Electromagnetic radiation dangers are on the rise with the increase in popularity of smart meters, smart phones and wireless internet. In fact, you’re likely sitting in an electromagnetic field (EMF) at this very moment.
And while we cannot physically see the EMF waves coming at us from every which way, they’re definitely there – and they’re not doing us any good.
What is Electromagnetic Radiation?
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences describes EMFs as invisible areas of energy, otherwise known as radiation.
When electromagnetic radiation is high (such as when you’re using your cell phone as a navigation tool (higher electro and magnetic fields)), and close to your body, it can cause damaging microwaves and free radicals within the body.
The National Cancer Institute provides a great chart to help you understand the levels of EMFs.
On the left side of the chart, power lines and computers are among the lowest sources of non-ionizing radiation, with microwaves, cell phones, smart meters and wi-fi being some of the highest. The more damaging ionizing radiation levels includes things like UV rays, x-rays and gamma rays used in diagnostic and therapeutic radiation (1).
Sources of Electromagnetic Radiation
There are five primary sources of electromagnetic frequencies that impact us on a daily basis (2):
1. Electric Fields: come from anything that has voltage, like anything electric (lamps, electrical wiring, outlets, extension cords, electrical appliances (like microwaves), and power outlets). Electric fields can affect the ability of your neurons to fire and communicate. It can impede inter-cell communication anywhere in the body. This can lead to things like behavioral changes, altered cell growth, cell mutations, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and cancer.
2. Magnetic Fields: these fields occur if there is an imbalance in electrical wiring, or around electrical motors like those in your refrigerator. A common magnetic field most people are exposed to is the main power meter of your house. Avoid sleeping against the wall that has a power meter on the outside. The further you’re away from the source (five to six feet), the less intense the effects. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has labeled magnetic fields as a class 3 carcinogen.
3. Power Lines: above ground or underground.
4. Metal Plumbing: older metal plumbing can carry a current.
5. Wireless Communications: wireless power meters (SmartMeters), cell phones, cell towers, wireless routers and cordless phones (especially the base – which transmits whether you are on or off the phone) expose you to both electric- and magnetic fields. When it comes to wireless communications, the radiation you’re exposed to decreases the further you’re away from the source.
Electromagnetic Radiation Dangers
As more individuals become concerned about the dangers of electromagnetic fields, some scientists are stepping in. Neuroscientist Dr. Olle Johansson recently stepped forward to present his own evidence from research he conducted on EMF waves.
Dr. Johansson, a professor at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, presented evidence from his research at a seminar on Environment in Health in Barcelona. The opening of his lecture started with the known negative health effects of EMFs, which include:
– Hypersensitivity to EMFs
– Increase in allergies and allergy symptoms
– Potential link to certain cancers
– Reducing the efficacy of certain drugs (like Tamoxifen, which is used to treat breast cancer)
– Radiation damage
– Long-term DNA fragmentation
Dr. Johansson also pointed out that the dangers and fears surrounding EMFs aren’t just conjured up by media-driven psychosis. How? The studies that have easily controlled for this effect by using test subjects like rats (3). These studies have shown that EMFs have a measurable effect, and are not just psychosomatic.
The evidence that Dr. Johansson pointed out suggests that EMF exposure, created by electronic devices, have long-term cumulative effects that go as far as changing the structure of our DNA. He suggests that children under 16 should only use cell phones for emergency situations, since research points to younger individuals being more susceptible to the effects of EMF.
You can see more of Dr. Johansson’s talk below:
Studies outside of Dr. Johansson’s research are also far and wide.
Researchers conducted two separate studies – one on a 38-year-old vegetarian woman and another focusing on a healthy 21-year-old woman. Both women carried their cell phones in their bras for numerous years. The result? Breast cancer developed in the exact spot where the cell phone was carried (4).
Another $25 million government study release in 2016 found that cell phone radiation could increase the risk of malignant gliomas in the brain and schwannomas of the ear (rare tumors of the tissue that covers nerves, called the nerve sheath). The study found that the higher the EMF dose, the higher the risk (5).
In the case of microwaves, which there is much controversy surrounding EMF radiation, you only need to worry if the microwave is old, and not in very good condition. This creates a scenario where microwaves could seep out, and into your body (causing free radicals to form in the tissues). But this type of thermal damage requires long exposures at high power levels, “well in excess of those measured around microwave ovens,” WHO notes. Regardless, I personally do not suggest eating microwaved food.
Wi-Fi also emits a frequency in the same range as microwave ovens (around 2.4 GHz). So according to the WHO, it may require a lot of exposure to yield negative results.
On the flip side, several studies suggest that wireless radiation pokes holes in the protective barrier of the brain (the blood-brain barrier), which allows more toxic compounds to reach the brain (when they otherwise shouldn’t) (6).
Regardless of the source, it is probably a good idea to take precautions. With the rise in power lines, smart phones, smart meters, and all things wifi, we have no idea how we’ll be effected, say, 20 or 30 years down the road.
How To Protect Yourself Against EMF Waves
There are many different ways to protect yourself against EMF waves, below are just a few suggestions.
1. Keep Cell Phone & Computer at a Distance
As mentioned above, women who kept their cell phone in their bras got breast cancer in the exact spot they kept them. Avoid carrying your cell phone in your pocket or bra. Never use your computer on your lap when it is connected to a power source, and if working on laptops for extended periods of time, use a separate keyboard and mouse. This minimizes the time spent with your hands or legs near the power source of the computer, which is where the battery is housed.
2. Avoid Bluetooth Headsets
While convenient, bluetooth headsets direct radiation directly to your head (even when you’re not using them). Instead, use the speakerphone option in your car, or other areas where you use bluetooth. And remember, the further your cell phone is from you, the better.
3. Invest in Shungite & EMF Shields like EnergyDots
The rock, shungite, is surprisingly effective against the damaging effects of electromagnetic radiation. Shungite contains structures called fullerenes, which are carbon atoms arranged as connected pentagons and hexagons to form a sphere. Because of this structure, fullerenes are great absorbents. They’re also antioxidants that help magnetize, neutralize and destroy free radicals while still remaining intact.
Studies on shungite have found that it reduces levels of electromagnetic radiation with a frequency of 10-30 GHz and electric fields with a frequency of 50 Hz (7).
EnergyDots are another great way to protect yourself from EMF radiation. I can attest to the fact that they really do work. I ordered some last year, and placed them on all sources of EMF radiation in my house (like my cell phone, computer, wireless phone and wifi router). I feel a lot better mentally since using them, and while the wifi on my computer and phone doesn’t work as good as it used to (thanks to the EnergyDots), at least I know I’m protected from the harmful EMF waves.
You can find more research on the EnergyDots here.
4. Protect Your Home
Another thing you can do is protect your home by following these very basic steps:
– Unplug appliances when you are not using them (it will reduce the amount of EMFs emitted in your home).
– Avoid unnecessary Wi-Fi technology like wireless diapers that tell you when your baby’s diaper is wet (yes, products like this exist).
– Avoid halogen and fluorescent lighting.
– Unplug your Wi-Fi when you’re sleeping or when you’re not at home. Also, keep the router in an area where you don’t spend a lot of time.
– Keep your bedroom clear of as many EMFs as possible. It can affect your sleep, and your DNA (especially if you spend a lot of time in your bedroom – which you do, since you sleep in there).
Love your website!
Thanks!