Electromagnetic waves are all around us.
In particular, these waves are emitted by our mobile phones, Wi-Fi networks, cell phone towers, household electrical appliances, and all Bluetooth-enabled devices.
While risks to human health posed by electromagnetic waves are not yet fully known, the World Health Organization (WHO) has made it clear that certain radio frequencies are potentially carcinogenic to humans, making it important to protect ourselves from them.
Electric and Magnetic Fields: What They Are and Where They Come From
Electric field intensity is defined by voltage levels and variations.
A magnetic field, on the other hand, appears when a current is traveling. In the course of an electric current, the intensity of the magnetic field varies based on electricity consumption, while the intensity of the electric field remains constant.
(Source: Electromagnetic fields, published in 1999 by the WHO Regional Office for Europe (Local authorities, health and environment briefing pamphlet series; 32).
A distinction is made between two types of electromagnetic fields:
Naturally occurring: Various natural sources and phenomena, such as thunderstorms, create electric charges in the atmosphere.
We also know that the Earth’s magnetic field enables the needle on a compass to change direction.
Of human origin: Many low- and high-frequency electromagnetic fields are caused by human activity. One example: X-rays used for medical diagnostics.
We also know that electrical outlets emit a low-frequency electromagnetic field cause by the electrical current.
Humans use all kinds of radiation in high radio frequencies, via television and radio broadcast antennas and cell phone towers.
The Risks Caused by Exposure to Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic pollution includes the electric and magnetic fields that are not of natural origin.
Most people are exposed to various low-intensity electromagnetic waves on a regular basis, both at home and at work.
These low-frequency electrical fields act upon the human body as they would on any other material consisting of charged particles.
Conductive materials cause currents to travel through the body to the ground.
By stimulating nerve connections, these electrical currents may affect human biological processes.
Many scientific studies in Europe have highlighted the risks and known effects of electromagnetic fields, particularly on people with heightened sensitivity, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Each country determines its own electromagnetic wave exposure standards, but in most cases, the national guidelines follow the exposure limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), an organization formally recognized by the WHO.
The purpose of these national and international safety recommendations regarding the emission of electromagnetic waves is to limit their harmful effects and to determine the exposure levels that may be dangerous to human health.
Even though no adverse health effects resulting from prolonged exposure to radio frequencies associated with electricity transmission have been confirmed to date, it is appropriate to take precautions and prioritize protection, as the Council of Europe notes.
The Types of Electromagnetic Waves and How to Protect Yourself from Them
Low-frequency waves
Our environment is crisscrossed by (often very dense) electrical grids that generate low- or high-frequency electromagnetic waves, which inevitably affect our metabolism.
Various electromagnetic protection solutions and materials have been developed by tech companies to reduce or block the emission of electromagnetic waves.
Installation of grounded outlets and protective electrical sleeves: In addition to preventing short circuits,grounding an outlet can also divert a considerable portion of the electrical field.
Due to the tension, it is also advisable to keep electrical wiring out of areas where people are present.
Installing protective wiring and electrical sleeves is an excellent way to reduce electrical fields.
Stay away from lighting and power sources: It is strongly advised that you stay at least one meter away from sources of electricity, including lighting, household appliances, computers, and televisions.
Unplug lamps when not in use; even when they are turned off, they generate an electrical field.
In addition to being more economical, LED bulbs with non-adjustable intensity are a good option to help reduce emission of harmful waves.
High-frequency waves
Wi-Fi networks and wireless systems are methods of data transmission that emit high-frequency waves.
Wi-Fi is considered to be an emitter of waves that can attack the body.
To guard against these waves, opt for wired connections (ethernet, USB, fiber optic) over Wi-Fi.
Be sure to disconnect your devices and router from Wi-Fi.
Wireless systems, such as cell phones and any devices connected to Wi-Fi, are considered to be the main sources of high radio frequency.
As early as 2002, a number of doctors alerted health authorities to the disturbing increase in chronic illnesses (headaches, insomnia, leukemia, heart disease, etc.) in their patients who used a wireless phone on a regular basis.
For your protection, it is highly advisable to choose a wired landline phone or a wireless model with wave reduction.
Mobile telephones
Various forms of chronic illness caused by the harmful waves emitted by mobile phones have been identified.
Even more alarming, the World Health Organization (WHO) has formally studied the human carcinogenic risk of radiation emitted by mobile phones, especially smartphones.
It is important to take precautions when using your mobile phone. These include:
- Keep conversations short when your phone is placed against your ear.
- Avoid using your smartphone when the network is weak, as the device will emit more waves.
- Be sure to put your phone in airplane mode whenever possible.
- Opt for anti-radiation solutions such as protective patches for mobile phones and electronic devices, an effective way to block EMF (electromagnetic frequency) negative ions.
