You snooze you lose?
EMF radiation varies across an electromagnetic spectrum. High-energy or high-frequency EMFs offer the most exposure, while low-energy or low-frequency offer the least exposure.
Monitoring of EMF exposure occurs on the global, national, and local levels of government. In the US, a few states have issued their own restrictions as they don't exist at the federal level.
Advanced technologies in the medical field, such as X-rays and CT scans, were later found to be sources of EMFs too.
Extremely low-frequency (ELF) radiation is at the opposite end of this spectrum. It can make the body's cells vibrate, but it's agreed this alone isn't enough to damage cells.
Today, 90% of the world's population uses electrical appliances every single day, generating lots of electricity and EMFs around the world.
In between the highest and lowest emitting EMF sources are low to mid-range EMFs. They are non-ionizing to the body's DNA and are believed to be harmless. This category includes cell phones, washing machines, and MRIs.
As power lines and indoor lighting spread through the world in the 20th century, scientists began to realize these sources of energy also emitted EMFs.
One of the major sources of EMFs? The sun! There is energy radiating out of the sun in the form of electromagnetic frequencies that create visible light.
For example, X-rays, gamma rays, and some higher-energy ultraviolet rays (from the sun or tanning beds) are classed as high-energy radiation.
This kind of radiation is ionizing, which means it can affect cells on an atomic level. DNA can become damaged by ionizing radiation, which can lead to mutations.
Radiofrequency radiation is another type of non-ionizing radiation field emitted from certain electronic devices such as laptops, cellphones, beauty devices, and smart meters.
Examples of man-made, extremely low-frequency EMFs include power lines, electrical wiring, and personal appliances like hair dryers.
The further you are from the object emitting EMF radiation, the lower the intensity of your exposure. Research about the harmfulness of long-term, low-frequency exposure is lacking.
Voltage produces electric fields, while electric currents produce magnetic fields. The strength of these fields will vary depending on where/when they occur.
The strength of the magnetic field can even vary between the same type of product. For example, hairdryers of two different brands could have much higher or lower exposure levels depending on their power and size.
Underneath high-voltage transmission lines is where you'll find one of the strongest magnetic fields in everyday life. However, the further you are from the power line, the smaller the emission.
Microwaves work at high power levels but are shielded from leaking this power out. When used correctly, microwaves are considered safe.
Don't sit or linger around household appliances including the TV, fridge, washing machine, or microwave, or sit next to them. Limit time spent on electronic devices.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Screen) TVs don't produce a notable electric or magnetic field. Similarly, LED and plasma screens don't either. But you shouldn't let children sit too close to them, just in case. Regular TV and computer screens emit EMFs at a low frequency.
Avoid sunbeds or limit your time in them, and limit your time in the sun in the middle of the day when EMF radiation is strongest.
High-frequency EMF is potentially dangerous to your health. To reduce your exposure to this type of EMF, limit X-rays to when absolutely necessary.
When taking calls, use earphones or the speaker function to reduce the amount of radio frequency EMF close to your head.
Turn off wireless devices before bedtime and put them away somewhere, in another room, if possible while you're sleeping.
Carry your cell phone in your handbag, laptop bag, or briefcase instead of in your pocket where it's closer to the body.
Take electronic and digital detoxes when you can to reconnect with the simple pleasures of life and to disconnect from EMF radiation, however small.
It's not likely you'll come into contact with high-frequency EMF in daily life, and low-frequency EMFs are believed to pose little danger to human health. We could probably all spend less time on our electronic devices though, so don't forget to take breaks every once in a while!
Sources: (Healthline)
See also: Everyday things you didn't realize are harming your mental health
It's important to note that EHS isn't a health diagnosis, it's considered to need more research by the medical field. Symptoms including insomnia, headache, depression, lack of concentration, dizziness, irritability, nausea, restlessness, and skin tingling are associated with it.
There's not a lot of evidence to accurately support the idea that EMFs cause human health effects. A set of symptoms claimed to be related to EMF exposure is called electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS).
Our world is full of electric and magnetic fields that occur naturally, as well as those generated from man-made sources. These streams of invisible energy waves power our cellphones, microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, and computers, amongst other things. While most scientists agree that Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) at a low frequency aren't so dangerous for our health, there are a number of people who believe more research is needed to understand the risks. But what solid information do we have so far?
Click on the gallery to discover the effects of EMF exposure on human health.
The effects of EMF exposure on human health
What's the risk?
HEALTH Technology
Our world is full of electric and magnetic fields that occur naturally, as well as those generated from man-made sources. These streams of invisible energy waves power our cellphones, microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, and computers, amongst other things. While most scientists agree that Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) at a low frequency aren't so dangerous for our health, there are a number of people who believe more research is needed to understand the risks. But what solid information do we have so far?
Click on the gallery to discover the effects of EMF exposure on human health.