What are emf
EMF stands for Electromagnetic fields.
Electromagnetic radiation / electromagnetic fields (EMF) are emitted by all electrical devices as well as devices that emit radio waves such as kitchen appliances, microwaves, computers, cell phones, tablets, games consoles, hair dryers and even electrical wires, when not properly maintained over the years.
Electrical Hypersensitivity (EHS) is an allergic-like reaction to EMFs called environmental sensitivity.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes it as a "phenomenon where individuals experience adverse health effects while in the vicinity of devices emanating electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields". Scientists estimate that our daily exposure to EMF radiation is 100 million times higher than it was in our grandparents' time.
There are two parts to an electromagnetic field (EMF): an electric field and a magnetic field. Both fields are silent and undetectable but if you live in an area with electric power, cell phones, Wi-Fi… you have to be concerned about EMF.
The ever-growing technology we use in our every day life emits EMFs that penetrates our homes and our body, affects our daily life, seriously compromising our health and disturbing our environments.
EMF AND OUR HOMES
The houses we thought were protecting us and our families are now increasingly dangerous to our health.
Our homes now have every bell and whistle of the twenty first century… but what's going on behind the walls?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reporting that 7 out of 10 homes are "sick" due to air and radiation pollution, which includes greenhouse gas and EMF, emitting from an aging electrical system as well as an increased number of wireless devices and appliances.
The modern bedroom is now full of electronics, from plasma TV to wireless devices all of which emits electromagnetic radiations, bombarding us with dangerous frequencies as we sleep.
Wireless baby monitors should never be used in your home as they constantly transmit microwave radiation. Infants should not be exposed to this radiation.
EMF AS A PUBLIC AND PERSONAL HEALTH ISSUE
Medical researchers are associating high levels of EMF with chronic fatigue, blood clots, ADD/ADHD, angina, inflammation of vessels, chiefly blood or lymph vessels, Parkinson's disease, lymph edema, heart disease, autism, sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, childhood leukemia (#2 killer of children) and brain tumors (#1 killer of children).
As much as 40-50% of the population may be unknowingly experiencing symptoms of EHS. The most vulnerable groups to EMFs are women, children and at-risks adults with an existing health condition with 3-5% of the cases sever enough to significantly impact an individual’s overall quality of life.
In 2011 the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), classified all radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”.
Wireless technologies are now considered as a possible cancer-causing agent.
Wi-Fi in schools
Around the world an increasing number of governments and authorities have banned or warned against the use of Wi-Fi in schools. Many experts, scientists and doctors are warning schools to take a precautionary approach.
Children, being smaller in mass, absorb disproportionally higher levels of radiations than adults.
Since children have thinner skulls and bones they absorb more radiation than adults.
"A 5 year old will absorb around 60% more than an adult (Stewart Report, 2000)" making them more vulnerable to radiation. Disturbed brain activity in children may also lead to behavioural problems or impair learning ability.
As parents, caregivers, teachers and the wider community, we need to manage these risks to children effectively by taking preventative, precautionary measures.
Using safer wired options is a precaution that does not hinder IT based teaching and learning.
As per Dr Gerd Oberfeld, MD, Public Health Department, Salzburg, Austria, on behalf of the Austrian Medical Association: Schools should provide the best possible learning environments. In this context low noise levels, good air quality and low radiofrequency / microwave radiation are crucial. Wi-Fi environments will lead to high microwave exposure for students and teachers which might increase the burden of oxidative stress.
The Board of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine approved the following statement on Wi-Fi in schools on the 9th of June 2012: Adverse health effects, such as learning disabilities, altered immune responses, headaches, etc. from wireless radio frequency fields do exist and are well documented in the scientific literature. Safer technology, such as using hard-wiring, must be seriously considered in schools for the safety of those susceptible individuals who may be affected by this phenomenon.
Click here to read the complete report about Safe Schools a June 2012 research
TAKE ACTION!
