EMF Radiation and How It Impacts Your Health

While electronic devices make our lives easier, they can also impact our health in challenging ways. From your cell phone to your “Siri” and “Alexa”, and even your microwave, the electronic devices we use every day expose us to electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

An electromagnetic field is an invisible area of energy with moving electrical charges. Also known as radiation, EMFs can come from electronic devices like x-rays and microwaves or natural sources like thunderstorms. Some EMFs involve ionizing radiation, which can be harmful to the human body.

With fields virtually everywhere, most people are exposed to EMFs on a daily basis. That’s why it’s important for you to understand what EMF radiation is, where it comes from, and how it can impact your body and brain. More importantly, knowing how to protect yourself from radiation will allow you to avoid the negative effects it can have on your health.

What is EMF Radiation?

EMF radiation is an invisible area of energy caused by electricity. There are two categories of radiation — ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation. The type of radiation will determine the impact to your body.

Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation is high-level radiation that has the potential to cause cellular and DNA damage. Forms of ionizing radiation include ultraviolet (UV) and X-Rays. X-ray machines and radioactive materials emit this type of radiation.

High doses of ionizing radiation can prompt free radicals to cause oxidative stress to the body. Oxidative stress does damage to the fatty tissue, DNA, and proteins in the body. This can lead to diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.

Non-Ionizing Radiation

Non-ionizing radiation is low-level radiation, which is generally perceived as less harmful to humans because it is less potent. 

Forms of non-ionizing radiation include Extremely Low Frequency (ELF), Radio Frequency (RF), Microwaves, and Visual Light (or light that’s visible to the human eye). This is the type of radiation that comes from microwave ovens, cell phones, and MRIs.

What devices produce EMF radiation?

Ionizing radiation, the most harmful type, is produced by X-rays, sunlight, and some Gamma rays, like those used to treat cancer. Devices such as X-rays and radioactive materials emit this type of radiation and should be avoided as much as possible.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), medical uses like X-rays and radiation therapy account for 98% of the population dose contribution from all manufactured sources of radiation. It also represents 20% of the population’s total exposure.

As for non-ionizing radiation, this type is often produced by common electronic devices like:

— Mobile phones

— Microwave ovens

— Televisions

— Computers

— Cordless telephones

— Radios

— Smart meters

— Electric and hybrid vehicles

— Remote controls

— Wi-Fi Networks

— Antenna towers for mobile phone networks

— Power lines

— Lasers

— Fluorescent lamps

— Airport scanners

— 5G technology

Some devices that operate at a higher radio frequency than cell phones include: radar, satellite stations, industrial equipment, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices. While AM/FM radios operate at a lower frequency than cell phones.

How do EMFs affect your body and brain?

Exposure to EMFs is not new, especially since there are some natural causes of radiation. However, as humans find themselves exposed to more artificial (or man-made) EMFs, the risks associated with radiation increase.

More studies are needed to know the true extent of EMF exposure. However, the research that exists suggests that EMFs can have negative effects on the human body and brain. The extent of the harm will depend on what type of radiation a person is exposed to and for how long.

Ionizing Radiation

People who are exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation over a longer period of time are most likely to experience damage to the body. For example, cancer patients who are receiving nuclear medicine procedures are exposed to radiation that can negatively impact them.

Exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation can cause immediate damage to the human body. This includes:

— Organ and tissue damage

— Damage to bone marrow

— Burns

— Skin damage

— Hair loss

Ionizing radiation can also cause long-term health problems such as:

— Cancer

— Oxidative damage

— Complications with fertility

— Damage to a developing fetus

Non-Ionizing Radiation

Typical levels of exposure to non-ionizing radiation don’t often affect human health. In normal circumstances, this type of radiation passes through the body without causing harm. 

However, an increase in the use of electronic devices may cause an increase in health risks. With many of us spending hours in front of our cell phones and computers every day, it’s important to limit exposure to non-ionizing radiation to reduce any possible risks.

Symptoms

While non-ionizing radiation is generally less harmful than ionizing radiation, people still report health issues and symptoms after long-term exposure. These symptoms include:

— Headaches

— Anxiety

— Fatigue

— Depression

— Insomnia and other sleep disturbances

— Muscle pain

— Suicidal thoughts

— Nausea

— Loss of libido

— Dulled concentration

— Short-term memory loss

— Eye strain and vision problems

Organ & Tissue Damage

Non-ionizing radiation can also create heat. While it's not typically dangerous, there are some circumstances when it can cause harm to the human body. 

For example, those who are exposed to high doses of non-ionizing radiation in industrial or scientific settings are at risk of tissue damage; such as people who work in construction may be exposed to Radon in radioactive building materials.

Certain organs are more vulnerable to long-term exposure, like the eyes and testes, because of low blood supply and less capacity to regulate temperature.

Immune Function

Radiation can also disturb immune function. It simulates allergic and inflammatory responses and can even disrupt the body’s natural ability to repair itself. Lower immune function can cause an increase in the risk of disease, including cancer.

Sleep Disruption

While non-ionizing radiation does not damage DNA or cells directly, it can reduce levels of the hormone melatonin, which has been shown to suppress the development of tumors. For this reason, it’s recommended that you reduce your exposure to non-ionizing radiation to lower your potential risk of cancer.

What can we do to reduce our exposure to EMF radiation?

With so much of our lives dependent upon electronic devices, it’s nearly impossible to completely eliminate exposure to EMF radiation unless you go off-grid. However, there are ways that you can reduce your exposure to radiation and minimize your risk for health complications.

Ionizing Radiation

When it comes to ionizing radiation, there are still ways to minimize your risk of exposure. Here are a few ways to avoid ionizing radiation:

1. Avoid x-rays or seek an alternative like thermography.

If you need an x-ray, speak to your healthcare provider about other options that don’t include radiation. They may be able to use other recent tests to get the imaging they need. 

You may also be a candidate for an alternative testing solution like thermography. Thermography assesses blood flow patterns, inflammation, and function without radiation and is non-invasive.

While it may not be possible to completely avoid getting x-rays, MRIs, or other medical imaging, there are still ways to reduce your exposure. Doctors and other healthcare professionals will use lead shields to protect the areas of the body that are not targeted for radiation.

2. Get your home tested for Radon.

You may also be exposed to ionizing radiation in building materials that have broken down. Building materials made up of sandstone, concrete, brick, natural stone, gypsum, and granite can decay over time, releasing Radon, a radioactive gas. 

While this is not common, it may be a concern if you live in an older building. The only way to know if you’re exposed is to have your home tested by a professional.

Non-Ionizing Radiation

For non-ionizing radiation, you can make changes to your lifestyle or habits, as well as purchase protective products that help you minimize risk. Here are just a few steps you can take to reduce your exposure to non-ionizing EMF:

1. Turn off electronics when you aren’t using them.

To reduce your exposure to non-ionizing radiation, turn off electronics when you aren’t using them. This includes your Wi-Fi modem. Plug it into a timer that turns it off at night when you’re sleeping, or just manually switch off the modem before bed.

If possible, you can also turn off the breaker switches to your bedroom circuits at night. If you do this, consider using a battery-powered light instead of using lamps that require electricity.

2. Avoid sleeping next to live wires and electronic devices.

To reduce exposure while you’re sleeping, move your bed away from any walls with outlets. Keep any electronic devices out of your bedroom when sleeping. If you need to charge your device at night, charge it in another room. If you need to use your phone as an alarm, make sure it’s at least 3 feet away from your bed.

Not only will this reduce your risk of exposure to EMF, but you will be able to have a more restful sleep each night. Quality sleep plays an important role in improving and maintaining your overall health.

3. Practice healthy cell phone usage.

There are some ways that you can reduce your exposure to EMF while using your cell phone:

— Put your cell phone on airplane mode when you aren’t using it.

— When possible, use the speaker phone option rather than placing the device close to your ear.

— Don’t use wireless cell phone attachments like bluetooth-enabled headsets.

— Avoid placing your cell phone in your pocket and put some distance between you and the device.

In addition to distancing your phone from yourself and using airplane mode often, you can also put an EMF protection cell phone case on your phone to block EMFs. I recommend the DefenderShield Cell Phone Case, which blocks 99.99% of radiation, including the entire 5G spectrum. 

Here are some other recommendations for the best EMF protection cell phone cases on the market today that will help you reduce exposure.

4. Use EMF protective products.

In addition to EMF protection cell phone cases, you can also purchase laptop radiation shields and other shielding materials to reduce exposure. For example, the DefenderPad Laptop Radiation + Heat Shield blocks EMF radiation and heat coming from the bottom of the laptop.

There are also EMF protective boxes that you can place around your wi-fi router or put your devices in when you aren’t using them. Wi-Fi Router Guards like these from Amazon will help protect you from radiation while still allowing you to use your Internet normally.

5. Try using stones and crystals to protect yourself from exposure.

Shungite and tourmaline products are popular tools to reduce exposure to EMF naturally. Shungite is meant to absorb negative energies and toxic environmental substances like EMF and even bacteria. While black tourmaline has a high concentration of iron, which helps it to absorb EMFs.

There are many different ways you can use stones. You can purchase products like jewelry, pendants, and phone stands made of stone or just display raw shungite or tourmaline on your work desk or near devices like your Wi-Fi router and microwave.

Make sure you are choosing a high-quality crystal and that you clean it periodically to optimize the therapeutic properties.

6. Try an ionized foot detox bath.

An ionic foot bath can help get rid of the side effects of EMF radiation. Studies have shown that ionized foot baths help remove heavy metals through the feet. It also enhances the body’s natural ability to detoxify, resulting in a stronger immune system.

If you start to experience side effects from over exposure to radiation like headaches or nausea, try using the ionized foot detox bath to help detox the body.

Protect Yourself from EMFs

The more we expose ourselves to EMFs, the higher the risk of developing health issues and even cancer. Though there may not be a way to get rid of your electronic devices completely, you can still limit your exposure to reduce your health risks.

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