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Review
. 2023 Feb;46(1):30-40.
doi: 10.1016/j.bj.2022.11.005. Epub 2022 Dec 7.

Grounding (earthing) as related to electromagnetic hygiene: An integrative review

Isaac A Jamieson  1
Affiliations
Review

Grounding (earthing) as related to electromagnetic hygiene: An integrative review

Isaac A Jamieson. Biomed J. 2023 Feb.

Abstract

There are a growing number of studies investigating how grounding (earthing) the body may benefit biological performance and aid the treatment of non-communicable diseases. Research also indicates how biological grounding initiatives can sometimes be compromised, or inappropriate, and the need to take additional factors into account as potential contributory factors, or confounders, to expected results. It is proposed that expanding electromagnetic hygiene measures beyond biological grounding alone may help reduce spread of communicable diseases, incidence of respiratory conditions, neurodegenerative disease and all-cause mortality. Identifying potential synergies that exist could enable multilevel interventions to further increase the efficacy of measures. It is hoped that this review will help act as a catalyst to inspire and inform multi-disciplinary research within these topic areas, best practices and policies to help drive medical innovation, reduce health burdens, improve bioelectromagnetic-based therapies, and influence the general design of the built environment and next-generation technologies.

Keywords: Earthing; Electromagnetic hygiene; Grounding; Infection control; Non-communicable disease; Particulate matter.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest None.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Cross-section through room used as a home office [39]. The possible effects of poor electromagnetic hygiene on biological grounding initiatives are discussed below.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Charge retention of conductors and insulators [38].
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Frictional charge generated through everyday actions at different humidities [62].
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Charged insulator with isolated (ungrounded) conductor exposed to its field. Adapted from Jonassen [65]. B. Charged insulator with grounded conductor exposed to its field.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Electrostatic charge effects on aerosol deposition in nasal-laryngeal airways [81] CC BY 3.0 Image. B. Size range of common indoor particles ≤1 μm diameter [60].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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