Overview
EMF stands for Electromagnetic fieldsThey decrease dramatically (inverse distance squared)
Two types of EMFs:
ELF = Extremely Low Frequency (1-300Hz)
Example: power lines, many domestic appliances
RF = Radio Frequency (100 kHz to 300Gz)
Examples: mobile phones, cell towers, wi-fi, and other communication devices
FCC exposure limits for the general public aim to limit exposure such that first, the absorption of RF energy averaged across the whole body is limited to 0.08 watts per kilogram (W/kg); this metric is referred to as the specific absorption rate or SAR. However, many say this limit is way too high and causes long term health effects that are not noticeable in the short term.
"The mainstream view is that the only potential danger from EMFs stems from their heating effects on tissue, in the case of RF-EMF, or of electrical currents induced in the body for ELF-EMF. However, there is strong evidence to suggest that the athermal effects of ELF- and RF-EMFs also contribute to various health problems."
Safe levels for RF: less than 100 uW/m2 is safe in the day and less than 10 uW/m2 is safe at night
ELF-EMF
Sources: Vacuum cleaners, electric can openers, microwave ovens, shavers, hair dryers are among the most powerful. For a longer list and actual values, go here.
RF-EMF
Sources: Mobile phone base stations, mobile phones, cordless phones, utility smart meters, remote control toys, wireless networks, radar, baby monitors, CB, NFC devices, Satellite phone, Traffic-speed radar, CFLs, bluetooth, wi-fi, Broadcast TV (VHF, UHF), FM/AM radio broadcast, amateur radio, car radar, etc.
ELF Health Issues
Childhood Leukemia - 300% increased risk at 2mG, and 450% at 4mG (ICNIRP limit is 1000mG)
Alzheimer's disease - increased risk
RF Health Issues (Especially Cell phones)
RF has been given a 2B classification possibly carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This is in the same category as is carbon black, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, DDT, lead, nickel, phenobarbital, styrene, diesel fuel, and gasoline.
Acoustic neuromas
Gliomas (brain tumors) - 200% increase risk after 10 years of usage on one side of the head. 470% for cordless phones.
Melatonin - decreased production levels that affect alzheimer's, depression, cardiovascular diseases, insomnia, mood disorders, tinnitus, and cancer.
DNA and chromosome damage
Neurotransmitter impacted
Central Nervous System changes: especially cell death
sperm damage & male infertility
miscarriages
vaginal discharge
vascular system disease
tinnitus
childhood cancer
sleep problems
depression
irritability
memory loss
concentration difficulties
headaches
dizziness and fatigue
suicidal tendencies
arrhythmia
heart attacks
bone marrow interference
altered calcium level in cells
ADHD
reduction in night-time melatonin
suppression of the immune system
arthritis
rheumatism
skin symptoms
lymphatic diseases
autism
hearing problems
fibromyalgia
weakened immune system
ICNIRP
They say in a review of studies...
Exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields, biological effects and health consequences (100 kHz-300 GHz) - says "Results of epidemiological studies to date give no consistent or convincing evidence of a causal relation between RF exposure and any adverse health effect. On the other hand, these studies have too many deficiencies to rule out an association. " They also say not enough is known or proven so we need more studies on the subject.
Which side do you want to error on?
Cell phones
According to this study, there is linear relationship between cell phone subscriptsions (usage) and brain tumors.
All the affects of RF are included if you use a cell phone.
Tests show young men who keep their phones in a pants pocket have reduced sperm counts.
Meters
RF and Microwave meters
Wiring, appliances = need ELF meter for around 50Hz
mobile phones, microwaves, RF
CFL - 2kHz to 100kHz
Antennas and Cell Towers
As it turns out the number of feet you are from the cell tower can make a big difference. At 300 feet away most meters can't detect the signal anymore. The actual exposure will vary depending on height, obstacles, etc between you and the tower. So, it may be useful to find antennas and cell tower near your office and home. I found this site that is great for this. The trick is that exposure is the sum of the towers, not just a single tower. In my case, there are about 100 towers and 607 antennas within 4 miles of me. Ultimately, a very sensitive meter. This one is a good economical choice.
Common Frequencies
Wi-fi: 2.4GHz (sometimes 5GHz with 802.11n) with range of about 330ft max.
Bluetooth 2.4GHz with range usually around 30 feet
Zigbee 2.4GHz with range around 30 - 60 feet approximately
Z-wave 900 MHz with range up to around 100 ft
Mobile phone 800MHz to 2690MHz
TV Broadcast 7MHz - 1002MHz
Baby Monitor: 49MHz, 902MHz or 2.4GHz
Microwave Oven 2450MHz during use only
Smart Meter (from Utility company) 900MHz or 2400MHz. SRP says it is only 45seconds a day.
CFL 20kHz to 50kHz
Cordless up to 5.8GHz
What can be done:
- Using fibre-optic cables for your broadband
- Using wired connections whenever possible
- Keeping mobile and cordless phones away from your body
- Using wired baby monitors: children are more effected by EMFs than adults
- Keeping wireless routers or cordless phones out of regularly used bedrooms or children’s bedrooms
- Reducing time spent in calls when using mobile or cordless phones
- Reducing children’s exposure to wireless devices as much as possible
- Avoiding using microwave oven
- Avoiding placing wireless computers on your lap
- Avoiding allowing your children to use remote-control toys for long periods of time, if at all
- Should not be using cell phones without “ear buds.”
- Should not keep cell phones that are turned on in their clothing next to their body. Use the speaker option.
- Recognize that texting and other phone functions can be less dangerous than holding a phone next to your head to hear.
- Remember that cordless phones also pose similar radiation hazards, so minimize their use at home.
- And the golden rule is: minimize exposure to all forms of EMFs in the two to three hours before you sleep. - See more here. To keep Melatonin levels up you should avoid exposure to light late at night because light at night can inhibit the production of melatonin. The IARC has classed light at night as a class 2A carcinogen. Here is software to adjust color on your computer to a more night appropriate color and brightness.
1. Do nothing different and hold mobile phone up to your head.
2. Hold it a little bit away from your head.
3. Use the speaker phone (at arms length from your head)
4. Text more This likewise keeps the phone away from your head and body and actually reduces radio frequency exposure compared to using the speakerphone. This is because the phone only sends out a pulsed, digital frequency when you hit "send," rather than almost continuously when you are on speakerphone. There will also be bursts of radio frequency as your phone synchs up with the tower for other functions (incoming texts and other messages, email, software updates). This option is also better than holding the phone right next to your head.
5. Use the earphone provided by your cell phone manufacturer and hold the phone at arm's length when you make a call. This is also better than putting the phone next to your head, but is not the best solution because most earphone cords can carry radio frequencies (RF) up the cord and concentrate them at your head.
6. Use the earphone provided by your cell phone manufacturer and install two ferrite snap beads on the cord. This is better than using a wired earphone by itself. Purchase the snap beads from Less EMF
7. Place one at the bottom of the cord where it plugs into the phone and the other about 3/4 of the way up (the earphones from Robert have a different configuration). This blocks radiation as it comes out of the phone. It also blocks RF radiation picked up by the cord through the air from your own cell phone antenna as well as frequencies transmitted by other cell phones and cell towers nearby. See here for more details on quality production.
8. Purchase an air tube earphone and hold the phone away from your body. Don't keep the phone in a pocket when you are on the call. You can purchase air tube earphones from Less EMF; 888-537-7363.
In California, you can purchase them from:
- John Black in Costa Mesa (949-261-7352),
- Robert Brandolino, also in Costa Mesa (949-235-0561), or
- Sue Long in Tustin (949-387-2084)
Once you have an air tube earphone, be sure to install two ferrite snap beads onto the cord (again, Robert's have a different arrangement). This is the least harmful option. The plastic air tube in the six inches closest to the earbud keeps all frequencies from your head, but you can still have frequencies travel up the cord right out of the cellphone and from cell towers and other cell phones through the air, which then radiate off the cord as it drapes against your body. That is why the snap beads are still needed.
9. Avoid using your cell phone altogether except for a few moments at a time, and only a few times per week.
We do not recommend the use of a Bluetooth headset because you are still exposing the cells of your head and brain to so-called "low-frequency information-carrying radio waves," which are the most harmful frequencies emitted by wireless devices. While the power output of the carrier wave transmitted by a Bluetooth is only 1/50th the strength of the carrier wave transmitted by a cell phone, the Bluetooth still transmits potentially harmful low-frequency information-carrying radio waves.
Also, using a cell phone in a car is a bad idea as the cell phone can actually be put in a mode where the signal strength is increased so it can make it through the metal in the car. Don't use Bluetooth either, it just adds to the RF in the car. Play it safe if you can, don't take a call in the car.
Another option is to use the BlocSock. It allows you to make and receive calls, but reduces you exposure dramatically, by shielding the side that is near you. I'm not sure how it fits into the list above, but I'm pretty sure it could be used in conjunction with the others to further improve it.
For carrying the phone, the Cell-shield Holster may be a good idea.
Links:
Good beginners guide to meters
Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs), Extremely Low-Frequency (ELF) and Radiofrequency (RF): What are the Health Impacts?
Technical Details on sources of EMF - IEEE and ICNIRP both says no need to change safe limit guidelines.
Search for Cell towers and Antennas by address
Smart Meter Study
44 reasons to believe cell phones can cause cancer
How WiFi and Other Electromagnetic Fields Cause Biological Harm
The INTERPHONE Study - study says no increased risk for Glioma, meningioma, accoustic neuroma
World Health Organisation verdict on mobile phones and Cancer - cell phones could cause cancer
Cell phone Safety List - very good article on what can be done if you use a cell phone, but want to minimize the risk. Much of the cell phone recommendations are copied from here.
Safeliving Technologies - products to help limit exposure.
Safe Limits
