How can we know if EMFs exist if we cannot feel, smell, hear, or see them?

It can be difficult to believe in something that you cannot obviously physically interact with. Because of advancements in science, the existence of such things can now be identified to help us better understand the way the world works. An example of this is electromagnetic radiation.

What Are EMFs?

EMF stands for electromagnetic fields. These fields are often referred to simply as radiation. EMFs are usually a result of electrical power. However, they can also come from both natural and man-made forms of light. (1) There are different types of EMFs with a wide range of frequencies and wavelengths. Due to this fact, they are usually placed into two different groups: ionizing and non-ionizing. (2)

Ionizing EMFs include wavelengths with high levels of radiation. This radiation type has much higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths. Ionizing EMFs include gamma rays, X-rays, and ultraviolet light. This type of radiation is more dangerous to humans than non-ionizing radiation, as it can lead to cellular and DNA damage, especially when a person is exposed for a prolonged period of time. Sunlight and X-rays are considered the main sources of ionizing EMF radiation. (1, 2)

Non-ionizing EMFs are the type that include lower levels of radiation within the spectrum of EMFs. This radiation type includes lower frequencies and longer wavelengths. Non-ionizing EMFs include visual light, radio waves, and microwaves. Since it cannot break down chemical bonds within the body, most scientists consider non-ionizing radiation to be harmless to humans. A few sources of non-ionizing radiation are Bluetooth devices, power lines, computers, cellphones, house energy smart meters, MRIs, and Wi-Fi networks. (1, 2)

What Are the Risks of EMF Exposure?

In these modern times, it can be difficult to avoid exposure to many forms of EMF radiation. Radiation is in much of what we use every day for work, school, or play. With the increased use of Wi-Fi routers, cell towers, cellphones, and power lines, there has been some concern about the effects exposure to EMFs can have on the human body over time. This concern has grown since the early 1990s, and since then, there have been quite a few studies performed to better understand this issue. (3)

While this field is still being studied, some studies have shown evidence of the possible connection between exposure to EMFs and negative health effects. Below are a few of the possible health risks of EMF exposure that studies have found:

General Risks of EMFs

Studies have found that weak forms of EMFs can lead to various non-thermal effects in the cells, organs, and tissue of the human body. (4) Numerous recent studies and publications show that EMF radiation from radio-wave frequencies can lead to cellular stress and an increased risk of cancer, free-radical production, learning and memory deficits, reproductive issues, and more. (5)

It has also been suggested by researchers that children and adolescents may be more susceptible to the effects of EMF exposure on their health. There is no specific evidence to support this theory, but it could be because of a child or adolescent’s state of continuing development. Also, as today’s children tend to have much more exposure to digital and electronic devices than previous generations, they may have an increased chance of developing health effects. (6)

Cancer

Until recently, the majority of studies focused on EMFs were about the possibility of cancer being a side effect of exposure to EMF radiation. (7) The results of these studies and the subsequent interpretation of data are somewhat contradictory.

The results of some studies show a consistent and clear increase between the risk of leukemia in children and exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) EMFs. In fact, the World Health organization classified radio EMFs as potentially carcinogenic in May 2011. (4) Meanwhile, these same studies also show that there likely isn’t a link between EMF exposure and cancers in adults (such as breast cancer). (8)

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluated the health effects of electromagnetic radiation in 2011. During this evaluation, they made a statement mentioning evidence that humans develop greater risks of cancer from radiation in radio waves. This statement is the result of a growing amount of experimental findings, animal carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and epidemiology reports. (5)

Many individuals believe that although there is evidence to support the possible link between cancer and EMF radiation, especially leukemia in children, there is a need for more consistent results and greater evidence. (9) Moreover, other researchers have stated that there is no consistent evidence of the relationship between EMFs and cancer. They also feel that there is no relation between ELFs and the possibility of children developing cancer. (10)

Hypersensitivity

One common effect that many believe can come from EMF exposure is a condition called EMF hypersensitivity. A few of the common symptoms of hypersensitivity include dizziness, fatigue, a sensation of heat on the skin, headache, and difficulty concentrating. (3, 6)

While there is not consistent evidence showing a relationship between exposure to general EMFs or radio waves and EMF hypersensitivity, there has been an increase in reports of these symptoms. As mobile and electronic device use increases, so do the number of people who suffer from EMF hypersensitivity, many of which describe themselves as “severely dysfunctional”. (4)

The first data on headaches connected to EMF exposure was gathered around 20 years ago. Since then, exposure to microwave frequencies and radio waves has grown exponentially but there have been an extremely limited number of studies on the effects of EMF exposure on hypersensitivity symptoms. (7) Because of this, it can be difficult to determine if there is a definite relationship between the two. On the other hand, it is also impossible to disprove the health effects or deny the many reports that have been received from people who are suffering from them.

Thermal Tissue Effects

According to studies, EMF exposure has the most impact on humans and other living creatures through direct tissue penetration. (4) With radio waves specifically, the general consensus is that thermal tissue effects are the most widespread effects of exposure. (3)

When EMF waves heat up the tissues in the body, it is called thermal tissue effects. In the human body, there are tiny electrical currents that are results of chemical reactions. When EMFs come in contact with the human body, they can affect the natural currents and voltages inside of the human body. Heating tissue is the main biological effect that occurs as a result. (11)

The function of tissue, including organ tissue, can be impaired when radiation interacts with that tissue. Some side effects of tissues impaired by radiation exposure include (12):

• Red skin
• Radiation burns
• Acute radiation syndrome
• Hair loss

The thermal effects of EMFS were discovered in the 1930s, and studies have been performed on the topic since that time. However, at the time, this information was used to induce artificial fevers by having the skin absorb radio waves to help patients heal from diseases. (3)

Medicine has long since evolved from using radio waves to heal disease, and your use of cellphones and other electronic devices will most likely not result in burns, hair loss, or other severe side effects. Nevertheless, specialists have concerns about the effects heating tissue can have on the body, particularly the effect that cellphone use may have on heating tissue in or around the brain.

Studies and research have shown that significant increases in brain tissue can increase permeability of the blood-brain barrier. This increases the likelihood of developing brain diseases, such as tumors, or neurological symptoms like headaches. Some studies, including recent ones, have found that low-level radio wave frequencies can influence the blood-brain barrier. Two studies showed that the blood-brain barrier absorbed more of the protein albumin after it was exposed to radio wave frequencies. (3) This is a significant effect, as albumin keeps fluid in your bloodstream, and an increased absorption of albumin could lead to various health issues, including hyperexcitability. (13)

Study Limitations

While studying these negative health effects of EMF exposure is very important (especially with the increasing use of electronic and mobile devices), this field of study is still very new, and the data is still quite limited. Even with the current data and studies, interpretations differ and the conclusions reached can be inconsistent. There are some limitations involved when studying EMF radiation exposure, including:

• As exposure to radio waves and other EMFs has been limited until more recent years, we cannot determine the long-term effects of EMF exposure yet. Everyday life has not involved experiencing high EMF exposure for long enough. (6, 8)
• Researchers face the same issue with studying the carcinogenic effects of EMFs. Carcinogenesis is a long, slow process. As the use of cellphones and other devices has only been common in the last 20 years, we do not have enough data or consistent results to provide a definite answer. There are some studies with positive results, however. (7)
• The data from studies of EMFs can vary quite a bit. It can be difficult to replicate the results to prove that they are definitive.
• Human studies measuring exposure levels are limited for ethical reasons. Because of this, many are skeptical of study results, especially in terms of reproducing results. (3)
• It is also difficult to measure exposure, as radiation power can depend on your distance from the source. This means that most “actual doses” of EMF exposure have to be estimated, which can make replicating results in repeated studies difficult. (3)

What Are the Risks of EMF Exposure?

Although there are still unknowns involved in the study of EMFs and their effects, we cannot deny that more and more people are reporting health issues after being around electronic devices.

In fact, even though the health problems of EMF exposure have not yet been fully identified, researchers believe that it is necessary to take precautions when using devices that emit EMFs. (7)

To reduce your exposure to EMFs and avoid the possibility of negative health effects, try these slight adjustments in your everyday life:

• Use headphones during a long call instead of keeping your phone next to your ear.
• Don’t sleep with your phone next to you or near your pillow.
• Choose to find time away from devices to spend time outside or doing other activities that do not include an electronic device.
• Avoid carrying your cellphone or other devices in your pockets.

Even though EMF radiation is something that we cannot see, feel, smell, or hear, it is something that exists and something that we should guard ourselves and our loved ones against.