By: Jacob Rogers

What do cell phones, power lines, Wi-Fi routers, laptops, smart TVs, and microwave ovens all have in common? They emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs). According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S., EMFs are a form of non-ionizing radiation that does not carry enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules by completely removing their electrons. Unlike ionizing radiation used in X-rays (and gamma rays), non-ionizing radiation from EMF exposure does not immediately and obviously damage DNA. 

What are EMFs? 

EMFs, or electromagnetic fields, are energy sources surrounding electronic devices. The movement of electrically charged particles produces EMFs, which are a combination of electric and magnetic fields. EMFs exist in both natural and human-made environments and are generally categorized into ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. 

Ionizing EMFs produce enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms when hit with a wave, creating ions. Non-ionizing EMFs, on the other hand, contain less energy and are generally considered less harmful. However, the potential health effects of long-term exposure to non-ionizing radiation severely lack research and public attention. 

What Do We Know?

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified radiofrequency EMFs as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” based on evidence of increased cancer risk, particularly regarding an increased risk of glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use.

Despite increasing awareness about the dangers posed by long-term exposure to EMFs, most people remain blissfully ignorant. We carry 5G-capable phones in our pockets and hold them in front of our faces for hours without pause. A 2018 study on mice exposed to high radiofrequency radiation (RFR) levels similar to those used in 2G and 3G cell phones found “clear evidence” of tumors in the hearts of male rats. This is alarming since the energy transfer in 5G is much greater, and ERF exposure is for longer durations, painting a grim picture of the long-term biological effects it will impose on our health and well-being.

In fact, the BioInitiative Report from 2020, compiled by a group of independent scientists, researchers, and public health policy professionals who reviewed more than 1,800 studies on the biological effects of EMFs, advises that EMF exposure is linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, neurological issues, and reproductive damage.

What EMFs are Natural? 

Not all EMFs are detrimental to human health. Natural EMFs include the earth’s magnetic field, which guides compasses, and the static electric fields that occur in thunderstorms. The sun is also a significant natural source of EMFs in the form of solar wind and solar flares, emitting a broad spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared.

Humans are also infinitely exposed to background radiation. Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR) is the thermal radiation that is as constant as night and day. It is generally considered the residue of our planet’s birth and the epic collisions it experienced. Added to this is the EMF radiation that comes from auroras, lightning, volcanic activity, and so on. 

Are Some EMFs Good for You? 

Absolutely. In fact, without the aforementioned background EMFs, humans would not exist. The earth’s magnetic field plays a crucial role in navigation and has been found to have a positive impact on human health and well-being. Another beneficial EMF source is the visible light from the sun, which is essential for the production of vitamin D that enriches our skin. 

Additionally, specific types of EMFs are used therapeutically. These include Far-infrared radiation (FIR), used in saunas and therapy devices to promote healing and improve circulation; Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), which uses low-power lasers or LEDs to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation; and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), employing low-frequency EMFs to stimulate cellular repair and enhance overall health.

How Does the EMF Spectrum Relate to Light and Sound? 

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses a range of frequencies, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Visible light, the portion of the spectrum we can see, falls between infrared and ultraviolet light. Sound, however, is not part of the electromagnetic spectrum; it is a mechanical wave that requires a medium such as air or water to travel through. While both light and sound can be used for communication and have varying wavelengths and frequencies, they are fundamentally different types of waves.

How are EMFs Measured? 

EMFs are measured using various instruments, depending on the frequency and intensity of the electromagnetic field. Common tools include Gauss meters, which measure magnetic fields, and electric field meters. Radiofrequency fields are often measured in terms of power density, such as microwatts per square centimeter (µW/cm²).

What Precautions Can You Take Against Harmful EMFs?

In no particular order, here are some key tips to limit your exposure to the invisible threat posed by EMFs while still using your essential devices. 

1. Activate speakerphone or use earphones to keep your phone at a safe distance from your head. Also, utilize your instant messaging channels.
2. For optimal EMF protection, carry your cell phone in a bag or, even better, use an EMF-blocking case. If these are not available, avoid carrying your phone in your pocket or bra. 
3. Airplane mode cuts EMF levels to zero. Always turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data when you don’t need them or when sleeping by activating airplane mode.
4. Opt for wired internet connections instead of Wi-Fi. While wired peripherals like keyboards, mice, and headsets emit minimal amounts of EMF, using ones with wires is still advised. 
5. Keep a safe distance from devices that emit EMFs, such as microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, and smart meters. Place routers away from living and sleeping areas, and never stand with your nose pressed against the microwave, however enthralling it is to watch popcorn pop. 
6. Keep all electronic devices away from the bed. Consider turning off the Wi-Fi router at night in addition to activating sleep mode on your cell phone.
7. Buy an EMF meter. These devices are somewhat technical but help you identify high EMF zones in your home or workplace, mitigating your EMF exposure. 
8. Laptops were never designed to sit on laps. Aside from the balance issue and tricky ergonomics associated with such unnatural typing positions, laptops are a major EMF offender. In addition, they emit EMFs in regions where EMF exposure can affect reproductive organs. 
9. EMF protection devices like EMF shielding, which involve using certain conductive metals, fabrics, or EMF-blocking paints, are further options but do have their limitations. 
10. Ultralux Health has developed a smart device that potentially impacts exposure to EMFs, and it has been tested in over 25 studies, including multiple double-blind human studies. 

Conclusion

Understanding EMFs and their potential impacts on our health is crucial in our increasingly IoT-dependent, interconnected world. While research on long-term exposure to non-ionizing radiation remains limited and, to some degree, speculative, taking proactive steps to limit your exposure with such an abundance of household appliances can help mitigate potential biological risks. By following practical tips such as using speakerphones, opting for wired connections, employing sleep mode, and keeping devices at a safe distance from your body, you can reduce your EMF exposure without sacrificing the convenience of modern technology. As our knowledge about EMFs continues to evolve, staying informed and making mindful choices are sure ways to safeguard your health without abandoning modern conveniences. 

Author’s Bio

Jacob Rogers is a first-generation college graduate from BYU with a Master’s in Instructional Psychology and Technology. His versatile career has taken him from a Missouri farm to becoming the CEO and co-founder of UltraLux Health. Currently a Ph.D. candidate, Jacob has woven his rich, multi-industry expertise—including podcasting, technology, and new media—into crafting health solutions like the UltraLux Water Machine. Jacob’s commitment to blending advanced technology with effective healthcare practices makes him a leading figure in the natural health industry. He advocates using scientific insights to improve well-being through innovations like red light therapy and defense against EMF radiation.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The contents of this article should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Published by: Khy Talara