As if it is not enough that we pollute our world with non-biodegradable wastes that we can see, feel and inhale, we have to contend with the invisible killer that permeates every second of our lives – WITHOUT us knowing it!
A friend introduced me to low-level radiation (electromagnetic frequency-EMF) pollution that led me to research online about it. The more I read the more I am disturbed. And frustrated because there are as many information that downplay the EMF hazards (of course, who stands at a disadvantage if people become wary of all these techie gadget?).
Then I got hold of this book produced by the Consumer Association of Penang (Malaysia). CAP’s aim is to increase awareness of the problem of low level radiation emitted by mobile phones, common household appliances, and cars and planes. It consolidates information (also referenced) from numerous studies around the world about the (modern) diseases triggered by our modern technology.
Ignorance is bliss...but also fatal. We have to be aware that every modern convenience that we use right now poses serious health hazards (cancer, brain-related or nervous system disorders, reproductive problems). Children are especially susceptible because their bodies are still at developing stage, especially the fetuses inside the wombs.
This invisible killer is the man-made electromagnetic low-level radiation (EMR) emitted by power stations, and practically any electrical gadget from hairdryer to the refrigerator (wireless/cordless thingies are even worse emitters) in your home. EMR’s effects are categorized as heating and non-heating effects.
The heating effect is much like a microwave function – the EMR hits a body then heats it up. The eyes and testes are the most vulnerable to the thermal hazards of radiation (so gentlemen please refrain from placing your mobile phones in your pants’ pockets).
The non-heating effect targets the bio-electric functioning of the body. Any medical doctor will tell you that the physiological functions of our body include electrical signals and impulses. When the brain sends messages throughout the body, chemical as well as electrical communication among and within cells are used to transmit the messages and transform them into action.
It is not rocket science to conclude that our body will respond to electromagnetic signals both positively (e.g. the earth’s natural Schumann’s resonance stabilizing our biorhythm and maintains our natural physiological cycles) or negatively (e.g. powerful UV-radiation or x-rays zapping off chunks of DNA).
What is unfortunate to now know is that even seemingly benign low-level EMFs from computers, mobile phones and electric appliances and medical equipments also negatively affect our bodies.
Because of the lack of heating effect, quite how EMFs harm the body is difficult to detect/measure (the very thing of course that the industries play up) but numerous studies (esp by the Russians) have shown that workers constantly in the presence of power station or cellular phone or video transmitters show increased prevalence of brain tumors or miscarriages.
Other non-thermal hazards are wide-ranging and real (even if the dangers are massively downplayed by industries): immune disorders, childhood leukaemia, changes in sleep pattern, chronic fatigue, depression and the list goes on.
How do we survive in an increasingly toxic environment? How do we protect our young – the children – to ensure that life is perpetuated?
There are many ways:
· European countries are now making moves to limit access of children to mobile phones, and to ban unnecessary wi-fi systems in schools
· CAP’s own tips include basically minimizing unnecessary exposure to appliances by discouraging use of microwave oven, not using digital clock beside your bed, removing appliances from the bedroom because the body is most vulnerable to EMFs when asleep (I knew there was a reason why I couldn’t sleep properly when the TV is on, or why I never turn on the TV in the hotel rooms when I am on travel or why I do not encourage watching TV at home, period).
· Don’t let the children use laptops on their, well, laps and encourage children to text rather than call on mobile phone. Don’t let your babies anywhere near mobile phones!
· Keep yourself healthy, well and fit so that your body can remain resilient by naturally healing and protecting itself against all the - seen and unseen - environmental hazards
