Understanding the Impact of Man-Made Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) on Health
What we’ll cover
The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses both ionising and non-ionising radiation. Natural radiation exposure on Earth is moderated by the planet’s low-frequency direct current magnetic fields and protective magnetosphere. However, these natural defences are increasingly bypassed or overwhelmed by man-made EMFs, which have unnatural signalling and propagation characteristics, further amplified by satellite technologies.
What Are Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)?
Non-ionising EMFs are prevalent in all wireless technologies and infrastructures, including cellphones, WiFi, smart meters, grids, and medical diagnostic equipment like MRIs. These EMFs are used extensively in modern society and affect daily life and health. Research suggests that chronic low-level EMF exposure should be recognised as a pollutant with potentially detrimental effects on humans and wildlife.
Health Risks Associated with EMF Exposure
Autonomic Nervous System Disruption
Exposure to EMFs from high-power electrical lines, wireless antennas, and cell phones can lead to sympathetic dominance of the autonomic nervous system. This imbalance decreases resilience to stress and alters heart rate variability (HRV), increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and mental health disorders.
Home and Office EMF Sources
Common household devices such as computers, modern televisions, energy-efficient appliances, dimmer switches, and cordless phones emit EMFs. These can disrupt human physiological functions and interfere with other electronic devices, including critical medical equipment.
Cancer Risk
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorises extremely low-frequency EMFs (from high-voltage lines) and radiofrequency EMFs (from cell phones) as possible carcinogens (category 2B). EMF exposure may also contribute to neurodegenerative disorders, memory loss, mood changes, oxidative stress, inflammation, altered cerebral blood flow, DNA damage, and genotoxicity.
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS)
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is a condition in which individuals experience adverse health effects from exposure to EMFs, even at low levels. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, concentration and memory issues, and more. EHS is often associated with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), linked to low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and potential neurotransmitter abnormalities.
Clinical Symptoms of EHS
| Symptom | EHS (%) | Normal Controls (%) | MCS (%) | EHS/MCS (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headache | 88 | 0 | 80 | 96 |
| Dysesthesia | 82 | 0 | 67 | 96 |
| Myalgia | 48 | 6 | 48 | 76 |
| Arthralgia | 30 | 18 | 24 | 56 |
| Ear heat/otalgia | 70 | 0 | 16 | 90 |
| Tinnitus | 60 | 6 | 35 | 88 |
| Hyperacusis | 40 | 6 | 20 | 52 |
| Dizziness | 70 | 0 | 52 | 68 |
| Balance disorder | 42 | 0 | 40 | 52 |
| Concentration/attention deficiency | 76 | 0 | 67 | 88 |
| Loss of immediate memory | 70 | 6 | 56 | 84 |
| Confusion | 8 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Fatigue | 88 | 12 | 72 | 94 |
| Insomnia | 74 | 6 | 47 | 92 |
| Depression tendency | 60 | 0 | 29 | 76 |
| Suicidal ideation | 20 | 0 | 9 | 40 |
| Transitory cardiovascular abnormalities | 50 | 0 | 36 | 56 |
| Ocular deficiency | 48 | 0 | 43 | 56 |
| Anxiety/panic | 38 | 0 | 19 | 28 |
| Emotivity | 20 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Irritability | 24 | 6 | 14 | 24 |
| Skin lesions | 16 | 0 | 14 | 45 |
| Global body dysthermia | 14 | 0 | 6 | 8 |
Reducing EMF Exposure
To mitigate the potential health risks associated with EMF exposure, consider the following lifestyle changes:
- Limit the use of cell phones and electronic devices.
- Avoid placing wireless communication infrastructure, such as cellphone towers, in heavily populated areas or near schools.
- Opt for wired connections where possible to reduce reliance on wireless technologies.
- Distance is your friend, the further you are away from the source the better.
Conclusion
Man-made EMFs from cellphones, WiFi, and other technologies bypass natural protective measures, exposing people to higher-than-natural radiation levels. These exposures are linked to numerous health risks, including heart disease, metabolic syndrome, mental health disorders, and cancer. Awareness and lifestyle adjustments can help mitigate these risks and promote better health outcomes.
By understanding and addressing the potential hazards of EMF exposure, we can better protect our health and the health of future generations.
Sources:
- Levitt, B. Blake, et al. “Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 2 impacts: how species interact with natural and man-made EMF.” Reviews on Environmental Health, vol. 37, no. 3, 2021, pp. 327-406.
- Mansourian, M. “EMF exposure and cardiovascular disease.” 2023.
- Havas, Magda. “Biological effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields.” 2008.
- Mortazavi, S. “Cellphone radiation and its effects on human health.” 2014.
- Belpomme, Dominique, and Philippe Irigaray. “Electrohypersensitivity and related symptoms.” Environmental Research, vol. 212, pt. A, 2022.
- Meo, S. A. “EMF exposure and blood glucose levels.” 2013.
- Masoumi, S. “WiFi EMFs and health effects.” 2018.
- Genuis, S. J. “Health effects of EMF exposure.” 2012.
- Kaszuba-Zwoińska, J. “Neurological effects of EMF exposure.” 2015.
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