Today, in a world full of technology and electronic devices, electromagnetic fields–or EMFs–are a force that constantly hums around us. From smartphones to microwaves and other everyday appliances, EMFs are an integral part of modern life. However, their effects on our health are a subject of growing concern. Today, we’re going to dive into the world of EMFs through the lens of functional medicine, exploring what they are, where they can be found, and how they can impact your well-being.
What Are EMFs?
Electromagnetic fields, or EMFs, are a form of energy produced by the interaction of electrically charged particles. These fields can be categorized into two types: Ionizing and non-ionizing!
Ionizing EMFs are high-frequency, high-energy electromagnetic fields that are strong enough to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms and molecules–or in layman’s terms, can cause cellular damage to our bodies. Examples of Ionizing EMFs include sunlight, X-rays, and Gamma rays.
Non-Ionizing EMFs are lower energy electromagnetic fields that in theory, are less harmful to our bodies. They include radiofrequency EMFs from wireless devices–like cell phones and wifi routers–as well as extremely low-frequency EMFs from power lines and electrical appliances. Non-ionizing EMFs are all around us, emanating from our homes, workplaces, and the devices we use daily.
The Health Implications of Non-Ionizing EMFs
Even though Non-Ionizing EMFs are considered less harmful than ionizing EMFs, they can still cause harm to our bodies if we are constantly exposed to them over a prolonged period of time. Studies have linked long term exposure to Non-Ionizing EMFs to the following health issues:
- Sleep Disturbances
- Increased Oxidative Stress
- Cellular Changes
- Thyroid Tumors
- Sperm Damage
- Decreased Fertility in Both Sexes
- Breast Cancer
- Leaks in the Blood-Brain Barrier
- Behavioral Issues in Children
- And so, so much more
According to Childrenshealthdefense.org, there are also people who are more sensitive to Radiofrequency radiation and EMFs which can cause issues with quality of life such as tinnitus, ADHD symptoms, cognitive impairment, memory loss, and more. This sensitivity was officially acknowledged as a disability–Electromagnetic Sensitivity–20 years ago by the US Access Board.
It is important to take these early warnings about EMFs seriously. The Children’s Health Defense website also makes a great point about this:
“Scientists have been warning in greater and greater numbers about the late lessons learned from early warnings among tobacco, asbestos, DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) and lead. Substances presumed safe and touted as safe by the industries behind them left scars on the health and well-being of millions of consumers of those products. In the beginning, doctors advertised cigarettes as relaxing, asbestos was synonymous with fire safety, advertisements from manufacturers of DDT featured an ad with a woman representing a maternal figure standing next to a singing cow: “DDT is good for me-e-e-e!” and lead has left a legacy of robbing children of intellectually resilient futures. The telecom communications industry is no exception.” (chidrenshealthdefense.org)
The same applies to EMFs. Although they have been regarded in the media as safe and harmless, science is now finding the opposite to be true. Unfortunately it typically takes decades for science to examine and form conclusions regarding the safety of new technologies. However, once they do come to a conclusion, it is important that we take it seriously, especially if the conclusion is that a new technology may be harmful to our health.
For these reasons and more, it is important for us to try to lower our exposure to even Non-Ionizing EMFs as much as possible.
How to Reduce EMF Exposure
Now that we understand the potential health implications of long term EMF exposure, let’s dive in to a few ways that you can lower your exposure and set yourself up for success:
1.Hire an EMF Assessor: Consider hiring an EMF assessor to come to your home and measure EMF levels. Our founder, Ashley, recently had an EMF assessor come to her new home & she shared her experience here on instagram. EMF assessors can pinpoint areas of concern and suggest strategies to mitigate the issue! If you’d like to hire the same EMF assessor that Ashley did, you can find her name and contact information here: Mieke Jacobs, Pronounced MEE-KA, Linked in, Facebook, Yelp, Website, and Phone Number: 847-769-5135
2.Use EMF Blocking Devices: There are various devices out there that are designed to reduce EMF exposure such as RF-blocking phone cases, Wifi Router guards, and even shielding fabrics for your bedroom. These products can help you establish EMF-free zones throughout your home! Here are a few that Mieke recommended to us: THIS Air Tube Headset, THESE over the ear air tube headphones for kids, THIS headphone adapter jack if you have an iPhone or Apple device that you would like to use the previous two headsets with, THIS wifi router guard, THIS Austin air purifier (contact Mieke 847-769-5135 for a discount), and THIS radiant health sauna (use code Jacobs500 for a discount)
3.Unplug & Turn Devices Off: A super easy, quick way to reduce EMF exposure is to simply unplug and turn off devices & appliances when they’re not in use!
In our interconnected world, EMFs are an inescapable reality. While the full extent of their health impact remains a topic of ongoing research and debate, it’s essential to take proactive steps to reduce unnecessary exposure. There are many many ways to reduce your EMF exposure not listed above. If lowering your exposure is something you’re interested in and none of the ideas we provided appeal to you, we highly recommend diving fully into the topic and doing your own research so that you can find the solution that works best for you.
We hope this article was informative and provided you with the answers you were looking for! If you’re interested in learning more about functional nutrition, be sure to check out our blog, sign up for our newsletter, and to follow us on Instagram!
Until next time.
-The Move Fully Nourished Team
In this article, we cited research from THIS page regarding the impacts of EMF exposure on the Children’s Health Defense Article. Citation below.
Electromagnetic Radiation & Wireless: Health Impacts.” Children’s Health Defense, Children’s Health Defense, childrenshealthdefense.org/emr/emf-wireless-health-impacts/. Accessed 10 Oct. 2023.
