Electromagnetic Radiation Dangers

Oh, you're not worried? REALLY...

Let's be really serious for a moment.

You are using your (radiation emitting) cell phone every day aren't you?

It is important for you to be well informed on this matter.

Well maybe you should please read on...uh oh!

Are EMFs Hazardous to Our Health?

Do you ever wonder about the effect of radiation from mobile phones on complex biological structures like your inner ear and even your eyes?

What about on your BRAIN?

Imagine all of those delicate complex parts of your mind being bombarded with waves of electromagnetic impulses...

Thousands of cell phones are sold each day in the United States. Almost everyone has a cell phone. Worldwide, it is estimated that approximately 2.1 billion+ people use cell phones. As the number of cell phones, cell phone towers, and other wireless antennas increase rapidly in industrialized nations, should you be concerned about the effects that regular exposure to radio frequency radiation can have on your health?

From the early 1950s to the mid 1970s, the U.S. embassy in Moscow was purposefully bombarded by radio frequency radiation 24 hours a day. The U.S. embassy workers experienced what the perpetrators identified as "Radio Frequency Sickness Syndrome." There is no doubt that high doses of concentrated electromagnetic radiation can cause damage to human beings.

After some time of concentrated radio frequency radiation exposure, the American ambassador developed leukemia. The next American ambassador also developed leukemia. Blood tests performed on embassy staff members showed irreversible DNA damage.

You do increase your risk of getting brain cancer from gabbing away on your cell phone! How about the danger of getting these horrible problems: gliomas, meningiomas (A meningioma is a type of tumor that develops from the meninges, the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord), acoustic neurinomas (Acoustic neuroma is a non-cancerous tumor that develops on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain).

And parotid gland tumours, The parotid gland is the largest of the salivary glands. The Israeli study looked at 402 adults with benign parotid gland tumors and 58 others who had malignant tumors of the parotid gland diagnosed in Israel from 2001-2003. According to the researchers, people who spent more than 22 hours a month on their cell phones were 50-percent more likely to develop cancer of the parotid gland than those who used the phones less often. The risk of developing a parotid gland tumor was even higher in people who generally used their cell phones on the same ear most of the time, and did not use a hands-free device.

Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic are warning that cell phone use, including hands-free devices-can affect male fertility. The information appears in the journal Fertility and Sterility. Men are warned to ensure that the devices are not kept in proximity to their testicles.

Despite media reports and reassuring government statements that say there is no demonstrated danger in using the omnipresent devices, we are in deep trouble.

This article will examine all aspects of electromagnetic radiation (from all sources) on your body. So let's calm down and learn more...

We may think that radio waves are completely different physical objects or events than gamma-rays. They are produced in very different ways, and we detect them in different ways. But are they really different things? The answer is 'no'. Radio waves, visible light, X-rays, and all the other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are fundamentally the same thing. They are all electromagnetic radiation.

Electromagnetic radiation can be described like this: it is a stream of photons, which are particles (with no mass) each traveling in a wave-like pattern and moving at the speed of light (that's pretty darn quick). Each photon contains a certain amount of energy, and all electromagnetic radiation consists of these photons. The only difference between the different kinds of electromagnetic radiation is the amount of energy found in the photons. Radio waves have photons with low energy, microwaves have a little more energy than radio waves, infrared has still more, then visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, and ... the most energetic of all ... gamma-rays-yikes, leave me alone please!

Ok, so we know (sort of) what they are now, but are they DANGEROUS?

Numerous studies have produced contradictory results, yet some experts are convinced that the threat is real!

(photo courtesy of: "Ethan Hein" on Flickr)

Please read on...

Power Lines

Incredible amounts of electricity is created at power stations and sent across the country through wires that carry unbelievably high voltages. All power lines radiate electromagnetic fields. The question is: how much are the power lines near YOUR home radiating? The amount of "EMFs" coming from a power line depends on its particular configuration. Power companies know which power line configurations are best for reducing EMFs but most don't feel the evidence supports costly changes in the way they deliver electricity. Is that ok with you?

Substations and Transformers

A substation is an assemblage of circuit breakers, disconnecting switches and transformers. A key component of a utility's electrical distribution network depends upon numerous, small transformers mounted on power poles. A transformer looks like a small metal trash can, usually cylindrical. We've all seen them.

Even when the electrical service is underground, you will often see a metal box (usually square) located on the ground near the street. Many people don't realize that when they see a transformer, the power line feeding the transformer is 4000 to 13,800 volts. OMG!

The transformer then reduces the voltage to the 120/240 volts needed by nearby homes. Since these transformers can be seen in almost every neighborhood, they are a source of concern for sure.

EMFs near a transformer can be quite high, but due to its small structure, but the field strength diminishes rapidly with distance, as it does from any point source. For this reason, having a transformer located near your home is usually not a major source of concern.

Home Wiring

If your home has high EMF readings, it is important to determine the sources of the EMF so that remedial action can be taken, if possible. Many times a particular room will have a higher EMF reading. Check to see if the electricity is coming into the house on the wall outside that room. When this is the case, it is usually a good idea to block off that room and only use it for storage purposes.

Sometimes, the source of a high magnetic field is incorrect wiring. If you suspect that your home is wired improperly, obtain the services of a licensed electrician. Warning: Do not touch electric wires, even if you think the current is turned off. If you need to disconnect electrical circuits to determine the source of magnetic fields, you should call a licensed electrician of course, please stay alive and uninjured!

Electric Blankets and Waterbeds

Electric blankets create a magnetic field that penetrates about 6-7 inches into the body! Thus it is not surprising that an epidemiological study has linked electric blankets with miscarriages and childhood leukemia.

This pioneering work was performed by Dr. Nancy Wertheimer and Ed Leeper, who originally discovered that magnetic fields were linked to childhood leukemia. Similar health effects have been noted with users of many electric blankets and waterbed heaters will emit EMFs even when turned off.

The devices must be unplugged to delete the EMF exposure Additionally, there is the issue regarding the vibrations that are generated by sleeping on standing water. There is less hard data in this area but some experts are concerned about the consequences. You would never catch me on a waterbed or with an electric blanket from now on -no way are you kidding me! STAY AWAY FROM ELECTRIC BLANKETS!!!!!!!!

Electric Clocks

Electric clocks have a very high magnetic field, as much as 5 to 10 mG up to three feet away. If you are using a bedside clock, you are probably sleeping in an EMF equivalent to that of a powerline! Studies have linked high rates of brain tumors with chronic exposure to magnetic fields, so it is wise to place all clocks and other electrical devices (such as telephones and answering devices) at least 6 feet from your bed.

Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent lights produce much more EMFs than incandescent bulbs. A typical fluorescent lamp of a office ceiling have readings of 160 to 200 mg 1 inch away. So much for "going green."

Microwave Ovens and Radar

Microwave ovens and radar from military installations and airports emit two types of radiation -- microwave and ELF. All microwave ovens leak and exceed the safety limit. In addition, recent studies have shown that normal microwave cooking coverts food protein molecules into carcinogenic substances.

Telephones and Answering Machines

Telephones can emit surprisingly strong EMFs, especially from the handset. This is a problem because we hold the telephone so close to our head. Place the Gauss meter right against the ear piece and the mouthpiece before buying a phone.

Some brands emit no measurable fields and others emit strong fields that travel several inches....right into your brain. Answering machines, particular those with adapter plugs (mini-transformers), give off high levels of EMFs.

Electric Razors and Hair Dryers

Electric razors and hair dryers emit EMFs as high as 200 to 400 mG. This seems alarming, but we don't know if this is worse (or better) than a chronic exposure to a 2-3 mG field. Some EMF consultants recommend that hair dryers not be used on children as the high fields are held close to their rapidly developing brain and nervous system.

Reviewed by D. Paul Gendron (Grand Rapids, MI USA)

I read this book years ago and could not find it ANYWHERE, despite a pretty dedicated search. No doubt, it is a hotly debated topic, much like the cell-phone emmissions issue. This is a must read for anyone who is trying to assume responsibility in their lives, the lives of their children or simply planning properly for a safe future. Many people avoid this type of "fact-based" study - it's a pain/pleasure thing. We gravitate to items that cause us pleasure and avoid things that could cause us pain. Reading this is not painful, it is very enlightening. Avoiding it could prove deadly - but heh, that's what we have health insurance for right? Kudos Amazon.

Most experts agree that limited, non-chronic exposure to EMFs is not a threat. For example, it is probably acceptable for a person to be near a toaster in the morning, (what a relief)!

BUT, it is not advisable for a person to sleep under an electric blanket, live near a powerline/substation, and sleep in a room where the power enters the home. This person is under an extreme case of chronic exposure. This condition, unfortunately, applies to millions of us!

I would read the articles above and make up my own mind. As of now I will do my best to limit my own cell phone use. Such as regularly changing which ear I listen on, and a lot of other little things!