Health/Wellness/Lifestyle
How To Enjoy Vibrant Health In An Increasing Toxic World
Electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation ) is everywhere and increasing due to ‘can’t do without’ modern-day living
Electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation is everywhere and has been since the world was created. This means we are all exposed to it to varying degrees. However, with its increasing use in modern-day gadgets and devices, there is an ongoing concern about the risk of higher exposure in matters that concern our health.
What Is Electromagnetic Field (EMF)?
EMF is made up of both electrical and magnetic waves which run at the same time, and are largely not visible to the ordinary naked eye, hence termed radiation energy. EMF radiation that varies from ordinary electrical field to magnetic, to radiofrequency, is termed non-ionizing radiation.
Ionizing EMF radiation is infrared radiation, ultra-violet light, alpha, beta, gamma rays and X-rays.
The sun, however, creates a neutral electromagnetic field
The higher the electrical or magnetic field, the higher the radiation emitted by the EMF and vice versa. However, the WHO (World Health Organisation) agrees that exposure of 1.6 watts or below in a gadget is a safe level. This amount of EMF radiation is displayed on all gadgets by the manufacturers.
Common Items That Emit EMF Radiation
Mobile Phones
works with radiofrequency radiation, which is transmitted via a base station known as an antenna. Mobile phones are used by virtually everybody in the world, about seven billion people. Mobile phones are low-frequency transmission devices, usually not more than two watts.
The device only transmits when it is turned on, and the one who has the phone closer (by getting the phone closer to the ears for instance when receiving calls)is more exposed to the EMF from it. Exposure is also reduced by reducing the number of calls, and only using your phone when the signal is high.
Wireless Computing Devices
Wireless computer devices like laptops, e-readers, tablets, wearable smart devices (like Fitbit), smartwatches, Bluetooth, headphones, car mobile devices, etc. These emit varying radio frequencies, with the laptop, the highest with 40–100 milliGauss.
Studies show that using laptop close or on your lap harm the reproductive organs, the male scrotum particularly is at risk.
Are you an old school, that prefers an older type of laptop? Well, I have bad news for you. The older the laptop, the higher the EMF radiation. Although it says ‘laptop’, it doesn’t have to be put on your lap to operate. Put away the devices from you as far as possible to limit your exposure to EMF radiation.
Wireless Router (Home and Office)
The best way here is to switch it off when not in your or use it with the wire to connect with your device. Routers only emit EMF radiation if turn on.
There are EMF radiation shields, but tests show that they make a very negligible difference.
Household Appliances
Any devices that can operate remotely will definitely emit EMF radiation. These are microwave ovens, smart TVs, game boxes, smart meters, radio-controlled alarms, smart home devices etc.
General Ways To Reduce Exposure
- Distance — Keeping an adequate distance from your devices when in use is the best way to reduce exposure.
- The speaker-phone facility should be used when possible.
- All devices should be switched off before bed, or when not in use.
- If possible, avoid smart devices and wearables.
Health Risks Of EMF Radiation
Studies over the years have indicated that there is no health risk with low emissions of EMF radiation. This is because the low EMF radiation is absorbed by the skin, posing no danger to the brain and vital organs.
We must recognise that there are some people with electromagnetic wave sensitivity. These people must take extra precautions to protect themselves from EMF radiation. For these individuals, there might be disturbances in terms of sleep, headaches, cognitive functions, heartbeats, and blood pressure due to the electrical activity's effect on their brains.
Anxiety, depression and loss of libido are also reported on those with EMF radiation sensitivity.
The International Agency for Cancer Research (IACR), is WHO arm of the Cancer Research Organisation confirmed that there is a link between long-term exposure to EMF radiation and cancer.
Cancer caused by EMF radiation is glioma, a type of cancer that occurs in the brain and spinal cord.
Cell Death May Occur
Ionising EMF radiation may cause the mutation and death of internal cells of body tissues. One reason you see staff at X-rays centres in protective clothing.
Overexposure of the eyes to ultraviolet light can cause blindness and age-related macular generation.
What About LED Lights?
LED (Light Emitting Diode) light is an electrical source that only allows light to flow in one source. It is a low-level energy source, using 90% less than incandescent or halogen, and 60% less than fluorescence. LED lights do not give out heat.
How Safe Is LED Light?
The European Health Authority warns that over-exposure to the blue light in LED light that is increasingly used in home gadgets can cause retina damage and age-related macular degeneration.
Although LED light does not contain mercury like incandescent light, it does contain equally dangerous chemicals like arsenic, lead and other potentially dangerous chemicals. Lead is a known neurotoxin.
Studies show the impact of blue lights on sleep patterns, which could cause sleep disorders and subsequent health issues.
Conclusion
Modern-day living has greatly impacted household gadgets. It will be difficult not to use one or more of the appliances that emit EMF radiation. However, there are things we can do to protect ourselves simply by lessening the impact of radiation.
The safest is DISTANCE- keep your equipment away from your body.
Switch off when not in use and use minimally.
Use wire to connect instead of using wireless devices.
If you break an LED light at home, wear a mask and a glove to clean up. This is to prevent breathing in toxic chemicals from the light.
Remember to take responsibility for your health.
