Exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) and Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) are emerging concerns for residents in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.
We are exposed to man-made EMF both in occupational environments and in everyday life. Most common technology-related EMF include radiofrequency (RF) EMF, i.e. radiowaves and microwaves (100 kHz–300 GHz), and power frequency EMF (50, 60 Hz). RF-emitting devices are extensively used in industry (welding machines, induction heaters), amateur radio stations, telecommunication (TV and radio broadcast stations), medicine (NMR, diathermy), and in everyday life (microwave ovens, mobile phones and 5G—the newest generation of mobile communication)
With 5G technology now in place, never being without our smartphones, and our homes becoming hotspots, we must consider the ramifications that these long term exposures bring. There is a growing body of research that indicates EMFs seem to impact human health in detrimental ways.
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, ham radio, 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
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 in an aircraft 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
There is a growing body of evidence that points to the
relationship of prolonged EMF exposure and various health concerns and disease
states. 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
Next Steps – Inspection and Testing of Exposure Levels
Based on Vancouver Island, Pacific Decontamination Services can inspect and test your home, or business for exposure levels of Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF EMF).
Call Pacific Decontamination
Services at 778-269-0208 or email us!
Serving All of Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo,
Parksville, Qualicum, Port Alberni, Comox, Courtenay, Campbell River, and all
of Vancouver Island:
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