With the rapid advancement of technology has come a greater exposure to electromagnetic energy. Two of the most common forms of electromagnetic energy that our bodies are consistently exposed to are electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation and radio frequency radiation (RF).
What is the Difference Between EMF and RF Radiation?
EMF radiation refers to low frequency magnetic fields and is emitted by things such as powerlines, household appliances and power outlets. RF radiation refers to high frequency electromagnetic radiation and is emitted by things such as wireless equipment like cell towers, cellphones, GPS, televisions and radios.
Wireless networks inside our homes and workspaces have also become a major source of RF radiation.
Both EMF and RF are a form of non-ionizing radiation. These non-ionizing forms of radiation are on the lower end of the electromagnetic spectrum as they have low frequency wave lengths which do not extend very far. Although non-ionizing radiation is not as powerful as ionizing radiation, it can still be hazardous to your health.
Several studies suggest that excessive exposure to non-ionizing radiation may cause illnesses and diseases such as:
- Cancer
- Tumors
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
Although both EMF radiation and RF radiation have many similarities, they also have several key differences that effect how these electromagnetic energy forces interact with our bodies.
What is EMF Radiation?
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, “Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible areas of energy, often referred to as radiation, that are associated with the use of electrical power and various forms of natural and man-made lighting.”
As was previously mentioned, powerlines, household appliances and power outlets all emit EMF radiation; however, these are not the only examples of items that emit EMF radiation. Other things that emit EMF radiation may include:
- Cellphones
- Laptops
- T.V.’s
- Computers
- Microwave Ovens
- Wi-Fi Devices
- Electrical Wiring
- Electric Razors
- Hair Dryers
- Washer and Dryer
As you can see there may be several common household and workplace items that are exposing you to EMF radiation. This consistent exposure to EMF radiation can have severe consequences for your health.
What are the Health Effects of EMF Radiation?
EMF radiation at both low frequencies, about 50 to 60 cycles per seconds (hertz, or Hz) and high frequencies can be very harmful to the human body. We are exposed to each frequency in different ways and each has a unique way in which it can affect an individual.
Long-term exposure of low frequency EMF’s may lead to various health problems such as:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Hyperactivity
- Sleep Disorders
- Emotional Instability
Exposure to EMF radiation, even at low frequencies, can have a major impact on our mood and well-being. Given that EMF can be so impactful on an individuals health, here is a list of examples of items that produce EMF radiation at a low frequency:
- Power Tools
- Electric Stoves
- Heaters
- Freezers
- Television Sets
Not only can exposure to EMF radiation at low frequencies be harmful, but exposure at higher frequencies can cause harm as well. Items with higher wave frequencies include items such as:
- Cellphones
- Microwaves
- Satellites
- Antennas
All these items can be dangerous and can have a negative impact on your health. For example, Swedish scientist found that individual’s who used wireless phones frequently were at a greater risk to develop malignant brain tumors than those who did not.
Given the harmful effects that EMF radiation can have on your health, many may wonder what, if anything can be done to prevent or reduce the harmful effects of EMF radiation on the human body.
What can be done to Reduce Exposure to EMF Radiation?
Although some exposure to EMF radiation may be inevitable, such as having to work in an office full of computers or walking under powerlines on your to the bus, there are still many things that you can do to help reduce the amount of EMF radiation that you are exposed to.
One example of something that you can do to help reduce your exposure to EMF radiation is purchasing EMF protective cases for your cellphones and laptops. These cases are inexpensive and have been proven to reduce or eliminate the amount of EMF radiation that a person is exposed to.
When it comes to purchasing these protective cases I like to stick to brands I know. one of the top rated brands out there is Defender Shield. So with that being said, the cell phone case that I would recommend is this EMF protective pouch from Defender Shield. It’s a brand you can trust to protect you from EMF radiation.
As far as laptop protective cases, I would go with the Defender Shield protective laptop case which you can see here. Again, it’s a great brand that you can rely on to keep you safe.
Although cellphone and laptop cases are the most common items purchased to help reduce EMF exposure, they are not the only items to help reduce exposure. In fact, EMF protective items also include things such as hats, blankets, necklaces, wall plugins and even EMF reducing paint.
Exposure to EMF radiation has become a growing concern through the years and so naturally many products have become available to help reduce our exposure; however, there are also steps you can take to reduce your EMF exposure that is free.
One of the best things you can do to reduce your exposure to EMF is being mindful of your proximity to objects that you know emit EMF radiation. Tests have shown that the closer you are to an object emitting EMF radiation, the higher amount of EMF radiation you will be exposed to.
So, if you are cooking food in the microwave, do not stand next to the microwave waiting for the food to finish cooking. Try to stand between 10ft.-20ft. away if possible.
Another thing to keep in mind is that EMF radiation can penetrate through walls. For this reason, it is advised not to put objects that emit EMF radiation on the opposite side of a space where people frequently occupy. For example, do not put a computer on a wall and then a person’s bed on the opposite side of that wall.
As you can see EMF radiation is complicated and can have harmful effects on your health; however, EMF is not the only form of electromagnetic energy that we should be aware of.
What is RF Radiation?
According to the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, “Radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is the transfer of energy by radio waves. RF lies in the frequency range between 3 kilohertz (kHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). RF is non-ionising radiation…”
Radio frequency (RF) is one form of electromagnetic energy that is used in many types of wireless technologies. Examples of items that produce RF radiation include:
- Cellphones
- Radar
- Ham Radio
- GPS Devices
- Cordless Phones
- Radio Broadcasts
- Television Broadcasts
- Wireless Networks such as Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth Devices
As you can see, several of the items that produce EMF radiation may also produce RF radiation. Similar to EMF, exposure to RF radiation can also have harmful effects on your health.
What are the Health Effects of RF Radiation?
One of the major concerns with RF radiation is the ability that it has to heat human tissue similar to how microwave ovens heat food.
Damage to tissue may be caused by exposure to high levels of RF energy because the body is not equipped to dissipate the excessive amounts of heat generated. Possible injuries include skin burns, deep burns, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Eyes are particularly vulnerable to extended exposure to RF energy because the lack of blood flow to cool the cornea can result in cataracts.
Another study found evidence that male mice who were exposed to RF radiation over a two year span were more likely to develop tumors on their hearts, brains and adrenal glands. Scientists also found that RF exposure lead to DNA damage in the male mice’s frontal cortex, blood cells of the female mice and hippocampus of male rats.
As technology advances, and cellphone companies begin to use things such as 5g wireless technology, the concern is that the risk that RF radiation may impose on human health will only increase.
As you can see RF radiation can be just as harmful as EMF radiation. Luckily, many of the steps you take for reducing emf radiation can also be used to help reduce RF radiation as well.
What can be done to Reduce Exposure to RF Radiation?
Just like EMF radiation, RF radiation can also be greatly reduced or eliminated by using things such as phone and laptop cases specifically designed to reduce RF radiation exposure. Protective clothing, blankets, and covers are also viable options to help reduce exposure.
Similar to EMF radiation, proximity also plays a role in the amount of RF radiation that a person will be exposed to. For this reason, try to do things such as talking on the speaker when using your cellphone rather than holding the phone to your head. Also, if possible, try not to carry your phone with you if you do not need to.
Creating space between you and items that emit RF radiation is the easiest and most effective way to reduce your exposure to RF radiation.
Recommended Products and Conclusion
If you are concerned about your exposure to EMF radiation, then you have to check out these products below:
- Best EMF Meter: CLICK HERE
- EMF Protective Blanket for Babies and Adults: CLICK HERE
- EMF Protective Belly Band for Pregnant Women: CLICK HERE
- EMF Protected Cell Phone Pouches: CLICK HERE
- EMF Protected Laptop Case and Sleeve: CLICK HERE
- EMF Protective Clothing: CLICK HERE
At the end of the day it may be impossible to completely shield yourself from EMF and RF radiation. Although it may be impossible to completely eliminate exposure to them, we should do our best to reduce the frequency and duration for which we are exposed to them. Afterall, our health and wellbeing could very much be at stake.