EMF has the ability to affect both your physical and mental health. However, there are ways to protect yourself and your family.
What Are EMFs?
Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are often associated with the use of electrical power and technology. EMFs are invisible areas of energy, often referred to as Radiation.
Some EMFs are natural, such as the visible light generated by the sun or the earth's natural magnetic field. Others are man-made, such as electrical towers or personal technology.
EMFs are grouped by their frequency and fall into two catergories: non-ioninzing and ionzing.
- Non-ionizing: low-level radiation which is marketed as harmless to humans.
- Ionizing: high-level radiation which is considered dangerous to humans for its potential for cellular and DNA damage
Non-Ionizing Radiation
While non-ionizing radiation is generally believed to be 'harmless' to the human body, many studies have shown this is not always the case.
With an increase in the access to technolgy also come an increase in exposure to EMFs.
Currently, more than 90% of the world has access to electricity. In addition, over 83% of the world's population own a smartphone.
Examples of Non-Ionizing Radiation
- Microwave ovens
- Computers
- House energy smart meters
- Wireless (wifi) networks
- Cell Phones
- Bluetooth devices
- Power lines
- MRIs
Is Non-Ionizing Radiation Harmful?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified non-ionizing EMFs as a possible human carcinogen. This means they could potentially cause cancer.
The IARC operates under the World Health Organization (WHO). The IARC is comprised of working groups of scientists from around the world who regularly evalute the risk of cancer presented to humans by environmental and lifestyle factors.
Many researchers feel the IARC should actually raise the classifaction from a possible carcinogen to a known carcinogen.
This is likely due to studies, such as this one from 2000, which links heavy cellphone use with an increased risk of glioma, which is a type of brain cancer. The study found that the gliomas were more likely to be found on the side of the head the user placed their cellphone against.
Another recent study found a link between exposure to low-level EMFs (which are supposed to be harmless) and an increased risk of adult leukemia.
Unfortunately, it is not only the adults at risk. European scientists have determined, based on a review of previous studies, EMFs are responsible for between 1.5 to 5% of childhood cancers.
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Cognitive and Nerve Issues
One of the reasons many researchers claim EMFs are safe for humans is that the studies showing the harm they do are performed on animals. However, these studies are coming to some concerning conclusions.
One study suggested an electromagnetic pulse can negatively affect nerve energy in rats.
The study suggested long-term EMP exposure could cause damage to the cognitive ability and product pathology similar to that of Alzheimer’s disease.
Additional research on mice and rats the heat from cellphones affects body tissue heating and nerve activity.