With the emergence of 5G technology spreading across the globe, now is most definitely the time to find out about EMF radiation and the potential impact it can have on your health.
If you don’t know much about EMFs, don’t worry.
Within the below article, you will find out everything you need to know about this type of radiation, from what exactly is EMF exposure, to how EMFs can affect your body, to the symptoms of acute radiation syndrome.
What are EMFs?
EMF stands for electromagnetic field, which is an area of moving electrical charges. Some, not all, EMFs can be harmful, but more about that later.
Most people are exposed to EMFs on a daily basis, when you use your microwave for example. EMFs can also come from natural sources such as thunderstorms.
EMFs exist on a spectrum and there are two main types:
- Ionizing
- Non-ionizing
Ionizing EMFs have higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths. Within the human body, high doses of ionizing radiation can cause oxidative damage. Some of the main causes of ionizing radiation are gamma rays and X-rays.
Non-ionizing EMFs have longer wavelengths and a lower frequency. These are present in both natural and manufactured forms. Some of the main causes of non-ionizing radiation are microwaves, tanning beds, heat lamps and the radiofrequency radiation in communication devices.
How do EMFs affect your health?
Ionizing radiation can be harmful as it breaks down chemical bonds in the body and changes the molecular and chemical structures of substances such as human tissue. Typically, you need to be exposed to this type of radiation over a longer period to experience any damage to your health.
That being said, high doses of ionizing radiation can potentially cause:
- Burns
- Skin damage
- Hair loss
- Organ and tissue damage
- Damage to a developing foetus
- Damage to bone marrow
- Cancer
- Fertility problems
Non-ionizing radiation, in normal levels, should not affect your health. However, this type of radiation can create heat, which could be harmful to the human body. For example, people who work within the industrial sector who are exposed to very high doses of non-ionizing radiation may be act risk of tissue damage.
There is also research that suggests a link between the use of wireless devices and the harmful effects of EMF radiation, with cancers such as leukaemia and glioma being connected to EMF exposure.
Fortunately, there are ways to get EMF protection, with most advice being easily applicable to everyday life.
Some of the most effective ways to protect yourself from EMFs include:
- Reducing your exposure
- Unplugging devices and appliances when not in use
- Keeping informed about the latest research into EMF radiation
What are the symptoms of EMF exposure?
If you are worried that you have been exposed to a harmful amount of EMF radiation, you should look out for the below signs of damage:
- Sleep disturbances including insomnia
- Headaches
- Depression
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Dysesthesia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Feeling restless and/or anxious
- Nausea
- Burning and tingling skin
What are the current guidelines for EMF exposure?
An organisation called the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) is responsible for maintaining the guidelines on EMF exposure.
EMFs are measured in a unit called volts per meter (V/m), with the higher the measurement, the stronger the EMF.
You will find that the vast majority of electrical appliances sold in the UK will fall within their guidelines, which are listed below:
- Natural EMFs (created by the sun): 200 V/m
- Power mains not close to any power lines: 100 V/m
- Power mains close to any power lines: 10,000 V/m
- Electric trains and trams: 300 V/m
- TV and computer screens: 10 V/m
- TV and radio transmitters: 6 V/m
- Mobile phone base stations: 6 V/m
- Radars: 9 V/m
- Microwaves: 14 V/m
You can easily check the EMFs in your home using an EMF meter, which can be purchased online. However, it is worth knowing that these devices are only able to measure low frequencies and they are not overly accurate.
What is acute radiation syndrome and how can I recognise the symptoms?
Acute radiation syndrome (ARS), also known as radiation sickness, can develop after prolonged exposure to very high levels of radiation in a short period of time.
ARS is most likely to occur when radiation has been able to penetrate a person’s organs and the majority of their body has been exposed.
The most common signs of acute radiation syndrome are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diahorrea
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
It is also worth knowing that you can recover from ARS and later experience further symptoms including fatigue, a high temperature and in some cases seizures and falling into a coma.
What is electro hypersensitivity?
Electro hypersensitivity, EHS, is a condition in which sufferers believe that they are allergic to the radiation that is emitted by electronic devices. It occurs when someone feels that they are extra-sensitive to the electromagnetic fields released by devices such as Wi-Fi routers, computers, mobile phones, microwaves and many other household appliances.
Some of the most common symptoms associated with EHS are:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Tingling sensation
- Mood swings
- Memory difficulties
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling hot in the face
Electro hypersensitivity is a controversial topic in the medical world, as there is currently no scientific evidence that links the specific symptoms of EHS with EMFs, with some scientists believing that people are coping with pre-existing medical conditions by saying that they have EHS.
Conclusion
EMFs can occur both naturally and from manmade sources, and although research is ongoing, studies have indicated that EMF exposure is linked to health problems such as cancer as well as neurological and physiological problems caused by the disruption of human nerve function.
That being said, this doesn’t mean that you need to immediately throw your microwave away or stop using your mobile phone. Instead, be aware that EMFs exist and make it your priority to stay informed about research developments into EMF exposure and the potential health risks associated with it.
