Are EMFs Dangerous?

[vc_row type="in_container" full_screen_row_position="middle" column_margin="default" column_direction="default" column_direction_tablet="default" column_direction_phone="default" scene_position="center" text_color="dark" text_align="left" row_border_radius="none" row_border_radius_applies="bg" overlay_strength="0.3" gradient_direction="left_to_right" shape_divider_position="bottom" bg_image_animation="none"][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_tablet="inherit" column_padding_phone="inherit" column_padding_position="all" column_element_spacing="default" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" column_link_target="_self" gradient_direction="left_to_right" overlay_strength="0.3" width="1/1" tablet_width_inherit="default" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" bg_image_animation="none" border_type="simple" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text]Knowing that we are surrounded by many sources of electromagnetic radiation can be an unsettling thought making us ask ‘Are EMFs Dangerous?’ The idea of invisible forces having an impact on our bodies as we work, play, and sleep can leave us feeling very vulnerable. What makes it worse is the fact that there is so much conflicting information out there about the safety of EMFs. On the one hand, we are reassured that the individual technologies we use are considered safe enough to be sold, but on the other, there is no reassurance that being exposed to multiple EMFs at the same time is safe. Delve a little deeper, and you may uncover worrying information that suggests that EMFs are not proven to be safe. In fact, they are considered by many scientists to be potentially dangerous to human health.

Where are EMFs Found?

EMFs, measured in volts per meter, are found anywhere where there is electricity. However, some sources create larger EMFs than others. Computers, cell phones, Bluetooth devices, wireless routers, microwaves, etc., are among the devices that we typically use every day which produce larger EMFs. Thinking about how many of these types of devices we encounter every day naturally prompts us to ask the question, ‘are EMFs dangerous?’ After all, most of us are surrounded by these devices right now, and most of us carry them around all day long in our pockets. If we are going to be exposed to so many EMFs, it is important that we are either completely sure that they are scientifically proven to be safe or that we make efforts to mitigate the potential dangers.

Are EMFs Dangerous - The Big Debate

Since electromagnetism and EMFs were discovered and studied back in the late 19th Century, experts have been trying to establish a firm answer to the big question; are EMFs dangerous? The truth is that they have not been proven to be dangerous, and they have not been proven to be safe. Some studies suggest that they are safe, but some suggest that they are dangerous to human health. For this reason, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified mobile phone EMFs as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

Cellphone Dangers

One of the most concerning sources of EMFs are the cellphones we all carry with us as we go about our daily lives. These have become an integral part of how we work, socialize, and spend our leisure time. With the development of smartphones, we have become increasingly reliant on these handy devices, and so their safety has become even more important. The problem with studies into cell phone use and possible cancer links are that cellphones have simply not been in widespread use for long enough for patterns to show up connecting phone use and medical problems. However, the longest study (Brain tumor risk in relation to mobile telephone use: results of the INTERPHONE international case-control study), which began in 2000, found a positive correlation between those with the highest exposure to cell phone EMFs and the incidence of glioma. Glioma causes a type of cancerous brain and spinal cord tumor. Worryingly, the tumors were more likely to be found on the same side of the head that the person typically held the cell phone to. This connection, while not strong enough to confirm that cellphones cause cancer, has led to more studies that are ongoing.

EMF Health Effects

There is no doubt that high exposure to EMFs can cause damage to humans. The question that scientists are asking is not ‘are EMFs dangerous?’ but rather ‘what level of exposure to EMFs can be proven to be safe.’ As yet, we simply do not know where to draw the line between safe and unsafe exposure. However, we are not sure that high levels of exposure can cause many unpleasant and dangerous symptoms. These symptoms include the following:

• Headache/migraine
• Mood disorders such as depression, irritability, anxiety, etc.
• Fatigue
• Skin problems such as dysesthesia, itching, pain, tingling, etc.
• Dizziness 
• Cognitive issues such as memory problems, poor focus, etc.
• Changes in appetite, including nausea

EMF Exposure Guidelines

There are international guidelines that aim to provide information about what levels of EMF exposure are considered safe. This guidance gives information about the risk of certain levels of exposure. Electrical appliances should be tested in order to make sure that they do not exceed the safe EMF guidelines, but this does not always happen. Home testing is possible for measuring EMFs, and this can give you insight into the exposure you may be getting in various rooms of your home.

The Future of EMF Research

There is a huge demand worldwide for definitive research into the safety of EMFs. Check any basic insurance policy, and you may find that damage caused to property or people by EMFs is not covered. It is hugely worrying for anyone who is exposed to EMFs as they go about their daily lives. Our homes, workplaces, and even the great outdoors can have hidden EMFs that we are not even aware of. We all want to enjoy modern technology and the benefits! Modern tech connects us to one another; it opens up an entire world of research and information at our fingertips. Also, it is important to note that the worries over whether EMFs are safe is not healthy either! If we can make simple changes to our daily lives that reduce our exposure, as advised by many of the bodies that monitor such things, then we can reduce our risks and gain valuable peace of mind.

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