Could your unexplained symptoms be due to exposure to EMFs? Symptoms may include headaches, nosebleeds, nausea, inability to concentrate, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, infertility, miscarriages, blood disorders, cancers, heart palpitations, immunity and much more (1, 2).
There are numerous studies explaining the mechanism by which EMFs impact the action of voltage gated calcium activity and the impact this has not only on human health but that of animals and plants. Professor Martin Pall published an article in February 2020 in which he explains that low intensity EMFs at various frequencies impact on voltage sensors with a cascade of downstream effects on body systems including endocrine, cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive, detoxification, and immune system (3). The impact on these various systems leads to excessive cancers, inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, auto-immune conditions and susceptibility to viruses (2,3). It has been shown that EMFs increase oxidative stress in humans yet stimulate the replication of viruses and encourage mould and fungus growth.
Another area of concern is that of increased risk of miscarriage. A study linking miscarriage to EMF exposure indicated that the higher the exposure levels the higher the risk of miscarriage. After adjustment for confounding factors, women were found to be at an almost 3 times increased risk of miscarriage if exposure was high (i.e. more frequent use of mobile phones and closer proximity to masts). These findings support findings from at least 4 previous studies (4). Once conception has been achieved (which is also proving harder) and pregnancy is progressing, it is imperative that mums-to-be should reduce their exposure to reduce the risk of neurological damage to the unborn child. For more information, please go to the babysafeproject.org (5)
The increasing rates of autism have been shown to be associated with screen time very early on in life as a major contributory factor. (6)
See below under ‘Other measures to improve your resilience to EMFs’ the measures you can take to maintain healthy oxidative stress levels and why this matters.
If you use a mobile phone, it is probably one of your most significant forms of electromagnetic fields (EMF) pollution so what can you do to mitigate the effect and reduce exposure?
Cell phone protection
- When you make a call, don’t put your phone right up close to your ear. Wait until the call has been picked up and wait for a few seconds before putting it closer to your ear. This is because radiation levels are at their highest at the beginning of a call.
- Avoid using your phone when travelling in a vehicle. Cars, buses and trains have a Faraday Cage affect, rather like in a microwave oven, where the radiation is concentrated on everything (that means you!). Also, in a moving vehicle your mobile phone is constantly scanning to maintain contact, radiation levels are much higher than if you were stationary.
- Don’t sleep with your cell phone switched on at night. Your body needs quality downtime to recover. When you sleep, the recovery process is made possible by the release of hormones. Cell phone radiation perturbs the release of these hormones, not only upsetting your sleep pattern but also attacking your immune system.
- Keep your cell phone use to a minimum when you are feeling tired and run down. Think of cell phone radiation as a toxin just like any other toxin. If you’re feeling under the weather, the radiation can make you feel more tired and weaken your organism further.
- Avoid carrying your phone directly on your body. Some phones, like iPhones, emit radiation even when switched off. Flight mode is a safer alternative in some phones, but better to avoid carrying your phone on your body. Even on standby your cell phone communicates at full power with the nearest cell phone tower regularly to ensure it has the best signal possible. If you are in a poor signal area, it may transmit every 30 seconds to try and get a better signal. If you do have to keep your cell phone next to your body keep it away from major organs. To view the small print warnings carried by various devices go to ehtrust.org (6
- Make sure you use your phone only in conditions of optimum reception. Try to use it outside or near a window as much as possible and avoid using it in a basement, underground station, elevator etc. There is no industry standard on the meaning of the signal bars on cellphones but you are best advised to only telephone when all the signal bars are showing as some phones can ramp up their emissions 1000-fold in areas where the signal is poor. This means that for each signal bar that is missing your exposure increases several hundred times.
How to reduce other sources of exposure
- Computers – emit EMFs at many different frequencies. Use an Ethernet connection to connect desktop PC to the router and sit as far away from the router as the wires will allow.
- Laptop, iPad/Tablet: use with an Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Avoid using on the lap and use on a table.
- Wi-Fi in the home – a WiFi installation exposes you to radio frequency (RF) radiation 24/7. It travels through walls and roofs with hardly any signal strength reduction. Studies show that RF radiation of this type has adverse health consequences. The solution is simple. Replace your Wi-Fi installation with wired Internet. Wired routers are faster and safer (in terms of data transmission) than wireless ones. Some Wi-Fi routers can be adjusted to function at lower power levels.
- Smart Meters: opt out and use an analog meter. If this is not possible use shielding from wireless signal.
- Electrical transformers – cellphone and cordless phone chargers and laptop chargers are often the highest source of electrical fields in the home. They emit high electrical fields even when they are switched off. Ideally keep them at least 3-5 feet away.
- Cordless phones – Because of the way these phones are used, cordless phones can be more dangerous than cell phones. Remember most cordless phones emit radiation both from the base and from the handset. EMFs are being emitted even when the phone is not being used. Replace with classic wired phones.
- Main home power meter – (also known as fuse box, load centre) make sure you do not sleep against a wall that has a power meter nearby, even if it’s the other side of the wall. Magnetic fields are usually very high and they are very difficult to shield. Aim to be at least 6 feet away.
- Power lines – Avoid spending time near them. The ‘safe’ distance depends on the volts and current they are carrying. You can ascertain your exposure by using an EMF meter.
- Cell towers – some experts say, ‘keep a safe distance’. 400m is often considered a safe distance. The truth is there is no safe distance, all that can be said is that as a general rule the further you are from a cell tower the better it’s likely to be for you. Much depends on the power levels and to what extent you are caught in its direct beam. An EMF meter will tell you your exposures.
- Microwave oven – a significant source of magnetic fields and RF radiation. Avoid being in close proximity!
- Hairdryers – emit high levels of electrical fields. Use a wall mounted model with an extension hose. Or avoid using your existing model in the evening.
- Metal beds and metal spring mattresses – become easily magnetized, and they also act as an antenna for any ambient EMFs. Replace with an unsprung mattress and a wooden bed frame.
- Electric bedside alarm clocks – best avoided, many of them give off high levels of magnetic fields at the time when you are most vulnerable (night-time) thereby impeding melatonin production. Use a battery clock instead.
- Wireless burglar alarms – they elevate the level of electrosmog in your home. Replace your wireless burglar alarm with a wired security system or infra-red (some people also react to infra-red).
Other measures to improve your resilience to EMFs
As mentioned, EMFs and RF are known to influence metabolic processes and exert biological effects on cells through a range of mechanisms. We are electrical beings and EMFs can change the electric current in the body.
Another mechanism by which EMFs affect us is by increasing levels of oxidative stress and DNA expression. Whilst the formation of free radicals, and therefore the subsequent oxidative stress, is a perfectly normal part of our physiology, we need to maintain a good balance in oxidative stress and anti-oxidative activity in order to remain healthy. Normal bodily functions contribute to free radical formation as does for instance smoking, alcohol, ultraviolet light, exhaust fumes, sugar, refined fats, processed foods, numerous household toxins etc. EMFs have been shown in numerous studies to increase oxidation of the cell membrane, which impacts all metabolic processes and body systems(7).
It is vital to ensure that where you sleep has the lowest EMF exposure possible. This allows the body to repair the damage accumulated during the day. In addition to removing and disconnecting localized sources within your immediate environment, you can also protect your sleeping environment through shielding. You can use clothing, sleeping bags, tents and canopies or even shield your whole room using grounded paint, mesh and blocking fabrics. It is recommended that prior to doing this, you consult an EMF consultant to maximize effectiveness. Shielding is not as simple as it may initially seem!
Oxidative stress is over-whelming our ability to maintain the correct balance leading to an increase in dis-eased states and increased susceptibility to viral infections. It is no coincidence that we are seeing ever-increasing levels of cancers, diabetes, chronic fatigue and auto-immunity.
What can you do to support your resilience?
In addition to the measure already stated, it is more important than ever to ensure a healthy diet. Foods high in antioxidants, that support detoxification pathways, are critical. That means a diet that is very low in sugar, low in processed foods and refined oils. A diet that is high in a rainbow of coloured whole fruits and vegetables, healthy fats (such as unrefined olive oil, butter, coconut oil, hemp, flax oil), whole-grains, free-range animal protein sources including eggs, seeds and nuts.
Liberal use of herbs and spices such as garlic, mustard, chilies, turmeric, ginger, curry leaf and fenugreek which have high antioxidant properties is also advisable (7). Specific nutrients such as vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione, cysteine and Co-Q10 can also be beneficial for reducing oxidative stress levels. If you are looking to optimize your health, you may like to consider consulting a registered nutritional therapist by consulting the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT).
Measuring EMF and RF levels around your home
If you are not sure any of this is worth the effort, then you might like to consider an EMF meter to measure the EMF pollution levels around you.
You want to be able to measure: AC magnetic fields, electric fields and radio frequency radiation/ microwaves and intermediary frequencies (dirty electricity).
AC Magnetic Fields
AC is short for alternating current; the electricity supply in your home will be an AC supply. Magnetic fields can be found wherever current flows. And the more current flows the stronger the magnetic field becomes. Magnetic fields can be found around devices like TV screens (older models tend to give off higher levels), clock radios, computer monitors/disk drives, electric typewriters, electric ovens and lots of other common appliances in your home, office and car… not to mention transformers and power lines near the home. Your household wiring should not emit high levels of AC magnetic fields unless there is a fault, which is not uncommon.
AC Electric Fields
Electric fields are made by variations in voltage. The field becomes stronger at higher voltages. An electric field will exist in a wire if there is no electric current flowing through it. Computer monitors, TV’s, fluorescent lights, improperly grounded electrical equipment, and electric blankets (especially if the polarity is reversed) – can give surprisingly high readings even when switched OFF, if plugged in! AC electric fields are usually measured in volts/meter (V/m).
Radio Frequency (RF) Radiation
These are high frequency EMFs which are transferred through the air; the term “wireless” is often used. Cell phones, cell towers, smart meters, cordless phones, WiFi router/modems are typical examples of devices that use this technology. But increasingly it is being introduced in our cars (for tracking), in our homes, in the form of smart devices (cookers, fridges, washing machines etc.) and in the workplace (smart phones, pagers etc.). Radio frequency radiation is best measured in volts/meter (V/m) or microwatts/m2 (μW/m2).
What is the best meter? That is where it gets very complicated!
These basic guidelines are based on the information provided by Lloyd Burrell author of ‘Long Term EMF Protection’ and founder of The EMF Health Summit.
Useful Links:
https://electricsense.com (Lloyd Burrell)
http://www.electrosmogprevention.org
Clearlightventures.com
Shieldyourbody.com
Emfhomeharmony.co.uk
References:
- Microwave frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produce widespread neuropsychiatric effects including depression. Pall ML. J Chem Neuroanat. 2016 Sep; 75(Pt B):43-51.
- Disturbance of the immune system by electromagnetic fields – A potentially underlying cause for cellular damage and tissue repair reduction which could lead to disease and impairment. Johansson,O. (2009) Pathophysiology https://iddd.de/umtsno/odpsejm/artJohanssonaEN.pdf
- Massive Predicted Effects of 5G in the Context of Safety Guideline Failures:
Very High-Level VGCC Sensitivity to Low-Intensity EMFs and Especially to Pulsations. Dr Martin Pall, Feb25, 2020 - Exposure to Magnetic Field Non-Ionizing Radiation and the Risk of Miscarriage: A Prospective Cohort Study. Li et al. Sci Rep7, 17541 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-16623-8
- The Science of Wireless Radiation. https://babysafeproject.org
- https://zoneinworkshops.com Preventing autism – it might be easier than you think!
- Fine Print Warning On Radiation Exposure In Cell Phone And Wireless Device Manuals. EHTrust.org
- Effects of electromagnetic fields exposure on the antioxidant defense system. Kıvrak, Elfide Gizem et al. 2017 Journal of microscopy and ultrastructurevol. 5,4 (2017): 167-176. doi:10.1016/j.jmau.2017.07.003
- Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Lob, V et al, 2010. Pharmacognosy reviewsvol. 4,8 (2010): 118-26. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.70902