The amount of electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) we are exposed to has exploded over the past two decades. With 5G technology now powering the Internet of Devices, our near-constant use of smartphones, and ubiquitous hotspots, we need to consider the ramifications that these long-term exposures bring.
Unfortunately, experts have been telling us for years that EMFs are not harmful to our health, but a growing body of research indicates that EMFs affect the human body in several harmful ways.
What exactly are electromagnetic fields (EMF)?
There are many different types of EMFs. Each type has its own frequency, or the number of waves that pass through a fixed point per second. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).
Electromagnetic fields come from natural and artificial sources. Earth’s magnetic field and sunlight are examples of natural electromagnetic fields. WiFi, electrical wiring, and cell phones are a few sources of man-made EMFs. All EMF frequencies fall on a spectrum ranging from extremely low frequency to extremely high frequency.
The EMF spectrum ranges from extremely low frequencies, like radio waves, to high frequencies, like gamma rays that strike the Earth from space.
Here are some examples from lowest to highest frequencies:
- AC power (50 to 60Hz)
- TV and radio waves
- Mobile phone signals
- Wireless
- microwave
- Certain mobile phone and Wi-Fi networks
- infrared rays
- visible light
- Ultraviolet (UV) light
- X-rays
- gamma rays
- cosmic rays
Types of EMC
On the spectrum listed above, these EMF sources are classified into two groups according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences:
- Low-level non-ionizing EMF radiation: These EMFs have a lower frequency than visible light. These are often considered harmless because they do not involve the detachment of electrons from atoms. Examples of these include WiFi, power lines or Bluetooth.
- High Level Ionizing EMF Radiation: This type of EMF has enough energy to disrupt the structure of an atom by ionizing the atom or detaching an electron from the atom. These electromagnetic fields have a higher frequency than visible light. Some examples of this radiation include things like x-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet light.
There is no real controversy over the findings that exposure to high-level ionizing electromagnetic radiation is harmful to human health. As a result, many safety measures are taken to prevent damage to health. In some cases, these precautions may even go too far, such as asking people to always wear sunscreen whenever they go outside to avoid the effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
The potential harms of low-level non-ionizing radiation are more controversial despite a growing abundance of evidence suggesting that it has its own adverse health effects.
In our modern society, we depend on many technological elements in our daily life. Virtually all technology generates EMFs, even lamps, but it’s the newest wave of wireless devices, including cell towers, cell phones, WiFi devices, etc., that have really saturated our bodies. with unprecedented levels of electromagnetic radiation.
How do EMFs cause damage to the body?
Research shows that low-frequency radiation disrupts voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs), which are transmembrane proteins found in many cells in the body. In healthy cells there is a very specific amount of calcium in the cell to maintain homeostasis, too much can contribute to problems. VGCCs are found in various cells, including muscle cells, glial cells, and neurons, and are important regulators of the brain, heart, and muscles. VGCCs act as gatekeepers to the cell and allow calcium ions to enter the cell to perform various processes such as gene expression, endocrine balance, and neurotransmitter function.
Many studies show how VGCCs are disturbed by EMFs. These studies demonstrate that low-intensity radiation causes a huge influx of calcium ions into cells. This influx of calcium can lead to oxidative stress, cellular DNA damage, apoptosis (cell death), disruption of enzyme activity, and excitotoxicity, effects also directly related to EMFs. These adverse effects on the body can therefore lead to various disease states.
Moreover, we cannot forget the fact that humans are electrical beings. In fact, all of our cells have a measurable voltage. All organs, including the brain and the heart, function based on complex electrochemical signals. These signals are intimately involved in virtually every process in the body, from digestion and muscle movement to brain function and sleep. As you might guess, EMFs can directly impact the “electricity” in our bodies and disrupt normal physiology.
Health Risks from EMF Exposure
You may be surprised to learn that there is a growing body of evidence that points to the relationship between prolonged exposure to EMFs and various health problems and disease states. We believe that EMF exposure probably has greater health implications than those listed here, but research is beginning to show the following disease states and health consequences:
Symptoms of EMF Exposure and Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome
EMF exposure can manifest itself through many symptoms. In fact, it is estimated that at least 6% of the population is more sensitive to EMFs than others and falls under the term Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome (EHS). Symptoms associated with electromagnetic fields include
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Digestive problems
- Red skin
- Tingling
- Burning sensation
- Sleep disturbance or insomnia
- Muscle aches and pains
- Depression
- Infertility
- Tinnitus
- Cardiac arrythmia
What is the impact of EMFs on children?
Children are more susceptible to EMFs due to the rate of development of their bone structure and nervous system. In addition, children’s brain tissue is more conductive, which makes it particularly vulnerable. The brain’s protective barrier, the blood-brain barrier, is also more permeable in children; some say it is not completely sealed until age 7.
Since this barrier is not yet fully intact in many young children, their brains are even more vulnerable to toxins and free radicals in the blood. The “specific absorption rate” produced by cell phones differs between children and adults. EMF penetrates more relative to head size.
A 2011 study published in Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine helps illustrate the great uptake of EMFs in the brain. The authors say this: “When the electrical properties are taken into account, the absorption of a child’s head can be more than twice as high, and the absorption of the bone marrow of the skull can be ten times higher than that adults.”
With this understanding in mind, adults must be vigilant in protecting young people from exposure to electromagnetic fields. Screen time should be non-existent or incredibly limited in our pediatric population. We must protect the future generation!
How to protect yourself and your loved ones
Fortunately, despite the onslaught of EMFs in our environment, there are various ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from EMF exposures. Three key aspects of your protection include: reducing the use of EMF-emitting devices, increasing the distance between you and EMFs, and choosing wired options over wireless.
- Consider turning off Wi-Fi for much of the day, especially while you sleep. Install a switch to turn it off easily.
- Remove your Apple Watch, Fitbit or other wearable devices. Consider not wearing them at all!
- Ditch your microwave oven.
- Keep your phone in airplane mode when not in use.
- Do not use Bluetooth in your car. Turn it off to avoid electromagnetic fields.
- Avoid smart devices, home appliances, thermostats, and 5G-enabled cell phones.
- Use your phone’s speakerphone and hold it further away from your body
- Do not carry your phone on your body.
- Use a faraday case when carrying your phone.
- Do not use your phone when the signal is weak as the phone will increase its output to achieve a signal.
- Use an EMF protection device on your cell phone, iPad, laptop and desktop computer.
- When using a laptop, use a shield to protect yourself from harmful radiation. This is especially important to ensure the safety of the reproductive organs.
- Consider placing EMF shielding paint in sleeping areas.
- Remove all fluorescent bulbs and light fixtures from your home.
- If you can’t turn off your Wi-Fi at night, or you’re always exposed to your neighbour’s Wi-Fi, a Faraday canopy can be helpful in protecting the sleeping environment.
- Install a smart meter cover and try to place beds as far away from the household smart meter as possible.
- Use a wired mouse, keyboard, phone, and Ethernet connection.
As EMF exposure is a growing reality in our world today, be equipped with tools to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of EMFs. With intentional steps forward, you can significantly reduce EMF exposure and promote optimal health.
Sources and further reading
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935118303475?via%3Dihub
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19264461/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935118303475?via%3Dihub
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19264461/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/
https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/radiation-and-health/non-ionizing/el-hsensitivity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23802593/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10212373/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18267023/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3444040/,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025786/,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3780531/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34576203/