When we investigate any alleged haunted location, we use the EMF meter to see if there are NATURAL high emf's in an area that may cause the person to feel like they are experiencing something paranormal. So in this situation I think using an EMF meter is of benefit.
Also, the article fails to realize that when we do an investigation we are taking base readings to help rule out the natural explanations BEFORE getting into the actual investigation.
Not only that, but I would imagine that more of the experienced groups out there realize that the EMF is only used as a tool like any of our other equipment and not something we would totally rely on as positive proof of something paranormal.
If these same groups don't, then they definitely need to re-examine their way of investigating.
Although it is true that we have had activity in certain locations that did not register on our EMF meters, we have also at the same time have registered something on our EMF meters along with other evidence that shows the EMF still is a valuable tool. Until we know for sure how and why these may or may not collaborate evidence of something Paranormal I would therefore still recommend the use of the EMF meter as a valuable tool as long as it is used with caution and the advantages and disadvantages are taken with consideration.
Paranormal organization says high electromagnetivity associated with psychological distress
By Ashley Lockyer
In the past, electromagnetic field detectors gained credibility as ghost detectors based on the theory that ghosts emit radiation.
Some paranormal experts, especially on TV, have faith in ghost hunting technologies such as the Electromagnetic Field detector, but a MUN prof says that the energy the machines measure is all around us anyway.
The concept behind the possibility of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) detector locating ghosts stems from the theory that ghosts are made of energy and give off signal radiation. But, says Kristin Poduska, a physics professor at MUN who studies magnetic and electronic materials, these EMFs can come from anything.
?Basically, electromagnetic radiation is everything from light, to radio waves, to x-rays,? she said. ?The earth itself has a field, and all of that is electromagnetic radiation.?
With so many possible sources of detectable radiation, investigating a particular area may turn up numerous spikes on an EMF meter. Also, the meter?s own sensitivity and range can affect readings.
?Some detectors can be sensitive, depending on the model,? Poduska said. ?[Within an ambient room] it would be difficult to distinguish one [reading] from another if the magnitudes were very small, relative to the detectors.?
There are several different kinds of meters available from simple ones used to detect electrical wires, which measure fields too strong to be considered paranormal, to ultra-sensitive ones, which are very expensive and can pick up EMFs from the earth or even people.
Even Parascience, a UK-based paranormal investigation group, cautions against using EMF detectors to determine if ghosts are present. Instead, the EMFs found may influence the activity in another way ? psychologically.
Their laboratory studies have shown that high electromagnetic radiation can affect signals in the brain causing effects ranging from mild feelings of paranoia, headaches, and nausea, to full blown hallucinations. In areas with frequent reports of paranormal activity, high EMF readings have been found.
This could be due to the fact that the brain normally operates in electrical frequencies below 50 hertz, and some electrical equipment operates both within and above this range. Since the brain relies on these electrical signals, it is easy to see how the stronger fields can effect the brain?s normal field, and as a result, its functioning.
http://www.themuse.ca/view.php?aid=41139
