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Natural Awakenings Atlanta

Reducing Radiation Risks: Ways to Lessen Electromagnetic Exposure

Nov 01, 2022 06:00AM ● By Carrie Jackson

We are tied to our devices, continually connected via phones, tablets and computers, but this convenience comes at a cost. Many people are surprised to learn that our devices are constantly emitting electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and radiofrequency radiation (RF). According to the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, there is strong evidence of a correlation between these exposures and neurologicalcardiac and pulmonary disease, as well as reproductive disorders, immune dysfunction, cancer and other health conditions.

Constant Exposure

Our exposure to EMFs has dramatically increased over the past few years, especially in homes containing cordless phones, wireless routers and smart meters. Every electrical device emits an EMF, whether or not it’s turned on. This constant radiation can cause damage to cells, and even comes from appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines and baby monitors. The closer a device is to a person, the more potent the charge. “EMFs cause VGCC’s [voltage-gated calcium channels] to swing open and allow excess calcium into the cell. This causes elevated oxidative stress, inflammation and ultimately, if not counteracted, disease,” says Mieke Jacobs, an EMF consultant and founder of Healthy House Chicago.

Jacobs, who does private house inspections in the Midwest, says that the rise of smart appliances and lighting in recent years has increased certain types of EMFs. “Dirty electricity consists of high-frequency voltage transients riding along the 60-Hertz electricity provided by the utility company. Many people are surprised to learn how prevalent it is in seemingly safer sources such as solar panels, compact fluorescent lights, dimmer switches and energy-efficient appliances,” she says.

Concerning Effects

As a certified electromagnetic radiation specialist and founder of EMF Healthy, in Sedona, Arizona, Liz Menkes focuses on the radio frequency EMFs found in wireless devices and systems, alternating current (AC) electric and magnetic sources in wiring and appliances, and dirty electricity, all commonly found in homes. “EMFs have been linked to many symptoms and health conditions, and there is evidence of cancer risk from all four types,” she says. “AC magnetic fields were classified as a possible human carcinogen in 2001 due to evidence of increased risk for childhood leukemia. Radio frequency was classified as a possible human carcinogen in 2011 due to evidence of increased risk for brain tumors. Plus, there are links to many other health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.”

Symptoms from EMF exposure can manifest in many ways. “Early warning signs include difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, headaches, irritability and anxiety. It is estimated about 30 percent of the population is moderately sensitive to EMFs, but have not connected the dots, since these are common symptoms that can be caused by many things. Other common symptoms can include tinnitus, skin rashes, dizziness, sharp stabbing pains, leg cramps, high blood pressure, nausea and hyperactivity, especially in children,” says Menkes. Less common symptoms include heart arrhythmias, unexplained nightmares and nosebleeds, as well as ADHD and food allergies in kids, adds Jacobs.

Reduce Exposure at Home

Tangible steps can be taken to lessen the risk. “The number one mistake people make is sleeping with their cell phones near the head of the bed. Leave it turned off in another room and get a battery-operated alarm clock,” says Menkes. “Turn off Wi-Fi at night, since EMF radiation affects melatonin production. If possible, hardwire your laptops, tablets, cell phones and other devices to eliminate Wi-Fi completely in the house. If you must use a cell phone, keep it in airplane mode as much as possible and don’t store it in a pocket or otherwise close to the body.”

More in-depth interventions include electrical rewiring, as well as radio-frequency shielding that blocks EMFs with copper or another absorbent material. “Replacing dimmer switches helps, but not all electricians are aware of EMFs and have different priorities when upgrading a home,” says Jacobs.

The federal government has no restrictions on overall EMF exposure. “The wireless industry and the government agencies that are supposed to regulate this industry want you to believe that the science is settled and wireless exposures are safe. Unfortunately, this message is not reality. EMF damage can manifest in myriad ways that include many conditions and that are occurring in ever-increasing amounts,” says Lloyd Burrell, author of EMF Practical Guide and France-based founder of Electrical Sense.

The Building Biology Institute offers classes and resources to help create environments free of EMF hazards. “Any measure to reduce your exposure is worth taking, and will contribute to a healthier and more peaceful home environment,” says Menkes. ❧


Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.


Sidebar: 
GA Businesses Offer EMF Protection

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible and surround us as we go about our modern lives. Importantly, a lot of research now correlates the presence of EMFs with the development of cancer. According to a 2002 research study by the National Library of Medicine, the effects of EMF exposure on sensitive individuals can include depression, paresthesia, cardiac palpitations and itching.

That’s why several local Georgia companies have made it their business to help make people’s living spaces and work spaces as safe as possible from EMFs. EMF Safe Homes is one such company. Shelia Reavill, the company owner, was a schoolteacher for more than 20 years when her school began providing laptops for her students, and that spawned her interest in EMFs. EMF Homes uses a variety of EMF-sensitive instruments to detect which parts of clients’ homes have the highest levels of EMFs. Reavill pays special attention to bedrooms since EMFs have been known to disrupt sleep. 

Filters

Depending on the type of EMFs found, Reavill recommends people use filters or shields. She says that filters can be good if the source is specific and targetable; however, some filters can be overwhelmed by the number of frequencies in the area or are not designed to filter out a specific frequency. The shields, which typically look like aluminum foil sheets or boards sprayed with aluminum, can cover walls through which high levels of EMFs would otherwise penetrate. 

Georgia contractor James Reichard specializes in helping clients establish EMF-free spaces by installing products they can purchase. He targets their bedrooms. “I try to create a sleep sanctuary in their bedroom,” he explains. “The deeper sleep you get, the more your cells regenerate and detox.” 

Going to the source

Reichard forgoes shielding and instead goes to the source. He installs systems in the house that residents can use to shut off power to their bedroom at night while leaving important functions, such as alarms, intact. With no sources of EMFs around, Reichard reports his clients routinely thank him for the difference in their sleep and overall health. 

Finally, Kate Wagner, the North American importer of VIVOBASE, offers products that tackle the problem of EMFs and dirty electricity in a different way. They look like small plastic tablets or discs and can either be plugged into wall sockets or carried in a pocket. 

“EMFs cause health problems because they interfere with our body’s natural bio-electromagnetic fields. VIVOBASE products counter that problem by generating a natural sferic field (no frequencies are emitted). When any organism is within range of the field, their dipole water molecules on the top layer of the skin align creating a shield preventing EMFs from penetrating the body. This reduces oxidative stress and allows the cells to perform their metabolic functions.”

For more information:

Sheila Reavill 

[email protected]

emfSafeHomes.com

James Reichard 

[email protected] 

LiveEMFSafe.com

Kate Wagner 

[email protected]

Vivobase.com

Use the code “besafe15” for a 15% discount

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