Is Electromagnetic Radiation Dangerous?

There are different types of radiation – and some are more harmless than others. Ionizing radiation – the type that messes with your DNA and causes radiation sickness – is the “bad kind.” This is very different from electromagnetic radiation, which is considered non-ionizing (doesn’t break chemical bonds and/or damage your DNA).

Even so, experts worry that over-exposure to non-ionizing, electromagnetic radiation might be a problem in the long-term, depending on levels of exposure. And, their worries are not entirely unfounded. The reality is that this type of radiation has only been an issue for those of us living in the 20th- and 21st centuries, as technological advancement continues to introduce increasing numbers of wireless, electric gadgets and machines into our everyday life.

As a result, our continuous exposure to these instruments is relatively new, and it can take years – or even decades – of data before scientists can make concrete statements one way or the other.

What Happens When Your Body is Exposed to Electromagnetic Fields?

The bulk of our bodies’ systems and processes rely on a combination of chemical interactions and electrical impulses. This includes everything from your heartbeat, to digestion to brain activity. Therefore, any electromagnetic forces that are powerful enough to disturb these natural, biological processes can potentially cause harm to your body. However, the bulk of the electromagnetic energy you’re exposed to each day (unless you work in a radioactive career) are very low-level forms of radiation and do not disrupt normal, biological processes enough to do any harm.

In fact, in almost all cases, elevated temperature levels (heat) are the only byproduct of exposure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “The levels of radiofrequency fields to which people are normally exposed are very much lower than those needed to produce significant heating.” This is one of the reasons most experts aren’t overly concerned about the effects of our daily exposure to electromagnetic radiation sources; the amount of energy required to do biological harm far exceeds the limits set by national and international governing bodies.

That being said, scientists continue to study the effects of long-term, low-level exposure to radiofrequency or power frequency fields to monitor any adverse health effects that may arise.

Current Research Shows No Harmful Effects from Long-Term, Low-Level Exposure

In order to address the public’s concern, WHO launched a large, multidisciplinary research project called the Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Project. As a result, EMF researchers have published tens of thousands of articles summarizing their findings over the course of the past 30 years. Based on a recent, in-depth review of this enormous body of studies, the WHO concluded, “current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields. However, some gaps in knowledge about biological effects exist and need further research.”

Some members of the public report a collection of side-effects related to EMFs – including headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, depression, etc.. However, scientists reviewing the EMF Project’s findings conclude those side effects are more likely caused by individual’s stress levels as a result of technology. Perhaps this is simply more proof you should limit the amount of time spent on electronic devices, and increase the amount of time you spend outdoors, exercising, in nature!), environmental noise factors and/or other factors pertaining to the environment.

Don’t Cell Phones Cause Cancer, Infertility and other Health Problems?

Cell phones have given the public great cause for concern. Sources of electromagnetic fields, these small, handheld devices have been accused of causing everything from cancer and infertility to negative pregnancy outcomes and more.

It’s important to note that to date, researchers haven’t been able to connect any of those outcomes to electromagnetic radiation. However, the direct heat produced by EMFs can potentially do harm. For example, several studies have been able to link excessive male cellphone use and/or carrying cell phones in pockets with male infertility factors. For this reason, most scientists and medical professionals recommend using Bluetooth technology as much as possible, carrying cell phones away from the body whenever possible and limiting the amount of time spent in direct contact with cellphones that are charging and/or sending and receiving messages.

While the study of electromagnetic fields and their connection to cancer are ongoing, this type of research has significantly slowed since the 1990s. That being said, WHO’s reports state, “The long-term health effects of mobile telephone use is another topic of much current research. No obvious adverse effect of exposure to low level radiofrequency fields has been discovered. However, given public concerns regarding the safety of cellular telephones, further research aims to determine whether any less obvious effects might occur at very low exposure levels.”

How Can I Protect Myself From Electromagnetic Radiation?

In our line of work, we advocate that it’s never a bad idea to err on the side of caution. You can protect yourself from any potential, harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation by one or more of the following:

• Limiting cell phone use and keep your phone away from your body as much as possible (use speakerphone and Bluetooth devices as much as possible).
• Turn your phone off when not in use for long periods of time (i.e. while it’s charging at night).
• Use cordless phones as close to the base station as possible and when it’s time to replace the cordless phone, do so with a lower radiation level.
• If you’re worried about Wi-Fi signals (studies show children may be more sensitive to cell phone use than adults) consider using an Ethernet connection whenever possible and turn the Wi-Fi router off when not in use.
• Don’t forget that stress is toxic! Worrying about the effects of these devices might be more damaging to your health than the devices themselves so utilize stress-relieving practices as much as possible to keep your adrenal system healthy.

Key Points to Remember

A few key points to remember when reading/thinking/exploring the idea of electromagnetic radiation and your health are:

1. In almost all instances, the small amount of electrical currents introduced to your body via EMFs are not harmful and are easily tended to by your body’s own regulatory mechanisms.
2. The term “biological effect” does not mean “health hazard.”
3. Heat is the main byproduct of EMFs related to electrical/tech gadgets, and it’s not enough to harm most biological systems.
4. Extensive research has not been able to show that long-term, low-level exposure to EMFs is harmful to human health.
5. The small steps you take here and there to reduce EMFs in your life add up to notable changes.

Think you need extra protection? Work in an industry with high-level EMF exposure? Contact us here at Lancs Industries and we’ll make sure you have the shielding you need.