives them the proper frequency-weighting (sensitivity increases linearly from 30 Hz to 500Hz, but with some residual sensitivity up to 100 MHz). A unique network combines the three coil outputs nonlinearly to approximate a true magnitude. The meter is sensitive from 0.2 to 100 milligauss full scale at 60Hz (or 0.1 to 50 milligauss full scale at 120 Hz, etc.) with a resolution of 0.2 milligauss in the sensitive range. Accracy is +/- 20% at mid range. Aversion with flat frequency respnse (instead of linear sensitivity increase) is also available for the same price.
The Trifield® Meter comes with a one year warranty and a 9 volt transistor battery included. This type of battery lasts about 10 hours (total measurement time). When the BATTERY TEST reads low, the battery can be replaced with any rectangular 9 volt transistor or alkaline (which lasts about 50 hours) type. This meter is manufactured in the USA and comes with an instructional booklet. Very easy to use and a great all-around meter.
Size measurement::
Price: $175.
Also available in 50 cyle model for foreign use. When ordering from overseas, please specify either 60 cycle or 50 cycle.
Go to Orgonics' Ordering Information
Easy to use. AC electric and magnetic are
similar to the Trifield Meter®, but the radio/microwave detects
a wider range of frequencies.
This meter was designed as a more general electromagnetic
measurement tool. It detects electric fields from power line frequencies
up through 2.5 GHz. This fills in the gap from 100KHz to 50 MHz,
which includes many amateur radio frequencies so that antenna
radiation patterns can be measured. The Trifield® Broadband
detects magnetic fields up through 100 KHz, as does the standard
Trifield® Meter.
This meter is useful for amateur radio operators and for detecting
concealed sources of radio/microwaves.
The AC magnetic section is identical to that of the standard Trifield® Meter and has several uses. It can detect which of several wires or transformer is carrying current, and help determine appropriate placement of magnetically sensitive equipment. It can also help to reduce personal exposure to fields. Most users prefer a magnetic section which is frequency weighted, and calibrated at 60 Hz. However, a flat frequency response version (50 Hz to 500Hz) is also available for the AC magnetic section. This is the same price as the regular frequency-weighted version (which has sensitivity proportional to frequency from 50 Hz to 500Hz. In most homes and offices, a large fraction of the total magnetic field is at frequencies above 60 Hz. A Trifield® Meter, when exposed to a 3 milligauss field, will read "3" if the frequency of the field is 60 Hz, but it will read "6" if the 3 milligauss field is at 120 Hz. In contrast, a non-frequency-weighted (the flat response version of the Trifield Meter) will read "3" in both cases, and a 60 Hz-only meter will read "3" and "0" respectively even though, in the 120 Hz case, the current induced in a conductive body is twice as much.
The magnetic section consists of three ferrite-core coils pointing in the X, Y, and Z directions and located in the geometric center of the meter. Non-linear circuitry combines the signals of these three into a true magnitude of the field strength, independent of which direction the meter is pointed.
The AC electric section is also identical to that of the standard Trifield® Meter and can be used to determine whether an AC line is hot or neutral, even through a wall. It can easily detect by proximity which side of a wall outlet or which wire of an extension cord is hot. It can also detect improper grounding, as well as the extensive electric fields from video monitors and fluorescent lights.
The electric section consists of three metal plates under the meter face. Because the meter housing is plastic, the electric fields can penetrate through to the plates, which are also arranged to detect AC electric fields in the X, Y, and Z directions. Circuitry similar to the magnetic section converts the signals into an electric field signal which is frequency weighted. Sensitivity is 0.5-100 KV/m at 60 Hz, with resolution of 0.5 KV/m (1 KV/m=1000V/m). Accuracy at mid-range is +/- 30%.
The radio/microwave section detects vertical electric fields parallel to the long axis of the meter. Range is 10V/m to 1 KV/m (0.026 mW/cm-2 to 260 mW/cm-2) and is frequency-flat from 100 KHz to 2.5 GHz. Accuracy is +/- 30%. It is used to detect ON-AIR status of transmitters (or to detect concealed transmitters), to check microwave ovens or other microwave equipment for leakage, and to look for RFI sources.
Radio and microwaves are composed of a particular combination of electric fields and magnetic fields that is self-sustaining. For frequencies below about 100 MHz (100million Hz) the principle effect on a conducting body is from the magnetic field part only. This is because the electric field component of radio waves produces much weaker currents in the body than does the magnetic field unless the wavelength of the waves is smaller than the height of the body. Low-frequency fields by themselves can be strong enough to create significant current, but only if they are from sources other than true radio waves.
The radio/microwave section has a small L-shaped antenna in the front. The signal is amplified and converted to a power density magnitude, calibrated at typical home microwave oven frequency (2 GHz).It reads 0 to 1 milliwatt/square centimeter. The resolution at the bottom of the range is 0.01 mW/cm 2, which is the Russian standard for maximum exposure, and is the most conservative standard of any country. In contrast, the US legal maximum is 1000 times higher, at 10 mW/cm2, but only brief exposure is allowed at this level. As mentioned, a true radio wave is a particular combination of electric and magnetic fields. A radio wave strength of 0.01 mW/cm2 has 0.006 KV/m and 0.2 milligauss, respectively, of electric and magnetic field (RMS averaged), while a strength of 1 mW/cm2 corresponds to 0.06 KV/m and 2 milligauss. Typical accuracy is within a factor of two. Variations are caused by reflections off the user's hand and body.
Trifield® Broadband Meter $`195.00
Go to Orgonics' Ordering Information
THE NATURAL ELECTROMAGNETIC METER
The TriField Natural EM Meter was designed
to do field measurements for special research. It detects changes
in extremely weak static (DC or "natural") electric
and magnetic fields, and signals with both a tone and
the movement of a needle-type gauge if either the electric or
magnetic field changes from previous levels. A radio and microwave
detector is also included, which reads radio power directly.
Because man-made AC electric and magnetic fields are very common
and could interfere with readings of static fields, the meter
has been designed to ignore AC fields. Normal construction materials
don't block magnetic fields, so the meter can be placed indoors
and will work equally well, and due to the built-in tone,
it can be used in the dark, and will sound the tone at whatever
level of field the user sets. Model 1 operates on a standard 9-volt
battery, and Model 2 runs on a 9-volt battery or an AC adapter
(both included). Model 2 has an input jack for an optional high-sensitivity
magnetic coil. Both models are covered by a one-year warranty.
MAGNETIC
The meter is sensitive to changes of as
little as 0.5% of the strength of the Earth's magnetic field,
and the tone will sound whether the field increases or decreases. Model 2 is sensitive down to 0.05% of the Earth's
magnetic field when the optional external coil is used. After
the meter detects an event, when the magnetic field then becomes
stable for more than about five seconds, the tone will stop and
the needle will return to zero. The meter will remain at rest
until the field changes again. The threshold level (squelch level)
of the tone is adjustable. The user determines the amount of change
in the magnetic field required to sound the tone. If the field
changes by the threshold amount, the tone will come on at a low
pitch. If the amount of change is larger, the tone's pitch will
be higher. This meter can also be used to determine if anything
is magnetized. For example, if a bed frame is magnetized,
the meter can be held vertically and slowly be swept by hand over
the bed. Any changes in the direction or strength of the magnetic
field will register. A similar process can reveal the presence
of magnetic rocks just below the ground.
The Natural EM Meter can detect geomagnetic storms caused by
unusual solar activity interacting with the ionosphere (which
results in rapid changes of up to 10% in the Earth's magnetic
field), as well as the electrical activity of ordinary thunderstorms.
It will signal the movement of any distant, strong magnetic sources
in the sky, even if the sky is cloudy or the source dips behind
a hill. Ball lightning should in theory be associated with a strong
magnetic field, and magnetization of metal on the ground has been
reported with some sightings of unusual lights in the sky.
ELECTRIC
When the dial is set to ELECTRIC, the meter
is sensitive to electric fields as weak as 3 V/m (volts per meter).
Indoors, electric fields typically fluctuate 1 or 2 V/m. By setting
the minimum sensitivity to change at 3 V/m, we have designed the
meter to disregard this "background noise". A 3V/m field
is so feeble that if a 10'x10'x10' room were filled with a field
of this strength, it would contain the total amount of energy
equivalent to that required to lift a single grain of table salt
1/50th of an inch.
Human beings and animals usually emit an electric field which
is easily detectable using the Natural EM Meter. In fact, the
meter can be used as a motion-activated intruder alarm. It
is so sensitive that it can detect the presence of a person through
a wall. Though it is not foolproof in this capacity, (sometimes
a person will carry no electric charge and thus be "invisible"
to the meter), its sensitivity is of interest to researchers in
the field of parapsychology. Every type of detectable physical
manifestation requires a certain amount of energy. For example,
"moving air" requires the expenditure of a small amount
of energy to get the air to move initially.
RADIO/MICROWAVE
The radio/microwave detector is sensitive from 100,000 to 2.5 billion oscillations per second (100 KHz to 2.5 GHz) and can detect strong or unusual atmospheric electrical activity. It can also detect leaky microwave ovens, cellular or portable phones, walkie-talkies and concealed surveillance bugs. Its minimum and maximum detectable signal strengths are 0.01 milliwatt/cm2 and 1 milliwatt/cm2 respectively.
SUM
The SUM setting in Model 1 adds together the electric and magnetic fields and detects if either field changes. Model 1 is used to find a disturbance in either type of field, but in the SUM setting it can generally detect if a person approaches to within five or ten feet, even on the other side of a wall. For this reason, Model 1 is preferred for parapsychological research, when, for example, a room to be measured is known to be vacant for an extended period (except for experimenters, who remain relatively still for that period). In Model 2, the SUM setting is magnetic plus radio/microwave (which requires somewhat more battery power to operate than the Model 1 SUM, but Model 2 also has an AC adapter). The SUM setting in Model 2 is for early warning of any unusual atmospheric electromagnetic activity, such as geomagnetic storms or ball lightning. In this setting, it does not falsely trigger when people walk by.
Natural EM Meter: $250 (US)
Natural EM Meter Model 2: $240 (US)
(Includes AC adapter, jack for AC adapter
& jack for external coil)
External Coil for Natural EM Model 2: $45 (US)
Go to Orgonics' Ordering Information
The MicroAlert™ radio/microwave
alarm is the size of a small pager. This detector is ideal
for anyone trying to find out exactly what's emitting radio or
microwaves, including hidden sources. Just turn it on, select
the sensitivity level you want, and put it in your purse or pocket.
[Actual size is 2.25 inches high X 1.6 wide X .75 thick.]
A clear, loud beep indicates radio waves stronger than the
level you select. If you move closer to the radio source,
the beep becomes more frequent, and will ultimately become a solid
tone if you move closer still. Or, if you move away from the source,
the beeping will stop. Minimum sensitivity is .001 milliwatt per
cm2, making it much more sensitive than the radio/microwave section
of the TriField® Meter.
At the highest sensitivity, it will detect a typical cellular
phone tower within 300 feet line-of-site, a typical analog
cell phone 40 feet away, a digital phone 20 feet away, and a microwave
oven (in use) 10-50 feet away. However, you will usually use a
less sensitive setting. It's most sensitive from 100 MHz - 3 GHz,
so ordinary cordless phones do not cause much interference (detectable
at about 2 feet).
The switch on top lets you select standard sensitivity, high sensitivity
or "off". In addition, a control on the side can raise
or lower the overall sensitivity. The unit chirps once each time
you turn it on to indicate that the battery is good. With the
sensitivity on "high", you'll be surprised at the places
(and times) you find radio/microwaves.
The unit comes with a 3-volt lithium coin battery, which has a
typical life of 3 years (assuming it "beeps" with a
typical 10% duty cycle for 10 minutes a day) or a 6-year life
if it very rarely beeps. The replacement battery (Lithium type
2032) is available at most drug stores.
The MicroAlert™ comes with a one-year warranty, replaceable
battery and a pocket clip.
Instructions for the MicroAlert™
Radio/Microwave Alarm
Try it first on HIGH sensitivity. It will chirp once when it is
turned on, and every time thereafter until the battery (Lithium
coin cell #2032) wears out in about three years. (If left OFF,
the battery has a shelf life of 10 years).
The unit will chirp intermittently when exposed to 1/3 microwatt/cm2
on HIGH sensitivity, or 1 microwatt/cm2 on STANDARD. As you move
closer to the source or turn the face of the MicroAlert toward
the source, the chirps will become more frequent, and will become
a solid tone when the level reaches 100 microwatts (.1mW) per
cm2, respectively. Of course, if you instead turn away, or cover
the front with your hand, the chirping will become less frequent
or will stop altogether. Use the self-adhesive clip, if desired,
on the non-printed face of the unit. For maximum sensitivity,
keep the printed side toward you in your pocket.
The standard version is sensitive from 100MHz 3000 MHz (3GHz),
and it has somewhat less sensitivity in the 100 KHz 100
MHz range. It is intended for cell phones, (and cell towers),
microwave ovens, and police radar, as well as other radars.
On HIGH sensitivity, you will notice that it's sensitive
to cell towers within about 300 feet line-of-site. That may be
too sensitive, so you might want to try STANDARD. You can also
adjust the sensitivity by using a small flat-blade screwdriver
in the side. Return this 34-turn control to its center position
for normal operation. You can determine relative sensitivity by
holding the non-printed surface near a flourescent light or video
monitor. On HIGH, it should detect these. Sparks from static discharge
also emit radio waves, and can occasionally cause a chirp.
MicroAlert Radio/Microwave Alarm: $95.
Go to Orgonics' Ordering Information
Some people have postulated that orgone energy is just "negative ions". Reich believed that all electromagnetic phenomena were secondary expressions and orgone energy was more primary, out of which these secondary expressions arose. However, there may be some measureable connection between orgone energy and positive and negative ions. To my knowlwdge, no one has measured the ion count over a period of time in an orgone accumulating device versus a control device or just the surrounding air. We do know that ion generators produce a blackish dust that has been found to be toxic and is possibly melanor, a toxic, deadened form of orgone energy and therefore ion generators should be avoided. (see: Journal of Orgonomy, Vol. 14 #2 article "Rediscovering Melanor - 1979-1980" by Benjamin G. Deutsch and Peter DeCamp.)
According to classical theory, natural ions, both positive and negative, are usually
associated with radioactivity. About 40% of these natural
air ions come from radioactive minerals in the ground. Each time
a radioactive atom decays near the air, it produces 50,000 - 500,000
air ion pairs. Another 40% comes from radon in the air (which
produces about 250,000 ion pairs for each radon atom), and 20%
comes from cosmic rays (high-energy protons from distant supernovas).
Indoors, ions "live" an average of 30 seconds before
touching a surface and shorting to ground. Outdoor ions usually
"live" several minutes more. Negative ions usually
come from radioactivity and evaporating water. Lightning,
thunderstorms, and forest fires can contribute "+" and
"-" ions, but these ions are not produced under everyday
conditions. Normal fair-weather ion concentrations are 200 to
800 negative and 250 to 1500 positive ions per cubic centimeter.
Indoor levels are usually lower. Several hours before a storm,
+ ion concentration will increase dramatically, sometimes exceeding
5000 ions per cubic centimeter (cm3). During a storm, - ions increase
to several thousand while + ions decrease, often to below 500.
Ions can also be produced by high-energy events, such as an
open flame or a glowing hot object. Hot objects usually emit
equal numbers of + and - ions. High DC voltage (over 1000 Volts),
especially when connected to pointed metal edges or needles, will
produce ions of the same polarity as the voltage source. This
is the basis of home ionizers. Evaporating water will produce
- ions in the air and as a consequence leave + charges behind
in the water that hasn't yet evaporated. If the excess + charges
left behind are not conducted back to ground, the water will become
+ enough that - ion production will cease. For example, a fountain
that has a motor that plugs into the wall will continuously produce
- ions (until the water runs out) but a battery operated fountain
will stop producing - ions after a few minutes if the fountain
is well insulated from ground. The same is true of a battery-powered
air ionizer. In general, for every 3x1013 water molecules that
evaporate, one water molecule carries an excess - charge.
Because a large concentration of + ions can attract - ions,
high concentrations of + and - ions are often found together.
Typically, a high concentration (1000 or more) of both may be
found in one area outdoors while low concentration (300 or less)
is found typically one city block away. A cloud of pure + ions
(no -) with a concentration of 1000 ions/cm3 would be very unstable
and would fall apart if its diameter were more than about 30m
(100'). For this reason, high concentrations of exclusively +
(or exclusively - ) ions tend to be compact, and don't extend
more than about 30m. The only exception is during storms, when
strong atmospheric electric fields can maintain a high concentration
of exclusively one ion polarity. While testing indoors, you may
find high - in one area of a room and high + in another, because
rooms are relatively small.
The life time of "fast" ions (these are the most common
type) is determined by how long they last before they collide
with a solid (or dust) which usually neutralizes their charge.
Indoors, electric fields are stronger than outdoors. Plastic surfaces
charge to a typical potential of -1000 volts. This produces electric
fields of 500-5000 volts per meter (V/m) near the plastic surface.
The electric field repels negative ions (air molecules with an
extra O- or OH-.) The mobility of "fast" ions is about
1.2x10-4 m/s (meters per second) per V/m, so at an electric field
of 2000 V/m, - ions are repelled at a speed of 2000 x 1.2x10-4
= 0.24 m/s. Positive ions (air molecules with an extra H+ or positive
ammonia molecule) are attracted to the plastic by the same field.
Their mobility is slightly lower (about 1x10-4 m/s per V/m) so
they have a slightly slower speed. When the + ions touch the plastic,
they give up their + charge. This partially neutralizes the -
charge on the plastic. Under typical conditions, complete neutralization
of the - charge on the plastic would occur in a few weeks. However,
dust blowing by will rub against the plastic and acquire a + charge.
This dust carries the + charge away (ultimately to Earth ground).
As a result, the plastic always retains a negative charge. A good
way to standardize (and lengthen) the lifetime of indoor ions
is to put them in a large cardboard box. Lifetime in a one cubic
foot box is about 50 seconds, regardless of humidity, so if, for
example, 4 pCi/L of radon is in the box, it will produce a continuous
1600 + ions/cm3 in the box. (What might happen in an orgone accumulator?)
You can produce negative ions directly by combing your hair with
a plastic comb. If you then blow air past the comb, the air will
have between 1000 and 10,000 - ions/cm3 immediately next to the
comb. The number is lower in high humidity. Also, your breath
contains about 20,000 to 50,000 - ions/cm3 from the evaporating
water, but you must be grounded to exhale a concentration this
high. If you are insulated from ground, you will become more positively
charged with each exhalation (by about five volts) because your
breath is removing negative charge. Eventually, you will become
sufficiently positive (after exhaling about 20 times), that the
negative ions will immediately return to you. This is the same
effect that occurs in building cooling systems that use an evaporating
water tower. If not properly grounded, the water pump and vents
will become very positive. (If the inside vents are isolated from
the evaporating water via a heat exchanger, the vents may become
very positive and produce a large number of + ions. This can be
corrected simply by grounding the vent).
Indoors, near ground level or in the basement, most + ions
come from radon. The number of ions is directly proportional
to radon concentration multiplied by average ion lifetime. (Strong
electric fields indoors will reduce the ion lifetime.) Because
it is unlikely that a high level of 1000 + ions/cm3, (or 1.00
on the Air Ion Counter) can come from anything else other than
flame, smoke, or a hot electric heating element, it is probable
that 1000 + ions/cm3 in a basement signifies the presence of at
least 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) of radon (2000 ions/cm3 =
8 pCi/L, etc.) Four pCi/L is the maximum allowable amount in the
U.S. If radon is the source of the ions, then the concentration
of ions will be approximately equal throughout the basement. If,
instead, it is +1000 near a hot water heater but only 100 + ions/cm3
elsewhere, it is not radon. A slightly higher concentration of
+ ions near cracks in the concrete foundation or near corners
indicate the radon is coming in there. If the average + ion count
is low (for example, less than 100), then there is essentially
no radon present. It is not possible to "hide" the ions
that radon produces. "No ions" means "no radon".
The Air Ion Counter is a substantial
improvement over previously available ion meters, and it can make
ion measurement available to anyone. It costs less than one tenth
of any other ion meter and is smaller and easier to use, requiring
only two 9-V batteries. Despite this, it has the same sensitivity
(down to 10 ions per cubic centimeter) of very expensive meters.
Due to full electrostatic shielding and a fan throughput of 200
cubic centimeters/sec., it can make accurate readings even in
adverse conditions such as gusty winds or strong electrostatic
fields.
The Air Ion Counter can be used for the detection of natural
and artificial ions. Natural ions include those generated
from the decay of radioactive minerals and radon gas; ions generated
by fires, lightning, and evaporating water; and ions associated
with storm activity. Note that in fair weather at sea level, typical
ion counts are about 400 negative and 500 positive ions per cubic
centimeter. Before a storm, positive ions increase dramatically.
During a storm, negative ions increase.
The Ion Counter can gauge the output and coverage of artificial
sources such as ion generators, improperly grounded air conditioning
vents, combustion vapor and electrically charged or heated surfaces,
and plasma-discharge ions in air and other gases.
Range: 10-1,999,000 ions/cm3.
Accuracy: ± 25% for fast ions (mobility
greater than 8x10-5 m/s per V/m,
which
is the majority of ions).
Settling time: 10 seconds.
Noise level: 10 ions/cm3 (over a
10-second period).
Ion selectivity : 20x (crosstalk of, for
example, negative ions when measuring
positive ions).
Warranty: Two years.
Batteries (included): two 9-volt transistor
radio, life approximately 10 hours on STANDBY,
or 2 hours on MEASURE. "LO BATT" indicates at 7.5 Volts
per battery.
AIR ION COUNTER: $650.
Go to Orgonics' Ordering Information
RADALERT™-100
For the Detection of Ionizing Radiations
If you live within 50 miles of a nuclear
plant, especially "downwind", or near a college campus
with a cyclotron or other nuclear research facilities, you need
to consider monitoring your environment for nuclear contamination.
The Radalert™ 100 is a general purpose
geiger counter. It measures alpha, beta, gamma, and x-radiation.
Its digital display shows readings in your choice of counts per
minute (CPM) or mR/hr, up to 350,000 CPM or 110 mR/hr, or in accumulated
counts. A red LED blinks and a beeper chirps with each count (the
chirp can be muted). It operates up to three months continuously
on a 9 volt alkaline battery. An audible alert sounds when the
radiation reaches a user-adjustable level. The Radalert 100 meets
CE certification requirements for Europe. This meter is not appropriate
for accurately detecting radon levels, though it can detect the
presence of radon.
It can also detect 'scatter' and leakage from operating x-ray
or other ionizing equipment though not the exact level of the
radiation.
Use the Radalert™ 100 to:
l Monitor personal radiation exposure
l Monitor an area or perimeter
l Detect radiation leaks and contamination
l Ensure regulatory compliance
l Monitor changes in background radiation
l Demonstrate principles of nuclear physics
l Check for radioactive minerals in the earth
Specifications:
Sensor: Halogen-quenched Geiger-Meuller detector with mica
end window (LND712); detects Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and X-radiation.
End window density is 1.5-2.0 mg/cm2. Side wall is .012"
#446 stainless steel.
Display: 4-digit liquid crystal display with mode indicators
Operating range: mR/hr: .001-110.00 uSv/hr .01-1,100; CPM:
0-350,000;
Total: 0-9,999,000 counts Timer: up to 40 hrs.
Calibration: Cesium 137 (gamma)
Sensitivity: 1000 cpm/mR/hr referenced to Cs-137
Accuracy: ±10% typical; ±15%
max.
Alert: User-adjustable alert level to 50 mR/hr & 160,000
CPM
Count light: Red LED flashes with each count
Beeper: Chirps for each count (can be muted)
Ports: Output: Stereo 3.5 mm jack sends coounts to computers,
data loggers, other CMOS-compatible devices and headphones.
Input: Mono 2.5 mm jack provides electronic calibration input.
Power: One 9-volt alkaline battery; average battery life
is 2160 hours at normal background, 625 hours at mR/hr with beeper
off.
Size: 150 x 80 x 30 mm (5.9 " 3.2"x 1.2")
Weight: 225 grams (8 oz) including battery
Options: Computer cable and software (IBM PC compatible)
Specifications subject to change without notice.
RADALERT-100: $475.00
Go to Orgonics' Ordering Information