Electromagnetic field or electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are invisible waves of energy that surrounds electrical devices. Televisions, monitors, refrigerators, and practically any electronic device on this planet including cellular phones, all emit EMF. In fact, almost all of humanity is practically immersed in an invisible sea of electromagnetic field. Although it has been shown that the magnetic fields that penetrate the body do modify the biological functioning of living organisms, it is still up for debate as to the detrimental outcome of the modification.
Why Worry?
In 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drafted a report entitled “Evaluation of the Potential Carcinogenicity of Electromagnetic Fields”. The report showed some evidence suggesting a cause and effect relationship between magnetic fields and cancer incidence in humans, especially in children. The study reported that magnetic fields could interact with human cells and tissue inducing a carcinogenic response. Upon completing the draft, the EPA made the recommendation to classify EMFs as a Class B carcinogen. Class B means that there is a probability for EMF to cause cancer in humans. It would be included with chemicals like DDT, formaldehyde, and dioxins. However, after the report was publicly released and now affecting utility, military, and large computer industries, the EPA changed its tune and its recommendation no longer classifying EMF as a class B carcinogen. Instead, they claimed that the link between EMFs and cancer is not appropriate despite the fact that the study detailed a consistent pattern of childhood leukemia, cancer of the nervous system, and lymphoma with EMF exposure.
EMF Safety
There are various recommended ratings for EMF tolerability. For instance, with computers, the Swedish safety standard specified a maximum of 0.25 mG at a distance of 50cm. However, a lot of U.S. manufacturers have 5-100 mG at the same distance. In fact, protective screens that are placed over monitors do not block the EMF. Various states have certain legislations regarding the required tolerable amount of EMF.
Be Aware
The EPA offers a couple of suggestions for those who are wary of EMF exposure. Create distance between you and the EMF source. Minimize the time you spend exposed to the source.
Opt for hands-free devices when talking on a wireless or cellular phone. The electromagnetic radiation that they give off takes the form of radio-frequency (RF) energy. Although studies are still inconclusive as to the negative health effects caused by the radiation from cell phones, keeping the phone away from your brain is an easy safeguard to implement.
There are commercially available EMF meters that you can also use to determine the amount of EMF radiation a particular device emits. You can even measure electric wirings using an EMF meter.
As the general public becomes more aware and more concerned about electromagnetic field (EMF), the controversy and debate regarding its safety continue.
Since we have yet to know if EMF exposure may cause or encourage cancer, if there are safe exposure levels, and if there are any safeguards that we can take to protect ourselves, it’s best to take some precautions. This controversy is likely to follow a similar path as smoking cigarettes, with one study confirming the risks and another disproving the dangers until eventually the truth surfaces. Think of the big organizations, that are influencing and encouraging inconclusive correlations between EMF and health hazards, and ask yourself if it’s worth the risk.
