EMF: Home Truths

By: Shilpi Shukla Alexander

Home appliances and gadgets sure make life easy but they also have an unhealthy downside


Medical scientists confirm that many people fall victims to electro-magnetic field [EMF] pollution that badly affects their health. EMFs are invisible lines of force that surround electrical equipment [including cell phones], power cords, and power lines. "Strong EMFs of about 50–60 cycles per second [hertz, or Hz] and the related electromagnetic radiation [EMR] are extremely harmful to human beings," affirms Bipin Walia, senior neurosurgeon and head of spine surgery, Max Healthcare, New Delhi. They can harm our brain, heart, lungs, eyes, thyroid glands and nervous system."EMR rays in general cause irritation, concentration lapses and in many cases even proliferation of cells cause cancer," says neurologist Rajeev Ranjan, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi.


In human beings, complications arising out of continuous radiation exposure are known as electro hypersensitivity [EHS]. Under this condition, the person becomes highly reactive to EMR. In extreme cases, he can have severe breathing problems, heart palpitations and loss of consciousness. Many can feel electricity going through their body and experience disabling symptoms such as convulsions, memory problems and depression. "Many health complications, which can't be diagnosed could be linked back to such invisible radiation attacks," adds Walia. These radiations can even interfere with the functioning of medical devices like pacemakers.


Based on various studies, here goes a short list of EMF pollutants at home:
Television, music system and all other electrical equipment even doorbells;
Radio and television transmitters and remote controls;
Computers, laptops;
Mobile phones;
Cordless phones;
Microwave ovens;
House wiring;
Power lines;
Cars, motor cycles.


The extent to which one can be harmed by these damaging radiations largely depends on the strength of the EMFs emitted by an appliance, one's proximity to the device and the time for which one is exposed. With proper knowledge and precautions the effect of these radiations can largely be reduced. Over the years various studies done by different universities and scientists claim that the most commonly used home appliances have quite high EMFs, the reason often being incorrect wiring. Let us see how you can make your home safe from these harmful radiations...



(To read the complete article on how EMF radiations harm us, pls visit the site of Complete Wellbeing.)