In this day and age, people are constantly adapting to using cutting-edge technology on a daily basis. However, only a small percentage of us are aware of the dangers that modern technologies pose to our health.
Power lines, cellphones, microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, and PCs can all emit invisible energy waves. When electrical power is used, whether at home or at business, electromagnetic fields (EMF) are formed.
As we are surrounded by EMF, certain experts are concerned about its impact on human health. This may cause worry and panic among individuals as well as communities. Others believe that electromagnetic fields are dangerous, despite the fact that the majority of scientists do not. Many people believe that electromagnetic fields have not been thoroughly explored.
With that being said, let’s look into EMF. Read on to discover some expert advice on EMF safety today.
Understanding EMFs
Since the beginning of time, the sun has been a source of electromagnetic waves that travel through space. The sun is responsible for the generation of electromagnetic fields as well as the emission of energy. These electromagnetic fields are often perceived as luminosity or light.
At the turn of the twentieth century, power lines and artificial lights in homes and businesses began to spread over the world. Power cables that carry electricity to the world’s population generate electromagnetic fields in a similar way to the sun.
Researchers discovered that a large number of today’s electrical appliances emit EMFs. As medical technology advanced, it was known that imaging tools such as X-rays and CT scans generate EMFs.
Today, electrical power is used by 90% of the world’s population. This results in the generation of power as well as electromagnetic fields on a global scale.
Despite all of these electromagnetic waves, the scientific community does not believe that EMFs are dangerous.
EMFs and Their Types of Exposure
The electromagnetic spectrum contains radiation. This electromagnetic radiation has frequencies ranging from high to low, with correspondingly high and low quantities of energy (low-energy). X-rays, gamma rays, and various forms of UV rays are examples of high-energy radiation.
Ionizing radiation is a form of radiation that “ionizes” atoms in order to affect cells at the atomic level. Mutations and cancer are both possible results of ionizing radiation exposure, which acts by damaging DNA and cells.
Extremely low-frequency (ELF) radiation is found on the other side of this spectrum. It is not ionized. While it has the capacity to move or vibrate atoms within the body, the vast majority of studies believe that it is insufficient to cause DNA or cell damage.
Low-energy radio waves (ELF), visible light, and infrared light are placed on the electromagnetic spectrum between high-energy radiation and ELF.
The vast majority of radiant energy is created by the interaction of electromagnetic and electric forces. This is what causes electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
Electromagnetic fields with extremely low frequencies can sometimes function autonomously. These two distinct ELF fields are referred to as the “magnetic field” and the “electric field.”
There are two types of electromagnetic waves that could affect you:
- High-Frequency EMFs
Ionizing radiation Prolonged exposures, according to research published in scholarly journals, are detrimental to DNA and cells. This sort of radiation is only emitted in trace amounts by X-ray and CT devices. Tannin booths, solar UV radiation, and radioactive gamma radiation are some of the other sources.
- Low- To Mid-Frequency EMFs
Nonionizing radiation It is neither hazardous nor excessive. Microwave ovens, telephones, hair dryers, washing machines, power lines, and magnetic resonance imaging scanners are all sources of this type of radiation. These electromagnetic fields (EMFs) comprise ELF-EMFs and RF-EMFs (RF-EMFs).
Non-ionizing electromagnetic fields can be produced by both natural and manmade sources. The earth’s magnetic field is one of the natural EMFs. Non-ionizing radiation can cause two types of anthropogenic electromagnetic fields (EMFs):
- Extremely Low-Frequency EMFs (ELF-EMFs)
Non-ionizing radiation can be emitted by non-ionizing sources such as power lines, electrical wiring, and personal equipment such as electric shavers, hair dryers, and electric blankets.
- Radiofrequency Radiation (RFR)
Non-ionizing radiation is emitted by electronic gadgets such as computers, tablets, cell phones, and smart meters. It is generated by a variety of electronic devices, including radios, televisions, radars, satellite stations, and MRI scanners.
Radioactive Sources to Know Today
The greater the distance from an electromagnetic field source, the less intense the exposure. The following are some examples of common electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that emit radiation:
- Non-Ionizing Radiation
Non-ionizing radiation is often sourced from microwave appliances, computers and laptops, smart meters, Wi-Fi gateways, mobile devices, Bluetooth, electricity or power lines, and MRI machines.
- Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation is often sourced from ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV radiation can be produced by a variety of man-made sources, including the sun, tanning beds, phototherapy, and welding torches, among others.
Ionizing radiation is also sourced from x-rays/gamma rays. This radiation can be produced by both natural and man-made sources. Radium gas, radioactive elements, and cosmic rays are all examples of naturally occurring radioactive sources. Humans invented X-rays, CT scans, and cancer medicines.
EMFs and Their Role in Our Lives
Voltage and current are the elements responsible for the creation of electricity and magnetism. The V/m unit of measurement is used to quantify electric fields (volts per meter). The sign T denotes a magnetic field meter (microteslas). Magnetic and electric fields are both subject to changes in space and time.
When there is a voltage difference between two devices, the electric fields are impacted. A higher voltage will result in a more dramatic increase in the electric field. Even when there is no current, an electric field exists.
Because magnetic fields are generated by electric current, their intensity and quantity are subject to vary. A stronger magnetic field results from increasing the current.
Magnetic fields surround the items to varying degrees. In most circumstances, the magnitude of the magnetic field is not proportional to the output or the size of the device. Magnetic field strength can vary even amongst similar products.
Certain models of hair dryers emit substantial amounts of electromagnetic field energy, while others do not. Design matters. The intensity of the exposure is affected by both the distance and the duration of time.
Because of the numerous variables, determining the EMF of a product is challenging. The ICNERP, WHOTrusted Source, and the EPA have all concurred that the quantity of electromagnetic field exposure in a typical living environment is low.
5 Ways to Avoid EMR Radiation Exposure
Unseen electromagnetic forces encircle us (EMFs). Computers, microwaves, mobile phones, power lines, cell phone towers, fitness trackers, smart meters, televisions, routers, X-ray equipment, and radios are among the gadgets that emit these waves.
Radio waves, microwaves, X-rays, and gamma rays are all examples of electromagnetic radiation. According to Live Science, sunshine is also a type of electromagnetic radiation, despite the fact that visible light accounts for a minor portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Because electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are something that the majority of us are exposed to on a daily basis, it is vital that we understand whether or not they are safe. Animal studies have connected electromagnetic field exposure to a number of malignancies (EMF). Other research indicates effects on DNA, the endocrine system, and the neuropsychiatric system.
Unfortunately, the telecommunications and electronics industries work hard to ease as much of their customers’ anxiety as possible.
It is simple to decrease your exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Reduce the intensity and duration of your exposure. Here are five ways to avoid or reduce EMR radiation exposure:
1. Quit the Wireless Trend
Wi-Fi signals can be sent to neighboring devices via routers, printers, tablets, and laptop computers. Disable your Wi-Fi connection when it is not required. You can connect your device via Ethernet connection and set it to airplane mode as an alternative to Wi-Fi. Reduce your exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) by only using Wi-Fi when absolutely necessary.
2. Using Wired Devices
Wireless gadgets, such as keyboards, headsets, and mouse, all require a signal to function effectively. To avoid radiation exposure, simply use these devices in their wired forms.
3. Mind the Distance
Place your wireless router in an area where there aren’t many people. Mobile phones transmit radiation into the environment even when they are not in use. Avoid standing directly next to an operating microwave. Distance reduces levels of exposure.
4. Optimize Mobile Safety
Maintain your mobile device in flight mode at all possible times. When conversing on the phone, keep it at a comfortable distance from your body. Avoid using your phone while driving because the signal will be poorer and your exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) will be greater. Use a speakerphone instead of holding the phone up to your ear to take calls.
Because of their developing bodies, children are especially vulnerable to cell phone radiation. When allowing children to use mobile devices, use a device with one that has a lower specific absorption rate (SAR).
5. Make Sleeping Areas a Priority
Because we spend the majority of our time sleeping, this is the optimum time to avoid being exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF). In the evening, turn off your router’s Wi-Fi connection. To save energy and reduce your exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), turn off your phones or set them to airplane mode. The great majority of mobile phones may be used as alarm clocks when in airplane mode. Remove any wireless devices or switch off the Wi-Fi in your sleeping space.
EMF Protection: The Radiation Levels
The type of radiation that concerns you should influence the steps you take to reduce your exposure to electromagnetic fields.
- Protection from Low- to mid-frequency EMFs
Both ELF-EMFs and RF-EMFs produce electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic radiation is emitted by electrical devices. For example, refrigerators and vacuum cleaners (while being used), as well as televisions and computer monitors, fall within this category.
ELF and RF electromagnetic fields are not believed to be harmful to human health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The security of cell phones and other technological devices has been guaranteed. Another way to remain safe is to keep a safe distance from electrical lines.
The strength of electromagnetic fields (EMF) decreases as one moves away from the equipment. The magnetic fields created by the vast majority of household equipment are a hundred times weaker than the ICNERP limit of one foot.
To further enforce protection from low- to mid-frequency EMF exposure, keep a safe distance from electrical equipment to avoid electromagnetic field exposure. You must come close to the television, refrigerator, and washing machine before you can turn them on. Keep your distance from other people as short as possible, and don’t let children sit too close to appliances.
Please do your best to disconnect. Set the phone down somewhere safe when not in use. Before you go to bed, put it somewhere secure. Moreover, keep your phone out of your pocket. To keep your phone safe, keep it in a purse or briefcase.
As much as possible, use the speaker feature. This is for the reason that the head will be subjected to less RF. Earpieces are known to transmit electromagnetic fields at a lesser rate than phones. Earphones or earpieces reduce the quantity of noise entering the brain.
Turn off the power and unplug electronic equipment on a regular basis. For at least one day, disconnect from all technological gadgets.
- Protection from High-frequency EMFs
EMFs have the potential to induce DNA and cell damage. Low-level radiation sources include X-ray equipment, tanning beds, and even the sun itself.
To further enforce protection from high-frequency EMF exposure, reduce the number of medical x-rays you undergo.
Limit your sun exposure. Sunlight is beneficial to your health, but you should avoid obtaining too much of it. Avoid being in the sun in the middle of the day or during peak hours.
Reduce your use of sunbeds. Reduce the amount of time you spend in front of artificial light sources to obtain a tan faster in the summer.
Conclusion
While technology surrounds us and supports us in our modern way of life, it is still important to know its effects on our bodies and our health. Now that we know what EMFs are, their types, their effects on our health, and the solutions to reduce our absorption of them, we can work towards a healthier and more mindful lifestyle.
Do you want to learn more about EMF’s effects on our health? EMF Grid is here to discuss facts, information, and studies to help you understand more about EMF radiation today. Browse our page to learn more!