As was referenced in the EMF Introduction blog, non-native radiation can be categorized into 4 specific types of EMFs that have been linked to adverse health effects:
- Radio Frequency (RF)
- Magnetic Fields (MF)
- Electric Fields (EF)
- Dirty Electricity (DE) (not looked at in this assessment)
Let’s take a deeper look at the first of these, Radio Frequency (RF) radiation.
Radio Frequency (RF) radiation
Radio Frequency (RF) radiation, often referred to as RFR, EMR or EMF (electromagnetic radiation or frequency), is the energy emitted by wireless telecommunications devices, such as cellphones, cell towers, WiFi routers, Bluetooth, smart meters, baby monitors, and other wireless devices. Its increasing prevalence is unprecedented in human history. As RF radiation is pervading our homes, places of work, schools, etc., people are increasingly reporting ill health symptoms in conjunction with exposure. A growing number of scientists, doctors, government health officials, and other experts are calling for serious changes in use and exposure to this form of radiation. Though little discussed by the mainstream medical community, there is in fact a substantial body of research on the significant biological effects of RF radiation.
The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified EMR as a 2B cancer risk; in this same category of risk, one can also find lead, the substance behind the recent surge of children’s toy recalls, and DDT, the controversial mosquito repellent. Currently, none of the major companies responsible for popular RF emitting products, publicly acknowledge the 2B classification of RF radiation.
Most safety limits worldwide are based on decades old research from times when digital communications were hardly used, or not used at all. These limits are based on the thermal heating effects of RF radiation. However, new research as well as overlooked prior research shows non-thermal biological effects, even at very low levels.
Human bodies are not designed to live in a world with elevated radio frequency signals- yet that is exactly the environment we have created. Long-term exposure to low levels of RF can cause sympathetic lock of cell membranes and the consequential cascade of cellular dysfunction. Male fertility has been closely linked with RF from cell-phones habitually carried in a man’s front pants pockets; male sperm counts are half what they were a generation ago and continuing to decline.
RFs are often referred to as “High Frequencies”, due to the range of the spectrum they operate in (typically in the range of 3kHz to 300 GHz). Cell phones, cordless phones, anything WiFi, wireless, and Bluetooth devices all emit EMF radiation in the RF range – and some of these use the exact same frequencies used by microwave ovens (although they use a much lower power).
| Cordless Phones | Smart Meters | Smart Phones (3G/4G/LTE) | WiFi | Microwave Oven | 5G | Bluetooth Devices |
| 900MHz | 900MHz to 2.4GHz | 700MHz to 2.7GHz | 2.4 or 5.8GHz | 2.45GHz | 600MHz to 71GHz | 2.4 to 2.48GHz |
Figure 1: Typical frequencies emitted by devices
WiFi is pretty much everywhere these days – airports, malls and other public spaces – but also more significantly, in our homes. The convenience of connecting our devices wirelessly to the internet is appealing, but not without its dangers, according to research. It is important to note that WiFi routers use 2 different frequencies to emit their signal: 2.4GHz and 5GHz (not to be confused with 5G). By default, both radios are enabled, causing unnecessary exposure to us in our homes.
In a densely populated area, it is not uncommon to have multiple external WiFi signals from neighbours. Whilst not ideal, a weak signal is less of a problem, so it is good to have a view of the networks penetrating in your house – the only way to find out is to measure the environment. In summary, the higher the signal strength, the better the reception, speed and service is, BUT also it lends to stronger exposure of radiation to individuals.
It is key to understand the EMF exposure levels in and around the home, so the safety of your environment at home, can be secured for your family. Book a home assessment or purchase a meter enabling the measurement of EMFs in the environment. Our motto is simple: take heed of the 3 “Ls”:
- LIMIT: your personal health risk by getting into safe habits
- LEARN: the what, where and how to reduce your exposure to wireless radiation
- LESSEN: your exposure by applying knowledge and mitigation strategies
For more information on booking a home assessment or purchasing a meter please visit our EMF Consultation under Special Deals, or contact us.
