The Impact of Electromagnetic Fields on Your Health
Humanity with all of its technological advancements is embarking upon one of the world’s largest full scale experiments in regards to EMFs (electromagnetic fields). The question is, what happens to the human body when it’s exposed to electronic radiation 24/7?
Why should this concern you?
Every electrical appliance in your home emits EMFs, which can be hazardous to your health. So unless you are living rural and off-grid, your body will be exposed to EMF’s on a consistent basis.
Science is waking up to the high risk, negative health effects of EMFs
In 2007, the Bioinitiative Working Group, an international collaboration of scientists and public health experts from the Austria, China, Denmark, Sweden and the United States, released a 650-page report which cites more than 2,000 studies that chronicle the toxic effects of EMFs.
Scientists concluded that chronic exposure to even low-level radiation (like levels emitted from cell phones), can cause a variety of cancers, impair immunity, and contribute to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, heart disease, and many other ailments. “We now have a critical mass of evidence, and it gets stronger every day,” says David Carpenter, MD, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany and coauthor of the public-health chapters of the Bioinitiative report.
Swedish neuroscientist Olle Johansson, who teaches at the world-renowned Karolinska Institute in Stockholm states, “At the Karolinska Institute, we have for many years observed very serious biological changes from exposure to microwave radiation and extremely low-frequency magnetic fields of the kind emitted by cell phones. These include increased risks for cancer, neurological diseases, impairments to immune function, and neurological function (cognition, behavior, performance, mood status, disruption of sleep, increased risk for auto collisions, etc.). We also know that this kind of radiation impacts DNA, leading to possible mutations and cancer development, as well as affecting fertility and reproduction, causing a dramatic decline in sperm count.”
6 most common EMF offenders in the home
Laptops
Cell phones
Personal appliances shavers, electric toothbrush, hairdryers
Appliances
Ipads
E-Readers
Why should I reduce my exposure to EMF’s?
Electromagnetic Fields Exposure Linked to Asthma in Kids
EMFs may cause suppressed immunity.
Laptop use decreases human sperm motility and increases sperm DNA fragmentation
DNA damaged when exposed to EMFs
Long-term exposure to EMFs is linked to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
EMF’s from cell phones can contribute to insomnia.
EMF’s from cell phones alter brain waves
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reported that electric and magnetic fields like those surrounding electric power lines should be regarded as a “possible human carcinogen.”
Are you electrically sensitive?
Determining if your symptoms are EMF related can be challenging, as the symptoms can mimic many other illnesses such as chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. Likewise clinical depression, lack of concentration and Alzheimer’s have symptoms that are similar to over exposure to EMF radiation. The key is to be observant of when and where the symptoms occur and if they lesson or disappear when you stop using an electronic device, or when you are outdoors away from electrical devices.
Some symptoms that individuals have reported include; using a cell phone and feeling dizzy or light headed, having a tingling sensation around electrical devices such as an electric blanket, severe migraines and head pain after using an electric hairdryer, heart palpitations or heart beat irregularities around power lines, severe head pain and inability to concentrate around smart meters.
If you have been tested for well researched health conditions and doctors can’t confirm a diagnosis, you may consider that your symptoms could be EMF related.
EMF symptoms
Neurological: headaches, dizziness/nausea, memory and concentration difficulties, insomnia, depression, anxiety, fatigue/weakness, numbness/tingling, muscle and joint pain.
Cardiac: heart palpitations, shortness of breath, heart arrhythmias, high blood pressure.
Eyes: pain/discomfort, pressure in the eyes, deteriorating vision, cataracts.
Ears: ringing in the ears, hearing loss.
Other: skin problems, digestive problems, dehydration, nosebleeds, impaired sense of smell and light sensitivity.
Research has also pointed to an increased likelihood of long-term effects – including cancer, neurological diseases, genetic effects such as male sterility, miscarriage and birth defects, as well as asthma, bleeding disorders, diabetes and thyroid dysfunction.
How to Minimize Your Risk to EMF’s
Consider some basic, easy choices. Don’t unnecessarily expose yourself to EMF hazards. Don’t buy a home next to a WiFi tower. Use a corded telephone instead of a cordless one. Don’t sleep with a cell phone under your pillow or next to your bed. Limit your time on a cell phone. Don’t let kids play video or computer games all day, when they could be outside playing.
For a more inclusive list:
Spend time off-line and outdoors. Set aside time each time to unplug. No TV, phones, or electronics. Spend time outdoors away from it all.
Don’t Microwave. Microwave ovens are a high risk appliance for EMF. While a common and expected appliance in homes. It’s simply not worth the risk. Microwaves also destroy nutrients in your food.
Don’t put your laptop on your lap.
Limit cell phone use: If reception is weak or bad, make the call later. Using a cell phone in poor reception areas require your phone to use more power, and thus emits higher levels of radiation.
Don’t carry your phone on your body. Carry your phone in carrying case or purse. If you must carry a cell phone on your body buy an EMF protection cell phone case.
Minimize electrical devices in your bedroom. If you have a computer, TV, wireless or cell phone or other electronic devices in your bedroom, consider moving them into another room. Electronic devices can disturb a peaceful night of sleep by disrupting sleep patterns.
Consider replacing Wi-Fi routers with Ethernet cables.
Remove or turn off your wireless routers. If you absolutely must have a wireless router, turn it off at bedtime to give your body a break.
Use a battery powered alarm clock. Switch out your digital alarm clock to a battery operated alarm clock.
Don’t use a hairdryer. Hair dryers are among the most dangerous sources of magnetic fields because they use a lot of power and the motor/heater is held close to the head. In 1998, the National Cancer Institute reported that childhood leukemia risks were “significantly elevated” in children whose mothers used electric blankets during pregnancy and in children who used hair dryers.
Avoid Electric Blankets.
Remove Smart Meters As more traditional energy meters are being replaced with smart meters, reports of severe negative impacts on people’s health is increasing. Smart meters can emit erratic, high intensity pulses (some meters pulse up to 190,000 times per day). Symptoms reported include: fatigue, headaches, hearing loss/tinnitus, heart palpitations, insomnia, irritability, weakened immune function, and decreased cognitive function.
Don’t buy a home near a WiFi tower.
Conclusion
There will be many who will read this and say “Everything gives you cancer, so I may as well enjoy myself.” While there may some thread of truth in that statement, it also doesn’t mean you run head first into something you know is harmful. Perhaps the real tragedy is that we are unwilling to give up the fun and convenience of modern technology when we have scientific proof of the damage it can do to our health and the health of our children.
Additional References
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/34509513/ns/health-cancer/#.Vt7gZPkrKUl
http://electromagnetichealth.org/audio-archives-and-more/#patients
This article was originally posted at The Hearty Soul
