I would like to share some information about EMFs or Electromagnetic fields. "The invisible beast is so elusive that it cannot be detected by our senses, yet so powerful it can pass through walls, even penetrate solid rock, travel thousands of miles at the speed of light, striking anything and everything in its path. It is virtually around us 24 hours a day and we are all affected by it to some degree." Bruce Fife, ND.
EMFs are forces generated by the flow of electricity. Electrical energy is incorporated into every aspect of our daily lives and this has become a significant threat to our health. It has been accused of causing cancer and even suicide. Frightening power! But it can be totally under our control- with the flick of a switch this powerful force can be knocked dead. We have become too dependent on electricity in our everyday life. Eliminating EMFs would require that we eleiminate all electrical appliances and for us to go back and live like our ancestors did before electric power. This will never happen, so we have to know what we can do to protect ourselves! Todays focus is on EMFs in the home.
Researchers call the radiation emanating from our electrical appliances electrical pollution. It can affect our health causing cancer, disrupt cellular function, and alter hormone levels. Researchers have linked EMF exposure to chronic fatigue syndrome, brain cancer, leukemia, breast and testicular cancer, and neurological disorders. EMFs from home appliances are often stronger than the fields directly below power lines!
So what can we do?? Appliance EMFs drop as you move away from them. The easiest thing you can do is to stay away, especially if the appliance is on. If the coffee maker is plugged in but not on it still is producing an electric field. Unplug appliances when not is use - maybe a bit of a bother at first, but you'll get used to it!!
Sit at arms length from the computer screen. If you spend extended periods of time in front of a computer monitor, consider a newer lower radiation model. They will be labeled "Low radiation" and are required to have low levels of EMF. If you are sitting at the computer working and aren't using it...turn it off!
Electric hair dryers and razors produce high EMFs up close, but since they are used for a short period of time it is generally believed their effects are of minor concern. The worst offender is the electric can opener - MUCH higher than any large appliances . Short time use but it can only be operated by holding on to it !
Not so with appliances that we use for long periods of time - sitting under a lamp, sleeping next to a clock, or working under a ceiling fan. Alarm clocks, especially the older, dial face models are notorious EMF-emitters. I put my alarm clock across the room on my bureau - well away from my head! When the alarm goes off I have to get out of bed to turn it off...then I am up and moving. I use a moonbeam alarm clock - I much prefer waking to a gentle light pulsing than an adrenal rush from the irritating buzz of an alarm. I even unplug the lamp on my bedside table. Try it - I honestly think you will notice a more restful and calm nights sleep.
Some of the worst appliances are those used against the body - electric blankets and matress pad warmers, heating pads, and electrically warmed water beds. These have been shown to cause adverse affects in reproduction and children's health. Stop using the electric blanket or turn it on before getting into bed and then unplug it before diving in! Long story short, don't stand in front of an appliance that is on. Unplug anything that you aren't using - blender, coffee maker, toaster, etc. STOP those EMFs whenever possible!
You can measure EMFs around the home with a gaussmeter. It is a handheld device that measures magnetic field strength. A good one is about $150. You may want to contact your utility company. Many will conduct EMF measurements for their customers at no charge. However, if you have a gaussmeter you are able to determine the EMF of individual home appliances as well as EMFs through walls, etc. I will keep you posted as I am running an experiment on EMFs at my house....more to come.
Bottom line - keep your family safe by turning off the power - eliminate as many EMFs as possible!
My next blog....cell phones. Lots of information you don't want to hear - but need to know!!!