Should I be worried about EMF exposure?

In today's technology dominated world EMF influences everything from communication, information, healthcare, entertainment and transportation. It is often misunderstood and also feared by most. Let's take a look at the fascinating realm of EMF’s potential risks, how to avoid them and the debates surrounding this invisible force. 

Electromagnetic fields are physical fields produced by electrically charged objects. These fields have both electric and magnetic parts and have a frequency and a wavelength. They have two main categories based on their frequency:

1) Non Ionising Radiation: These are the relatively low-frequency EMFs that are emitted from appliances, wireless devices like cell phones, health trackers, Wifi routers and power lines. They are usually considered safe although long term exposure and their potential health risks still create concerns.

2) Ionising Radiation: These are high frequency EMFs and as the name suggests lead to ionisation by removing tightly bound electrons from atoms due to their high energy. This category comprises of X rays and gamma rays and makes ionising radiation potentially harmful especially at high doses. 

In the modern world we live in today we are mostly surrounded by non-ionising radiation from mobile phones, trackers, wireless phones and power lines. The majority of research suggests we are exposed to minimal health risks but debates persist with concerns on long term effects on our health particularly from cell phones and WI-Fi with prolonged or high intensity exposure.

What are the possible health concerns with high exposure to EMF?

Below are the possible health concerns relating to high exposure of EMF although they have all been inconclusive and evidence remains yet to be proved to support their clinical significance.

1. Cancer: One of the risks associated with EMF is cancer and in particular brain tumours such as glioma and acoustic neuroma.

2. Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EMS): Some people experience headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders and skin rashes when exposed to EMF’s known as EMS.

3. Reproductive Health: Some studies point towards potential effects of EMF on fertility and reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes as well as low sperm quality in men and miscarriage rates and abnormalities in foetuses.

4. Neurological and Cognitive Effects: Some research has suggested changes in brain activity, memory impairment and changes in neurotransmitter levels.

5. Cardiovascular Health: Research suggests a link between EMFs and cardiovascular health particularly blood pressure regulation, Heart rate variability, arrhythmia and heart attacks.

There are definitely some actions we can take to mitigate the potential exposure to EMFs and limit the potential risks to long term exposure.

1. Limit exposure: A good place to start is to wired headsets as much as possible when using your cell phone to reduce direct contact with the body. Always be cautious and maintain a good distance from high voltage power lines. We don't mean Bluetooth devices here as they also emit EMF but bring back the wires.

2. Use EMF shielding devices: Invest in EMF shielding products such as phone cases, laptops and curtains to block or reduce electromagnetic radiation. Another option is to install wired internet connections, use shielding cables and implement grounding techniques. There are also paints and fabric that have EMF protecting properties to help protect spaces within your home or office. Professionals who specialise in EMF mitigation can assess your living or work environment and address individual sources of electromagnetic radiation.

3. Use Technology with care: Limit Exposure During Sleep: Keep all electronic devices out of the bedroom to minimise exposure to EMFs while sleeping. Put all phones and devices charging outside your bedroom and consider having a battery operated alarm clock to reduce exposure during the night. Use cell phones and laptops in moderation. Use airplane mode as much as possible so electromagnetic fields are not constantly activated.

4. Practice Safe Technology Habits: Encourage children to use electronic devices in moderation and limit their screen time.

5. Have EMF free Zones: Designate certain rooms in your home that are EMF free Zones. Where technology is minimised and turned off when not in use. An ideal room for this would be ones bedroom.

6. Opt for Low EMF Appliances: Choose devices that are low-EMF in your household such as vacuums, kitchen appliances and hair dryers. Use newer models for electrical appliances that are energy star rated and emit a lower frequency of EMF.

7. Spend time in nature: It is essential to take regular breaks from electronic devices and spend time in nature where EMFs are substantially lower. Spend time engaging in outdoor activities like going for a walk, playing outdoor sports, gardening or hiking to reconnect with the outside world and ground yourself.