Written by Dr. Amir Farid Isahak (MBBS, MMED, MRCOG)
What is EMF/EMR?
Life is an energy phenomenon. Everything in the universe, and everything about our life involves energy, energy exchange and energy transformation to other forms). Einstein showed us that matter is extremely condensed energy
(E=mc²). All the forces and energies surrounding us can be scientifically categorized into four forms : strong nuclear force (fusion and fission), weak nuclear force (nuclear decay), gravity, and the electromagnetic spectrum
(EMS). EMS represents the widest spectrum of energies and forces affecting our daily lives – including light, sound, radio signals, electricity, and of course our hand-phone signals. Almost every gadget at home, at work and everywhere emit some form of electromagnetic waves or radiation (EMW/EMR). The different energy forms vary in their frequencies (which determine their nature). To emphasize on their wide range of nature, behavior and biological effects, they are more commonly referred to as electromagnetic frequencies or electromagnetic fields (EMF), as it is the potential harmful effects of the electromagnetic fields they generate that concern us most.
Sources of EMF/EMR
While there are natural sources of EMR, these are usually harmless, or even good for the body. For example, light from the sun gives life to this planet, programs our biological clock, and help us make vitamin D. There is “background” radioactivity from the sun, and in the atmosphere and the earth that is potentially harmful, but is not, due to the very low intensity. However, we all know that ultraviolet rays from the sun cause damage to our cells resulting in ageing and cancer. However, the amount of man-made EMF/EMR far outnumber the natural
sources, as more and more modern electrical gadgets enter our lives. Everything that runs on batteries or electrical currents produces EMF and EMR. The combined effect of EMF/EMR from these gadgets on our body may be
the most dangerous form of pollution on mankind since everyone of us is increasingly being affected by these invisible threat (and even more so as life gets more sophisticated and everything at home, work or play depends
on electronic or computerized gadgets and machines). The different energy forms vary in their frequencies (which determine their nature) and amplitudes (strength). To emphasize on their wide range of nature, behavior and biological effects, they are more commonly referred to as electromagnetic frequencies or electromagnetic fields (EMF), as it is the potential harmful effects of the electromagnetic fields they generate that concern us most now.
At home, these are some gadgets that emit EMR: television sets, stereo systems, air conditioners, fluorescent lights, telephone answering machines, cell and cordless phones, refrigerators, blenders, portable heaters, clothes washers
and dryers, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, toasters, microwave ovens and others. At the workplace - computers, cell phones, fax machines, copy machines, fluorescent lights, printers, scanners, telephone switching systems, electrical instruments, motors and other electrical devices. Outdoors – electrical power stations, cables and lines; telephone base stations, transmitters, antennas and cables; military and commercial radars, etc.
Can EMF harm us?
For decades there has been suspicion that EMF from power lines, home wiring, airport and military radar, substations, transformers, computers, cell phones and appliances cause everything from brain tumors, leukemia, and other cancers to birth defects, miscarriages, chronic fatigue, headaches, cataracts, heart problems, stress, nausea, chest pain, forgetfulness, depression, aggressive behavior, sleep disturbance and other health problems? Numerous studies have produced contradictory results, but most experts are convinced that the threat is real.
The body is electrochemical in nature, and any force that disrupts or changes the electrochemical cellular activities will affect the physiology of the body. Thus any form of electromagnetic field has the potential of positively or
negatively affecting the body. Unfortunately, most of the EMF/EMR affect us negatively, disrupting the normal functioning of our brain, nerve impulses, signals within and between cells, impairing the work of our immune cells, interfering with the cellular energy systems, and a host of other unwanted effects that, over the long term,
give rise to the symptoms and diseases described above. As you learn more about it, you will be convinced that EMF/EMR is really a silent killer, and since it is ubiquitous – around you everywhere and all the time – you should also realize that you have to protect yourself against its harmful effects all the time if you do not want to end up as another silent victim!