Electromagnetic Fields: What Are They? Do They Affect Us?

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Raise your hand if you remember the first discussions around electromagnetic fields and how exposure to them can mess with us. 

So, what exactly are Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)? Despite the harm some of them pose to us, it’s actually quite a fascinating subject.

Electromagnetic Fields are physical fields produced by electrically charged objects. 

Now, how do these EMFs affect us? Well, that depends on both the frequency and intensity of the EMF(s) in question and how sensitive each individual is to that frequency. Let me give you some examples using every-day items most of us use.

Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

Think power-lines, electrical appliances, and other common sources of electricity. This category uses non-ionizing radiation. 

Don’t be scared by the word ‘radiation’! Non-ionizing radiation means that these items are not strong enough to cause direct damage to our DNA.

Some things to consider regarding Low-Frequency EMF effects:

Thermal Effects! All this means is that Low-Frequency EMFs put off by power-lines, electrical appliances, and other common sources of electricity can heat the skin/ body through direct or close enough contact. Use your judgment with this one; if it feels like your skin is burning, move away from it and maybe call the electrician to make sure electricity isn’t being wasted trying to power whatever it is that’s burning hot!

Non-thermal effects! There’s actually still research going on to see if these baddies can cause any other health effects, such as increased risk of cancer or other diseases. The evidence is inconclusive as of now, with organizations like The WHO generally considering low-level exposure to Low-Frequency EMFs as safe. 

Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields

These are fields required for radio communication, so think radios and microwaves. Hah! I bet y’all thought microwaves were in the first category, but no!

Some things to consider regarding Radiofrequency EMF effects:

Like the Low-Frequency EMFs, these buddies put off non-ionizing radiation. 

What are some potential health effects that studies have found? 

Well, it’s very similar to Low-Frequency EMFs. They do produce thermal effects, resulting in being able to heat the skin and body. 

As for non-thermal effects, research is still ongoing to determine if Radiofrequency EMFs can cause cancer. Some studies have suggested the possibility of long-term, high-level exposure and certain types of cancer, but results are still inconclusive at this time.

High-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

Think Ultraviolet (UV) light, Gamma rays, and X-rays. Unlike the previous two types of EMFs, the health effects of long-term exposure to this category is quite well documented and often brutal in both the short and long term.

Unlike the previous two, this category puts off ionizing-radiation which can definitely be damaging to the body after a certain amount of exposure. What does ionizing-radiation even mean? It means that High-Frequency EMFs have enough energy to mess with atoms and molecules by removing tightly bound electrons from them. This can result in damage to DNA and other cellular structures. Think physical burns (sunburns), cancer, radiation sickness.

Sounds bad, right? I agree. Let’s break down a bit more clearly where people will find themselves exposed to UV light, Gamma rays, and X-rays so we can better know how to protect ourselves from High-Frequency EMFs.

First, where can we find them?

UV Light: Direct and indirect sunlight, tanning beds, fluorescent and halogen lamps. 

Gamma rays: some medical treatments (Ex: radiation therapy to treat cancer), nuclear reactions (fission, fusion, and decay), cosmic rays (literally from outer space and can pierce through Earth’s atmosphere a bit). 

X-rays: medical imaging (getting an x-ray of your teeth at the dentist, different body parts at urgent care, etc.), airport security scanners (that massive structure you step into, stand wide and lift your arms above your head).

Now, how can we minimize our exposure/ protect ourselves from these?

UV Light: Sunscreen! Higher SPFs are better as they protect your skin from sunburns better for longer. You can still tan, but is a golden glow worth the increased risk of cancer and early-aging? Wearing protective gear like sunglasses and hats is another great way to protect the delicate skin on your face, neck, and chest, and of course the shade is always our friend!

Gamma rays: The amount of opportunities we have to be exposed to Gamma rays is significantly less than UV light if not working in a profession where technology harnessing these is present. If you do find yourself around equipment that puts off Gamma rays, wear the protective gear and follow the guidelines and safety protocols put in place even if it requires extra time! Sometimes we need medical treatments that involve Gamma rays, and that’s okay – listen to the medical professionals!

X-rays: Listen to the medical professionals – again – and only get X-ray based imaging when medically necessary. 

Now, let’s bring this all to some kind of point!

Here are some easy examples of how to limit your exposure to the EMFs we can be exposed to regularly for those of us more sensitive to them, or more cautious about them:

Computer & Mobile phones

  • Use a barrier when placing laptop on your lap or stomach, something with some level of thickness like a pillow
  • Avoid long-term use of Bluetooth headsets. I’ve been told numerous times that corded ones are superior in terms of audio and mic anyway!
  • Keep mobile phones a good distance away from your body when not in use, consider getting a more traditional alarm clock too?
  • Limit phone call time when having to hold your phone up to your face. Corded headphones can be your friend!

Home Protection

  • Keep the bedroom clear of devices that emit EMFs
  • Turn off wireless tech when not in use, or avoid entirely if possible
  • Avoid CFL and Halogen lighting if possible
  • Unplug appliances when not in use – which will help you to save on your electric bill anyway!

Natural Detox

  • Walk barefoot in nature – touch grass!
  • Eat detox foods like asparagus and get in those leafy greens!
  • Load up on plants that absorb radiation! Did you know plants actually emit clicking noises that we can’t hear? Brings a whole other level to cats chewing on them

It’s been great for me putting this blog post together, as it allowed me to update my knowledge on EMFs with all of the current, up-to-date research findings. 

As someone who has had to fight, and fight hard, to reclaim my body and my health, I feel more comfortable not taking what I feel to be too much of a risk. What does this mean? Well, I don’t sleep with my phone plugged into a charger on my nightstand. I prefer to keep it in my en-suit bathroom, close enough to hear any late-night calls that may be an emergency. I don’t have a TV or routers in my bedroom either and definitely don’t get a full mouth X-ray at the dentist every year.

Those are just some examples; we all must evaluate the facts and what we feel comfortable with! If you think you may be exposed to high EMF’s and would like to verify that, one of the testing companies that I use tests for EMF levels as one of the toxins along with metals, parasites, molds, bacteria, and viruses. It’s always best to test and not guess when it comes to potential toxic exposures. Let me know if you have questions and if you found this information useful. For more info on bioenergetic testing click here