Potential Threats Posed by Electromagnetic Radiation

It seems like technology is always changing, and always growing. Fifteen to twenty years ago not everyone needed to own a computer, or even a cellphone but today you would be hard pressed to find someone who does not own a computer, a smartphone, or even just a basic cellphone. From 9 year olds to 99 year olds technology has become a part of everyone’s lives at home, at school, and at work. The power of technology has infiltrated all aspects of our lives, and so has the risks of technology including electromagnetic radiation. There are many great things about technology. We can communicate through a variety of channels, we have access to a variety of entertainment at all times, not to mention the fact we can share and find information we need much easier than previous generations have been able to.  Yet technology brings a dark side to our lives. The ability to be connected 24 hours a day, 365 days a year means that it is much harder to find a time and space where technology is not in our vicinity.

You do not need to be working at a nuclear power plant to be exposed to radiation. In fact, it can be found pretty much everywhere, and has been increasing in frequency over the last few years. Wireless and Wi-Fi emitting devices emit two different types of electromagnetic radiation which are Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) and Radio Frequency (RF) radiation. Everything from televisions, satellites, computers, cellphones and more can emit this radiation. Any wireless device we use, or even come within a short proximity of, emits electromagnetic radiation, which has been linked to a variety of health concerns.

Electromagnetic radiation has been linked to increase rates of cancer, fertility issues and a variety of other health problems. The World Health Organization came out with a study about electromagnetic radiation from The International Agency for Research on Cancer which said, “The evidence, while still accumulating, is strong enough to support a conclusion and the 2B classification. The conclusion means that there could be some risk [for cancer], and therefore we need to keep a close watch for a link between cellphones and cancer risk." Another more immediate risk of using some electronic devices is called Toasted Skin Syndrome, and it is just what it sounds like. This occurs when using a device like a laptop, or a cellphone that emits heat. When the person uses such a device for a long enough period of time, without any protection, the heat from the device is transferred to the skin causing burning and scarring.

Of course  one might think that getting rid of the risk of electromagnetic radiation is simple, just stop using electronic devices, but the fact that technology has become such an important, and ingrained part of lives makes this quite difficult. Still, limiting electronic device use by turning off electronics when not being used, and trying to stay away from wireless emitting devices is a way to reduce these risks. Another way to reduce this risk is to purchase a protective electromagnetic radiation shield.

This Article was written by Jacques Lem. Visit our site at http://codefreedom.org/ and http://codefreedom.org/category/telephony-internet/ for more details.