Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is a term used to describe the
stream or waves of electric and magnetic
energy moving outward from an electromagnetic source. It is often referred
to simply as Radiofrequency (RF).
There are both natural and man-made sources
of EMR. The Sun, the Earth’s magnetic
field and lightning are natural sources of EMR. EMR is also emitted by artificial sources
such as: electrical and electronic equipment, radar, mobile phone base
stations, mobile phones, wireless devices, smart meters, WiFi internet,
cordless phones, wireless baby monitors and other wireless devices.
The artificial, man-made EMR introduced
into the environment is sometimes referred to as electromagnetic smog.
Over the past 20 years there has been an explosion in wireless technologies and rapid increase in environmental exposure to artificial EMR in homes, schools, workplaces and public spaces. The by-product of this technological development is an increase in electromagnetic smog.
Electromagnetic
smog is invisible, unrecognised and potentially affects all biological life on
Earth.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) EMR
is one of the most common and fastest growing environmental influences. However electromagnetic smog is the only
environmental pollutant that is not subject to regulation and untested EMR emitting devices continue
to flood the market and find their way into all areas of our lives. In May 2011 the World Health Organisation (IARC), classified
radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as a (class 2B) possible carcinogen to humans.
EMR
and the Human Body
Scientists like Dr. Neil Cherry have highlighted that
the human brain, heart, cells and body have natural EMR based communication
systems. The electrical signals of the brain
can be monitored by Electroencephalography (EEG) and the electrical activity of
the heart can be monitored by Electrocardiography (ECG).
The fact that doctors use certain EMR frequencies
for medical purposes proves that EMR does interact and have an effect on the
body. Although some frequencies are
beneficial for healing tissue, bone fractures, skin, pain relief, swelling reduction
and post-surgical purposes, other non-ionising frequencies have potentially
harmful biological effects.
Growing numbers of scientists believe that artificial
sources of electromagnetic radiation are interfering with the body’s natural bioelectrical
signals. EMR from external sources
interact with the body’s communication systems altering hormone balances and
damaging organs and cells. The brain and
heart are most sensitive as they regulate vital biological functions for life
using EMR signals.
As highlighted in reports like the BioInitiative
report 2012, the interaction of artificial sources of EMR with the body’s
internal electrical systems may in some cases cause discomfort, sleep problems,
loss of wellbeing (impaired mental functioning and metabolism). The reduction of melatonin production may
also be a problem associated with exposure to certain electromagnetic frequencies. Melatonin helps enhance the immune system
function, protect against cancers, ageing and Alzheimer’s disease, regulates
body temperature, alters the production of free radicals and other important
functions. This important hormone is
produced in the pineal gland in the centre of the brain during the night when
there is an absence of light.
Artificial sources of EMR could interfere with
pregnancy, miscarriage or brain development of the child. These interferences with the body’s signals
may also cause long-term impairments to normal growth and development of the
child’s body and as adults they may also experience fertility problems.
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.
