Electromagnetic Fields
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are a part of our world, even if we can't see them. They power our gadgets, help us talk to each other wirelessly, and make our lights work. While the risks of ionizing radiation are known, there’s a growing concern about the potential risks associated with the other type of EMF called non-ionizing radiation.
Imagine that EMFs are like invisible fields all around us. They happen when electric devices move around or change directions. The two main types of EMFs are ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is strong radiation that can harm our bodies. Think of X-rays and gamma rays at the doctor's office. This radiation is extremely dangerous and can damage DNA or cells . Non-ionizing radiation comes from everyday things we use and has less energy, which is usually considered safe.
Here are some examples:
1. Wireless Devices: Our phones, computers, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth gadgets send out something called radio-frequency (RF) radiation. These are said to be safe, but some people worry about using the effects of long term exposure.
2. Power Lines: The big wires you see carrying electricity can make something called extremely low-frequency (ELF) EMFs. Some people who live close to these power lines wonder if they can be harmful.
3. Microwaves: Microwave ovens use non-ionizing radiation to cook food. It's safe to use, but ovens have to follow safety rules to make sure they don't leak radiation.
4. Light: Light itself is a kind of non-ionizing radiation, like sunlight. It's safe for our eyes and bodies, but too much sun without protection can hurt our skin.
5. Remote Controls and Heat Lamps: Remote controls use a type of non-ionizing radiation. Heat lamps at restaurants and tanning salons use another type called infrared radiation. They're safe, but heat lamps can burn also if you get too close.
Most experts say non-ionizing radiation is safe when we use these things “normally”, but the health concerns are obvious. Since 2011, The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has linked RF radiation to glioma, a type of brain cancer. Some experts worry that keeping cell phones and other Bluetooth devices near vital organs for extended periods of time has the potential for life-threatening harm.
There are many reports of people who claim they feel strange when they're near non-ionizing radiation. The phenomenon has been given the name electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). Common sense would wonder about areas with consistent levels of higher non-ionizing radiation, like office buildings, power plants, schools, and some neighborhoods. But scientists conveniently haven't found strong proof that it's caused by radiation. One challenge is that there isn't enough research about what happens after years of using technology with non-ionizing radiation. We need more studies to be sure about long-term safety.
We still have plenty to determine on the health concerns surrounding non-ionizing EMFs. We have never used so many devices at such high speeds before, and we do not have a complete picture of any important health effects… yet. Priority has to be placed on health rather than the latest new gadget or high internet speed. Until we are completely sure about long-term side effects we should limit how much radiation we are exposed to due to the severity of the risks. If having the new iPhone potentially increased your cancer risk, would you rather the new iPhone or knowing you are limiting the radiation in your immediate field?