It’s pumped into our computers, phones, laptops, and tablets. It floats around our homes, workplace, trains, and even planes. Since its inception in the early 90s Wi-Fi has become a standard part of our everyday lives, but should we blindly trust it? Is Wi-Fi bad for your health?
Sure Wi-Fi is a miraculous convenience for the modern person. It is used by hundreds of millions of people on a daily basis to connect to the web. It helps us work, stay entertained, and connect with others. But is it good for our health?
The dangers of Wi-Fi are still under speculation in the medical world because it has become too much of a convenience to question. The fact of the matter is that the EMFs (electromagnetic fields) released from our technology aren’t something our bodies were naturally built to absorb. The issue of EMF impact on our health is only just recently receiving concern from medical experts.
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome, or EMS, is an issue that concerns people exposing themselves to electromagnetic fields. Studies are just now showing that this medical issue is far more credible than we might have thought. According to one study, a cordless phone base station placed about two feet from your head and plugged in for three minutes at a time can significantly disrupt your heart rhythm. This study led by Magda Havas, PhD, of the Environmental & Resources Studies Department at Trent University, Canada.
So far experts have been able to classify those who are affected into two groups. There are the people who suffer from minor symptoms and those who are more seriously affected. Swiss Doctor Thomas Rau from the Paracelsus Clinic found that in modernized areas almost 40% receive negative side effects from EMFs while 8% suffer more serious symptoms.
Minor Symptoms
You may be someone with EHS and not even realize it. Simply strolling around areas with heavy concentrations of EMFs might aggravate the following symptoms:
- Feelings faint, light-headed, or dizzy
- Itchy and burning sensations on your skin
- Spontaneous and stubborn headaches
- Pain, discomfort, and soreness in your muscles
- Feelings of nausea or sickness
- Lack of focus and clarity
More Serious Dangers
Some doctors believe that exposure to EMFs might also lead to more drastic problems in extra sensitive individuals. According to Dr. Rau the exposure to electromagnetic loads can contribute to the following medical issues:
- ADD and ADHD
- Chronic Migraine
- Insomnia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Chronic Back Pain
- Arrhythmia
- Cancer
Nearly Unavoidable
It seems strange that a medical issue with such serious negative potential is receiving such little attention. How can such a convenient part of our everyday lives have these negative effects? Why isn’t more research being done?
Companies making millions of dollars off their Wi-Fi services probably don’t want to answer these question just as much as they don’t want you to ask them. Wi-Fi and EMFs are growing exponentially and show no signs of slowing down. Some estimates say that the amount of hotspots are likely to triple by 2015.
You don’t have to be a tech connoisseur to be exposed to EMFs on a daily basis, they’ll find you regardless. A hefty majority of the people around you are beaming signals right from their pockets and backpacks. Stores and restaurants are picking up on the earning potential of Wi-Fi and installing it in their establishments. Even if you don’t have a cell phone at all you could be a victim.
It may be difficult to avoid soaking up the rays in our media saturated culture, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to reducing exposure. A few minor life changes can spare you the risk of excess EMF absorption.
- If you have to use a cell phone, make messaging a priority over calling. Not only is it more convenient, it also is less dangerous than placing the phone directly next to your brain.
- If you have kids keep them away from cell phones. Children with developing bodies are the most vulnerable to the mysterious effects of Wi-Fi and other EMFs. They may resent you for it, but it’s for the best.
- Learn to use airplane mode whenever you can with your devices. It disables Wi-Fi and cellular data, which also will conveniently save a ton of battery life. If you aren’t expecting to give or receive any communication during the night, turn your phone off completely before bed.
by NILOFER KHAN
BLOGGER @Helpingbrain.org
