EMF

Today, it is not hard to pickup a magazine or newspaper and find some article that refers to the possible consequences of our modern day exposure to electromagnetic fields. Martin Halper, a director of the EPA stated in the December 1990 Fortune Magazine article on electromagnetic radiation: “In all my years of looking at chemicals, I have never seen a set of epidemiological studies that remotely approached the weight of evidence that we are seeing with ELF (extremely low frequency) electromagnetic fields.” Whether it is microwave ovens, cell phones, blackberries, computers, iphones, or Wi-Fi, there is enough research that points to the fact that we are being affected. Searches on the internet will bring up more than you could ever want to know and the frightening rise of electromagnetic sensitivity should put us all in a proactive mode.

The dangers of electro pollution are real, but this fact is being largely ignored despite the following worldwide evidence:

• In our own country, the telecommunications industry was mandated by Congress to do a six-year wireless technology research (WTR) study that was completed in 1999. The study coordinated by Dr. George Carlo, an epidemiologist and public health expert, resulted in alarming findings that linked cell phone radiation to serious health implications including cancer. When Dr. Carlo submitted the data and results, the cell phone industry discredited the research. From the study, Dr. Carlo concluded that exposure to radiation from wireless technology is “potentially the biggest health insult” that this nation has ever seen – even greater than cigarette smoking and asbestos.
• In 2002, a number of German doctors belonging to the Interdisciplinary Society of Environmental Medicine created the Freiburger Appeal (with close to 40,000 signatures). It was issued after they noted a cause-and-effect relationship between the increase in wireless technology (cell phones, Wi-Fi DECT, etc.) and a “dramatic rise in severe and chronic diseases” like behavioral disorders, ADD/ADHD, blood pressure disorders, heart attacks, strokes, brain-degenerative disorders, and cancers like leukemia and brain tumors.
• By 2004, twelve research groups from seven European countries cooperating in the REFLEX study project confirmed that microwaves from wireless communications devices cause significant single- and double-strand DNA breaks in both human and animal cells under laboratory conditions.
• In August 2007, a report issued by an international group of renowned scientists, researchers, doctors, and public health experts – entitled the Bioinitiative warns “Wireless technologies that rely on microwave radiation to send emails and voice communication are thousands of times stronger than levels reported to cause some health impacts. Prolonged exposure to radio frequency and microwave radiation from cell phones, cordless phones, cell towers, Wi-Fi, and other wireless technologies have been linked to physical symptoms including headache, fatigue, sleeplessness, dizziness, changes in brainwave activity, and impairment of concentration and memory.”
• In September 2007, the German government warned its citizenry not to use Wi-Fi and mobile phones (except in emergencies). In Italy, children are not allowed to bring cell phones to school.
• In November 2007, the city of Paris voted to ban Wi-Fi in public libraries after a prominent staff member that was getting ill from the Wi-Fi threatened to leave their post if Wi-Fi were not removed. In May 2009, the mayor of Broward County, Florida declared the month of May as “Electromagnetic Sensitivity (EMS) Awareness Month” in Broward County, Florida.

Unfortunately, ignoring the overwhelming evidence is not going to prevent consequences – ignorance is not bliss. Learning about the electromagnetic spectrum puts you in a position of strength so that you can start making decisions that will help protect you from the potentially harmful effects from exposures to electromagnetic fields.

IMPORTANT PROVISO

Three Branches wants to make it very clear that only removal of the source of exposure (ridding of cordless phones, not using a cell phone, or removing wireless devices from the home, etc.) or shielding (that results in a measurable reduction on an EMF meter) assures complete protection from harmful EMFs. In no way does Three Branches want to imply that the use of any device completely protects from the electromagnetic fields unless there can be a measured difference with an electromagnetic field meter.

Therefore, Three Branches does not claim that the following products shield the body from EMF exposure even though their names and explanations imply that they do. We include them because some people who are electromagnetically sensitive, our canaries, have reported tangible and repeatable results when using these products. Some have even had marked improvements in their health. Some have been made more comfortable, others report that they are sleeping better than they ever have in their life and some have minimal improvements. No product can protect us 100% from the hazards of EMFs and the wireless revolution at this time.

EarthCalm and Premier Research Labs

After two years of testing many products that claim to alter field influence with electromagnetically sensitive people, those made by EarthCalm and Premier Research Labs are the only ones that have given tangible relief and help. Therefore, if these products have given those with electromagnetic sensitivity tangible relief or less severe symptoms then it follows that a person that chooses to use a cell phone, laptop, computer, etc. may be wise to consider the use of them as well.

For outgassed and shielded desktop and laptop computers, call George Lecter of Technology Alternatives Corporation at 1-800-222-3003 (hours between 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. EST)

Our criterion for any material or product is always based on the canary principle, which gives us a benchmark for safe materials. If the canary (the chemically sensitive) can tolerate or use the product or material without harm or reaction, then everyone else does fine, but if the canary gets sick or dies, then further evaluation is necessary and everyone is potentially vulnerable. See “Canaries in the Mine.”

Identifying where your family might be exposed to electromagnetic fields in the home and educating them about avoiding those fields is no different than making sure that your child understands that he is not to touch the stove. It is for their protection. Education is the key to the wise safe use of the many technologies that make our lives more fun, more current, and more convenient. This leads to motivation and, finally, action.

Education

Common sense tells us that if we touch a hot wire, we will be electrocuted. If we don’t heed this, then we experience immediate injury or even death. Exposure to other aspects of electricity/electromagnetic fields may not give us such strong immediate feedback and we may be lulled into thinking “Oh, this doesn’t bother me!” But research from around the globe is warning otherwise. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (LARC) findings now classify electromagnetic fields in the same category as DDT, Carbon Tetrachloride, and Chloroform as a Category 2B possible carcinogens. The U.S. EPA warns that “There is reason for concern” and advises prudent avoidance. The alarm is worldwide and the warning to people is to minimize exposures to the electromagnetic field spectrum to the extent “technically and economically reasonable,” especially in locations where extended periods of time are spent such as in the home at night when sleeping.

Action

So, how do we put this in motion so that we are not at risk and we can enjoy our lives without fear? Prudent avoidance means that we must know what electromagnetic fields we need to steer clear of and how to reduce our exposure. Every home has “hot spots” where electromagnetic fields are high and should be avoided. Our homes should be our haven and our bedroom – where we spend a third of our lives – a place of refuge where the body is refreshed, repaired, and rejuvenated. Electromagnetic fields are present everywhere, but they are invisible. So, if these unseen fields are bombarding us without our knowledge (example – most people do not feel anything when they are x-rayed), then we are still vulnerable to the consequences of that exposure. Education about the electromagnetic spectrum and the help of electromagnetic field meters give us a heads up on how to solve the problem. Take this one step at a time, one field at a time – do what you can as you are able.

Related Articles:

“Reducing EMF Exposure” (simple, quick and cost-effective steps)

“EMF Identification”

“Buying a Magnetic Field Meter”

More on EMF’s (high-frequency fields) to come!