Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
What is EMF?
EMF is an invisible charge of force that is associated with the use of electricity and capable of affecting living cells. Voltage in any wire creates an EMF around it. EMF is intangible-you cannot feel it, touch it, smell it or see it. EMF is present wherever electricity is used-all electrical appliances emit some EMF. It is also emitted from wireless devices like cellphones, cordless phones, and wireless internet connections (Wi-Fi). The highest levels of EMF have been linked to looped wires, in other words if you make a loop from an electrical wire, the EMF emission can increase from a safe level to 200 times the safe level. Some walls have hidden loops of electrical wire, some appliances have electrical wire looped by the virtue of its design.
Magnetic Field levels are measured in units of milligauss (mG). Electric fields may also be a problem but steps taken to reduce magnetic field exposure should also reduce the electric component as well. The EPA has proposed a safety standard of 1 mG.
Children are most at risk because their bodies are smaller and still developing. As well as experiencing many of the adult symptoms, children may also have trouble concentrating on schoolwork, which affects their ability to learn. EMF exposure may also cause children to be more more restless an disruptive and to exhibit behavioral problems. Research has established links between overexposure to EMF and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and autism.
Scientists now believe as much as 40-50% of the population may be unknowingly experiencing symptoms of Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS), with 3-5% of the cases severe enough to significantly impact an individuals overall quality of life. Many EHS sufferers improve quickly and symptoms disappear, or are lessened, when they are returned to an environment where EMF sources have been reduced or eliminated.
EHS Symptoms:
Magnetic Field levels are measured in units of milligauss (mG). Electric fields may also be a problem but steps taken to reduce magnetic field exposure should also reduce the electric component as well. The EPA has proposed a safety standard of 1 mG.
Children are most at risk because their bodies are smaller and still developing. As well as experiencing many of the adult symptoms, children may also have trouble concentrating on schoolwork, which affects their ability to learn. EMF exposure may also cause children to be more more restless an disruptive and to exhibit behavioral problems. Research has established links between overexposure to EMF and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and autism.
Scientists now believe as much as 40-50% of the population may be unknowingly experiencing symptoms of Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS), with 3-5% of the cases severe enough to significantly impact an individuals overall quality of life. Many EHS sufferers improve quickly and symptoms disappear, or are lessened, when they are returned to an environment where EMF sources have been reduced or eliminated.
EHS Symptoms:
- Sleep disorders (melatonin suppression)
- Chronic pain, night pain and other "unexplainable" pain
- Muscle and joint pain (especially in the hips and back)
- Leg and foot pain (usually nothing shows up on X-rays)
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Skin rashes and irritability
- Memory loss and/or difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Dizziness and nausea
- Muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness, spasms
- Ringing and other sounds in the ears
- "Flu-like" symptoms, respiratory problems
- The ongoing suppression of melatonin
- Leukemia
- Cancer (breast, brain and prostate)
- Damage to the blood brain barrier
- Alzheimer's disease
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and MS-like symptoms
- Depression and anxiety
- Hypertension (increase in blood pressure)
- Diabetes (increase in blood sugar)
- Increased absorption of mercury into the body (perhaps linked to Autism and Alzheimer's disease)
- Thyroid problems in children (ADD/ADHD/OCD)
- Asthma, particularly in children (suppression of the immune system)