Electromagnetic Radiation
Radiation is all around us!
Life on Earth is maintained by the presence of various types of radiation. As a form of radiation, light and heat from the sun travels down to earth. Over generations, living organisms have adapted to the natural background radiation; humans have lived in natural balance with their environment. As for many other areas, this balance in radiation is in great danger.
What are Electromagnetic fields (EMFs)?
Artificial sources of electromagnetic fields include medical equipment using static fields such as MRI, electric appliances using low frequency electric and magnetic fields (50/60 Hz), and a wide variety of wireless, telecommunications and broadcasting systems which use high radio frequency electromagnetic fields (between 100kHz-300 GHz).
When properly used, electromagnetic fields greatly improve our quality of life, health and well-being. The earth's magnetic field is used by many birds and sea animals for navigation. Above certain exposure levels however, these fields can be potentially harmful to the health of any organism and affect it in different ways depending on their frequency.
Electrosmog
Non-ionizing radiation
(radiation that does not carry enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules—that is, to completely remove an electron from an atom or molecule) such as ultraviolet radiation (UV), radar, radio waves, microwaves (RF),laser rays, as well as static and alternating electric and magnetic fields (voltage, current) can also have damaging effects on living organisms.
This also applies to relatively low exposure levels with
long-term exposure duration. In our highly advanced digital age, sources of nonionizing radiation are increasing at a threatening pace and pose a serious risk to human health; this is also referred to as "electromagnetic pollution" or "electrosmog."
The Human Factor
The increase in human-made and natural radiation levels is caused by, for example, reducing of the ozone layer (UV radiation), deployment of antenna systems and cell towers (RF radiation), careless use of electricity (ELF electric and magnetic fields), large-scale and versatile use of synthetic materials (static electricity), use of magnetized metals, and the accumulation of human-made and natural ionizing radiation (radioactivity) in our immediate living environment.
Potential risks can usually be recognized and assessed, and with relatively little effort, it is possible to reduce or even eliminate relevant exposures without having to sacrifice the luxury and convenience of electricity.
Most common sources of EMFs
Sources:
- electrical installations
- cables
- appliances
- outlets
- walls
- floors
- high voltage and other power lines
Sources:
- AC current in electrical installations
- cables
- appliances
- transformers
- motors
- overhead and ground cables
- power lines
- railways
AC Magnetic Fields
Radiofrequency (RF)
Radiation
Sources:
- cell phone technology
- RF transmitters, broadcast
- trunked radio systems
- line-of-sight systems
- radar
- military
- cordless phones
The WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use.
Sources:
- synthetic carpeting
- drapes and textiles
- vinyl wallpaper
- varnishes
- laminates
- stuffed toy animals
- TV or computer screens
Static Magnetic Fields
Sources:
- steel components in beds
- mattresses
- furniture
- appliances
- building materials
- DC current from street cars
- photovoltaic systems
Sources:
- building materials
- stones
- tiles
- slags
- waste products
- devices
- antiques
- ventilation
- terrestrial radiation
- location
- environment
Radioactivity
Alpha, Beta & Gamma
Radiation, Radon
Geological
Disturbances
Sources:
- currents and radioactivity in the earth
- local disturbances caused by
- faults
- fractures
- underground watercourses
- geological deposits
It is almost impossible to escape all EMFs in the modern world we live in. What is possible though is to minimize EMFs during the most vulnerable stage, that is, while sleeping by mitigating EMF exposure in sleeping areas. We can help you take steps towards a
bedroom free of EMF.