PENCINTA ALAM SEPTEMBER 2013
GREEN LIVING COLUMN
(Image credits: www.theguardian.com)
MANAGING ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD
POLLUTION
By Wong Ee Lynn
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) and
electromagnetic waves (EMW) are present everywhere in the environment and
natural sources include the Earth, Sun, ionosphere, lightning and visible
light. EMWs in their natural frequency are not harmful to humans. Our Earth’s
frequency is 7.83 Hz, which is identical to human (alpha) brain waves.
However, there are also manmade
EMFs and EMWs, which have increased in the past century with the development of
technology and radio communications. Devices such as cellular and cordless
phones, electronic gadgets, satellite systems and microwave ovens come in a
frequency range of between 900 MHz to 2.4 GHz.
These frequencies are hazardous
because they overload and overstimulate our bodies, and overwhelm our immune
systems. Computers, for instance, generate enough radiation to cause concern
even at distances up to about 60cm (about 2 feet). Some of the health effects
associated with EMFs and EMWs include depression, chronic fatigue, memory loss,
irritability, inability to concentrate, insomnia, headaches, weakened immune
system, anxiety and stress-related ailments.
EMFs are created whenever an
electrical appliance is connected to the mains supply, including appliances we
use in our daily lives such as computers, mobile devices and refrigerators.
Many appliances do not merely create EMFs but rely on EMFs in order to
function. Local EMF hotspots include
areas close to electricity metres, main distribution panels, fuse boxes,
battery-based back-up power supplies and major wiring ducts.
It is very difficult for most of
us to eliminate the use of electronic and telecommunications devices entirely
just to avoid exposure to EMFs and EMWs. As such, here are some strategies that
could help reduce exposure to EMWs and promote energy efficiency in our daily
lives:
(1)
INCREASE
DISTANCE
Increasing
your distance from an EMW-emitting device will reduce your exposure to EMWs.
Do not
stand or sit in front of a microwave oven to watch food cook.
Sit at
least 6 feet (1.9 metres) away from a TV set. Do not sit close to the sides and
back of a TV set if you are not watching TV, as radiation is just as high from
these angles as if you are facing the TV directly. LCD / flat screen TVs
produce much less radiation than cathode ray types (CRT), so do choose a LCD /
flat screen unit if you are buying or replacing a TV set.
Computer
power supply or UPS systems which provide backup power supply for computers
emit powerful radiation, so do position it as far away from yourself and others
as the cables would allow, at least 1.5 metres.
Position
your computer central processing unit (CPU) tower as far away from you as the
cables would allow (at least 60 cm). If possible, keep it on the floor. It is
best to minimise computer radiation exposure to your head.
LCD
monitors emit minimal EMW radiation, so do consider making a change to an LCD
monitor unit, laptop or netbook if you are still using an older CRT type of
computer. In addition, LCD monitors and laptops require less electricity to
run. However, lower radiation does not mean zero health risk, so please try to
minimise exposure to radiation from LCD monitors, mobile phones, tablet
devices, smartphones, laptops and netbooks. Place them on a surface other than
your lap or other part of your body during use.
WiFi
information networks, wireless routers, modems and similar devices also emit
high levels of EMWs. This type of radiation (radio frequency or microwave) is
different from computer radiation and these wireless devices have not yet been
proven by experts to be safe. To be on the safe side and to save electricity,
switch off mobile devices and WiFi routers after use and when you go to bed.
(2)
MINIMISE
DURATION
Minimise
the duration of time spent on your EMW-emitting devices. Do not leave devices
and appliances on when not in use. Do not bring your mobile phone, netbook,
laptop, tablet, e-reader or similar devices to bed with you. Limit computer and
mobile phone use to a certain number of hours each day.
(3)
SWITCH
OFF
Switch
all devices off after use, and switch off chargers once they are fully charged.
Try not to have your computer, smartphone or other electronic devices in the
bedroom. Try not to fall asleep in front of the computer or TV set. If you find
yourself dozing off, switch off your computer/TV (switch off completely at the
source, not just put it in sleep mode) and go to bed.
(4)
CHOOSE
NON-ELECTRONIC
Many appliances and
devices we use at home do not need to be electronic or battery-operated.
Non-electronic kitchen scales, bathroom scales, hand-powered blenders/food
processors and non-battery operated children’s toys and musical instruments
will help you save money on electricity and battery costs, as well as reduce
exposure to EMWs. Washing and drying dishes by hand, and using conventional
non-electric toothbrushes and shavers can reduce EMW exposure. Use a swiffer
pad or broom instead of a vacuum cleaner if possible. Hang clothes out to dry
instead of using a dryer. Preparing salads and cooking dishes using a steamer
over a rice cooker while the rice is cooking will reduce cooking time and
eliminate the need to use extra electronic appliances, and ultimately, reduce
your exposure to EMWs in the kitchen.
(5)
CARE
OF SELF
Your
body and health are your best safety devices. To strengthen your immune system
and reduce the health risks associated with exposure to electromagnetic
radiation, take care of your diet, exercise regularly, go outdoors frequently,
spend at least several hours a day away from electronic devices and cultivate a
positive attitude to make you more resilient against stress, anxiety and
fatigue.
(Sources: www.emfexplained.info and The Canadian Initiative to Stop Wireless,
Electric and Electromagnetic Pollution [WEEP])
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