What You Need to Know About Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMFs)
We are exposed to Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMFs) more than ever before. With 5G technology increasing, never being without our smartphones, and ubiquitous hotspots, we must consider the ramifications that these longterm exposures bring. Unfortunately, experts have told us for years that EMF’s are not harmful to our health, but a growing body of research indicates EMFs seem to impact human health in detrimental ways. Our hope in putting out this blog series is to shed light on this growing health concern.
What Exactly Are Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)?
There are many different types of EMFs. Each type has its own frequency, or the number of waves that pass through a fixed point per second. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).
1.000 Hz is a kilohertz (KHz)
1,000,000 Hz is a megahertz (MHz)
1,000,000,000 Hz is a gigahertz (GHz)
EMF’s come from both natural and man-made sources. The earth’s magnetic field and sunlight are examples of EMFs that are natural. Obviously WiFi, electrical wiring, and cellphones are examples of man-made EMF. All EMF frequencies fall on a spectrum from extremely low frequency to extremely high frequency.
The spectrum of EMFs from lowest to highest frequency:
AC power (50 to 60Hz)
TV and radio waves
Cell phone signals
WiFi
Microwaves
Some cell phone networks and WiFi
Infrared rays
Visible light
Ultraviolet (UV) light
X-rays
Gamma rays
Cosmic rays
Some graphics to illustrate the EMF spectrum:
photo credit: www.columbia.edu
photo credit: www.rutgers.edu
Types of EMFS
On the spectrum listed above, those sources of EMFs are classified into two groups according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences:
Low-level, non-ionizing EMF radiation: These EMFs have a frequency lower than visible light. Examples of these include WiFi, power lines, or Bluetooth.
High-level, ionizing EMF radiation: This type of EMF has enough energy to disrupt the structure of an atom by knocking off one or more of its tightly bound electrons, changing that neutral atom into an ion with a positive charge. These EMFs have a frequency higher than visible light. Some examples of this radiation include things like X-rays, gamma rays, and sunlight.
It is undisputed that exposure to high-level ionizing EMF radiation is harmful for human health. We know this because of the extensive safety precautions taken when patients get an X-ray or that we get sunburns when we have prolonged sun exposure.
Sources of EMFs
In our modern society, we depend upon many pieces of technology in our everyday lives. Virtually all of these technologies generate electromagnetic fields. These include:
Cell phones
WiFi
Computers
Radio signals
Televisions
Microwave ovens
Bluetooth devices including AirPods, fitness trackers, keyboards, printers, baby monitors, speakers, gaming consoles and controllers, Amazon Echo and Alexa-enables devises, and “smart” home device including TVs, ovens, thermostats, etc.
Smart meters (digital electric, gas, and water meters that measure utility consumption)
Cordless phones
X-rays
CT scans
MRIs
UV lights
LED lightbulbs and dimmer switches
Power lines
Flying at 35,000 feet
How Do EMFs Cause Damage to the Body?
EMFs impact our bodies at the cellular level. Research shows that low-frequency radiation disrupts voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) which are transmembrane proteins that are found in many cells within the body. VGCCs act as gatekeepers for the cell and allow calcium ions into the cell to carry out various biologic processes such as gene expression, hormone and neurotransmitter function, enzyme activity, etc.
There are many studies that show how VGCCs are disrupted by EMFs. These studies demonstrate that non-ionizing radiation causes a huge influx of calcium into the cells. This calcium influx can lead to oxidative stress, cellular DNA damage, and apoptosis (cell death). These damaging effects on the body therefore can lead to various disease states and cancer.
Additionally, we cannot forget the fact that humans are electrical beings. In fact, all of our cells have a measurable voltage. All of our human organs, including our brains and hearts, function based on intricate electrochemical signals. These signals are intimately involved with numerous bodily processes such as food digestion, brain function, and sleep. As you might guess, EMFs can directly impact the “electricity” within our bodies.
Health Risks for EMF Exposure
You may be surprised to know that there is a growing body of evidence that points to the relationship of prolonged EMF exposure and various health concerns and disease states. We believe there are likely greater health implications to EMF exposure than those listed here, but research is starting to show the following disease states and health consequences:
Cancer
Alzheimer’s
Heart disease
Autoimmunity
Autism
Thyroid issues
Infertility and reproductive problems
Increased severity of other conditions such as Lyme disease and mold illness
Sleep disruption
Symptoms of EMF Exposure and Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome
EMF exposure can manifest itself in many symptoms. In fact, it is estimated that at least 6% of the population is more sensitive to EMFs than others and fall under the term Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome (EHS). Symptoms associated with EMFs include:
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Headaches
Nausea
Dizziness
Heart palpitations
Digestive issues
Red skin
Tingling
Burning sensation
Sleep disruption or Insomnia
Muscle aches and pains
Depression
Infertility
Tinnitus
Cardiac arrhythmia
In our upcoming blog posts we will be discussing the new 5G technology as well as strategies you can implement to protect you and your loved ones from the dangers of EMFs. If you are eager to put some protection in place, we offer EMF protection for home devices such as TVs, computers, and cellphones. They are available at the clinic and online.
Sources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935118303475?via%3Dihub
https://www.who.int/peh-emf/publications/facts/fs296/en/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4074720/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23802593
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25879308
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23802593
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7762673
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19264461/