The biological effects of ElectroMagnetic Fields (EMF) affect everyone regardless of whether a person feels it. This was the bottomline from the speakers at the 2019 EMF Conference consisting of international scientists and medical doctors. EMF come from cell phones, wi-fi routers, hybrid cars, smart meters, computers, and many more technological and electrical gadgets.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a WHO specialized agency, has classified radio frequency electromagnetic fields, as transmitted from mobile phones, possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group2B). Technology is ubiquitous and not all people are affected in the same way. Direct contact with your smart phone, such as having it in your pocket or hand, will put you at higher exposure of radiation. Placing your phone in a bag or purse will limit the exposure, however, indirect contact may also be contributing to health concerns with complaints such as cell phone towers causing memory loss, smart meters causing fatigue, or wi-fi routers causing insomnia.
EMF can cause a wide range of symptoms and conditions that create oxidative stress within the cells resulting in an increase of inflammation. These symptoms can often be mistaken for a host of other conditions. Many times, EMF is not considered until all avenues are exhausted.
Common Symptoms of EMF Sensitivity
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Anxiety/Depression
- Dizziness/Vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Heart palpitations
- Irritability
- Poor concentration//Brain Fog
- Visual changes
- Sensitivity to sounds
- Skin irritation
Despite needing more studies on the effects of electromagnetic radiation on human health, studies have linked EMF exposure to the following:
- Increase risk of cancer (brain, heart)
- Increase in infertility (sperm production, miscarriages)
- Increase in neurological conditions (learning and memory, sleep, behavior…)
- Impaired blood sugar
With the pervasiveness of technology in our society, it may be daunting to even consider limiting EMF exposure. However, small changes to limit your overall exposures may improve overall health.
Here are a few tips to lower your EMF exposure:
Minimize use of wireless technology
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- Don’t sleep with your smartphone
- Don’t carry your smartphone on your body
- Use speakerphone and headsets (not wireless) for calls
- Keep your smart phone in airplane mode and restrict its use
- Download music, movies, and audiobooks before watching or listening to them.
Lower your exposures mainly at night
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- Turn off wi-fi router at night
- Make sure your bedroom is not close to the Smart Meter
- Spend time outdoors
Not sure what to believe? If in doubt, measure it. You can purchase meters to measure EMF and radio frequencies (professional grade is recommended to accurately detect levels). Observe how you feel when you are in a place with less exposure, and if anything, minimize your exposure in your bedroom, when you do not need your technological and electrical devices.
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