What is EMF and Microwave Radiation & How to Protect Your Family

There are a lot of questions about what is EMF radiation and how it affects our bodies. From the dangers of wireless devices, to microwave radiation, there is ElectroMagnetic Field (EMF) radiation all around us.

The heated debate of whether or not electromagnetic radiation causes damage to the body is waged by two distinct parties. On the one side, you hear from countless people who claim that their families have been harmed, and on the other hand, you have institutions that claim there are no health risks to electromagnetic fields.

What does the research and scientific evidence say about potential adverse health effects?

Read on to find out…

What is Electromagnetic Radiation?

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) occur when electric current flows in one direction, and magnetic waves flow at a right angle to the current—the EMF is perpendicular to both. Think of the corner of a cube; each edge represents one of these energy directions. The wider energy field created where these forces collide is where EMFs occur.

EMF fields are invisible waves that generate radiation and exist all around us. To understand the threat of EMFs, we examine how the waves work and how often they appear in a given space. These waves form a spectrum or frequency range, from low to high frequency. So different types of radiation come in two groups of waves: ionizing and non-ionizing.

• Ionizing waves have a higher frequency and shorter wavelengths (the distance between peaks of the waves). We all recognize these as harmful to our bodies: ultraviolet radiation from the sun, X-rays, and radioactive elements. It’s indisputable today that overexposure to ionizing radiation causes adverse health effects such as radiation sickness, and other deadly diseases.
• Non-ionizing, or low frequency electromagnetic radiation, has a longer wavelength. These come from artificial sources such as power lines and electrical current, cell phones, laptops, wireless devices, TVs, microwave ovens, and other household appliances in your home. Radiofrequency (RF) waves are non-ionizing waves found closer to the center of the spectrum while extremely low frequency (ELF) waves are at the far-left side.

EMFs are known to have biological effects in many ways. All wireless networks and signals are EMFs of some kind. This is the technology that brings us remote controls, radio, walkie-talkies, mobile phone reception, and even Wi-Fi access. EMFs are not an exclusive result of cutting-edge technology—they’re in household electric wiring, high voltage wires, X-rays, and even visible light as well.

According to Maxwell’s Law (source), EMFs can even occur near an electric current, not just in direct contact with the current. To further complicate matters, additional EMFs can be created or an existing EMF can be magnified when in contact with other forms of energy, such as heat or light. (source)

Man-made magnetic fields are caused by electronic devices, particularly those that emit certain types of communication waves with an electric current. Microwave frequencies from your kitchen appliance have EMFs as do radio towers, Wi-Fi towers, mobile phones, and routers, etc..

Natural sources of EMFs also exist with no human interference. The sun, the earth, the moon, and other bodies have their own magnetic fields and produce EMFs. The frequency of the Earth is known as Schumann’s number or resonance and is believed to have a healing and grounding effect on people exposed to manmade EMFs. (See Handbook of Atmospheric Electrodynamics)

Even the human body runs on electrical and magnetic energy as evidenced by the effectiveness of defibrillators that can shock the heart back into its normal rhythm.

How Do We Measure the Impact of EMF Radiation?

The full effects of exposure to EMFs on human health is largely a question mark; however, many studies strongly suggest harm including an increased risk of several forms of cancer. Numerous other studies have attempted to demonstrate any kind of positive impact from low-level man-made electric field exposure via various methods with uncertain results.

EMFs are considered to be low-level if their frequency does not exceed that of visible light and if their radiation is non-ionizing; some examples of low-level radiation include visible light, cell phones, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, computers, laptops, tablets, and the electric field through power lines. Microwaves are among the highest-frequency EMFs that can still be considered low-level.

EMF Dangers – Because the reported symptoms of EMF overexposure vary so much, it can be a difficult field of study. Further, no reliable threshold has been established regarding how much exposure to EMF, and at what strength, is too much.

The current safety limit was established by Herman Schwan back in 1953—long before the explosion of modern EMF levels. (3) This limit was based on the amount of heat the EMF emits, and we now know that heat is the least of our worries. Schwan later went on record to say he had learned more and this limit was inadequate due to the non-heat effects of EMFs.

Further, no scientific studies of the EMFs in the atmosphere has been conducted by the US since 1979! This field is wide open to future human health studies.

According to the World Health Organization (source), the difference between non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and ionizing radiation depends on the ability of electromagnetic waves to break molecular bonds. Non-ionizing radiation supposedly cannot break molecular bonds, whereas ionizing radiation can:

• “Wavelength and frequency determine another important characteristic of electromagnetic fields: Electromagnetic waves are carried by particles called quanta. Quanta of higher frequency (shorter wavelength) waves carry more energy than lower frequency (longer wavelength) fields.
• Some electromagnetic waves carry so much energy per quantum that they have the ability to break bonds between molecules. In the electromagnetic spectrum, gamma rays given off by radioactive materials, cosmic rays,, and X-rays carry this property and are called ‘ionizing radiation’.
• Fields whose quanta are insufficient to break molecular bonds are called ‘non-ionizing radiation‘.
• Man-made sources of electromagnetic fields that form a major part of industrialized life – electricity, microwaves, low-frequency, and radiofrequency fields – are found at the relatively long wavelength and low-frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum and their quanta are unable to break chemical bonds.”

Understanding EMFs is vitally important because of the unprecedented level of exposure through electrical appliances in our technologically advancing world. Since we, and our more vulnerable children are so constantly barraged with EMFs, we must study the potential health effects of exposure to RF radiation. We believe there is a valid potential health hazard and safety risk, so we must continue to investigate and mitigate the health repercussions of EMFs.

Are EMFs Dangerous?

According to a ground-breaking Scientific American report (source).

• 240+ scientists, who have published peer-reviewed research on the dangers of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF), signed the International EMF Scientist Appeal, which calls for stronger exposure limits for publish health.
• The appeal makes the following assertions: “Numerous recent scientific publications have shown that EMF affects living organisms at levels well below most international and national guidelines. Effects include increased cancer risk, cellular stress, increase in harmful free radicals, genetic damages, structural and functional changes of the reproductive system, learning and memory deficits, neurological disorders, and negative impacts on general well-being in humans. Damage goes well beyond the human race, as there is growing evidence of harmful effects to both plant and animal life.”
• These members of the scientific community constitute the majority of experts on the effects of non-ionizing radiation and have published 2,000+ papers on EMF in professional journals.
• In 2018, a $30 million study conducted by the U.S. National Toxicology Program discovered “clear evidence” that two years of exposure to cell phone radiofrequency radiation increased cancer in male rats and damaged DNA in rats and mice of both sexes. (3)
• More than 500 scientific studies, have found harmful health or biological effects from exposure to RF radiation (radiofrequency) at intensities too low to cause significant heating. (source)
• Even the World Health Organization admits the risk! Lyon, France, May 31, 2011 ‐‐ The WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” based on an increased risk for glioma – a malignant type of brain cancer associated with radiation from cell phone use. (source)

One way EMFs cause damage throughout the human body is through reactive oxygen species (ROS), a compound that is a by-product made by our cells. ELF can disrupt this process or cause too much ROS to be created and that can lead to oxidative damage, that is, damage caused by adding oxygen, in our cells. This biological effect is not all bad. Current medical research is trying to understand if this process can be used as a treatment for cancer.

The ROS our cells create is a type of free radical, or “loose” election. These loose oxygen radicals can harm the outer barrier of our cells. This oxidative stress is a common precursor to disease and the adverse effects of aging. That allows EMF radiation to enter the cells, causing damage to both the cells and the DNA. It is believed that this type of compromised cellular process can then eventually lead to cancer.

Additionally, some studies suggest that low-frequency EMF could be even more harmful to our youngest, most vulnerable populations. One review states that fetuses, babies, and children are more susceptible to damaging EMF exposure, which can be attributed to both having thinner skulls as well as having denser stem cells. This again increases the risk of cancer and can even damage brain development.

And Dr. Martha Herbert, Ph.D., a pediatric neurologist and a brain development researcher specializing in autism, claims that low-frequency EMF contributes to the toxic burden that are areas of “physiological vulnerabilities” for kids and people on the autism spectrum. In other words, Wi-Fi is even more harmful to an autistic person’s brain. (source)

EMFs can also disrupt and even relocate electrons and ions in the body’s atoms. This can impact body tissues that are especially vulnerable and cause damage that also leads to cancer. Many lab studies suggest that EMFs can potentially harm chromosomes, blood pathways, cardiovascular systems, bone marrow, developing embryos, the endocrine system, the pineal gland, protein synthesis, and more.

The symptoms of low-level microwave EMF overexposure involve a cluster of effects on the human body that including: (source)

• Fatigue & Tiredness
• Headaches
• Dysesthesia – Impairment of the Senses
• Dizziness & Inability-to-Balance
• Difficulty Concentrating & Lack-of-Focus
• Depression & Depressive Symptoms
• Concentration & Attention Dysfunction
• Loss of Appetite & Body Weight
• Memory Changes
• Restlessness & Anxiety
• Nausea
• Skin Burning & Tingling
• EEG Changes (Heart)

Low-frequency electromagnetic fields are believed to be less dangerous than high-frequency EMFs; however, people chronically exposed to lower frequencies may still experience symptoms or even long-term damage.

High-frequency EMFs are thought to be more damaging, but the truth is that the damage may simply be more immediately apparent. If you expose your skin to bright sunlight for too long, you will notice a sunburn fairly soon from the sun’s energy. Marie Curie unfortunately discovered the dangers of radiation poisoning soon after experimenting on herself with newly discovered X-ray waves.

These are examples of EMF harm, but they are not the only ones. The cumulative effects of nearly constant low-level EMF exposure are largely unknown.

The Great Experiment – As a society, we are allowing and even embracing this technology in our lives and in our children’s spaces with limited evidence as to the health impact. It is almost as if we’ve collectively signed on for a massive experiment with no safety parameters nor informed consent because the technology has not existed long enough to have been adequately studied.

It is important to remember that the effects of EMFs are cumulative, meaning that they build up over time, and never decrease without being specifically treated and significantly decreasing new exposure. Many scientists are concerned with EMF exposure risks and with good reason.

What is EMF Exposure & Are There Risks?

Some of the potential risks of human exposure are identified in the following scientific and epidemiological studies:

• Heart Damage. EMFs alter your ECG readings—that is, they affect the functioning of your heart. (source)
• Brain Cancer from Microwaves. There is a 28% higher incidence of brain tumors with exposure to extremely low or low-frequency EMFs, specifically microwave EMFs. (source)
• Depression & Mental Illness from Microwaves. EMFs including microwaves can cause psychiatric harm including depression and mental health problems (source)
• Malignant Brain Tumors. The World Health Organization has identified EMF radiation as a probable human carcinogen capable of causing glioma (malignant brain tumors), and this National Institute of Health study goes one step further, stating EMFs should be regarded as such. This includes exposure to radiation from cell phones. (source)
• Childhood Leukemia/ Blood Cancer. Your child’s proximity to electrical wiring in the house, high voltage lines outside, or even radio towers can double his or her risk of leukemia and increase the risk of childhood cancer in general. (source)
• Breast Cancer. Household and occupational exposure to EMFs are associated with increased occurrence of breast cancer in women. (source)
• Brain Cancer Risk from Cell Phones. It is now definitive. “Heavy” use of cell phones (defined as 30 minutes daily for at least 10 years) results in higher rates of brain cancer risk, especially on the preferred side (left or right), especially for people who first used cordless telephones before age 20, and the higher the use, the greater the risk. (source)

Can EMFs Be Avoided?

No, you cannot avoid all EMFs. Not only do naturally occurring bodies produce magnetic fields, but it’s no longer feasible to avoid man-made EMFs. Even locales as remote as the polar ice caps use EMF-emitting technology to communicate. Most of us are essentially surrounded.

Although you cannot entirely eliminate EMF exposure, there is a lot that can be done to avoid the most harmful sources and to limit the total cumulative exposure from even low-level sources.

How Can I Limit EMF Exposure?

Strategies to limit EMF exposure while using the internet, computers, television sets, and other devices:

• When Using a Laptop or Computer – Place it on a table or EMF shield, further away from you, instead of on your lap or close to your body.
• Playing Movies on a Tablet for Kids – Instead of having it in their laps or directly behind your head on the seat, try mounting the tablet between the seatbacks.
• Connecting to the Internet – Use a LAN hard-wired connection when possible, and unplug the router when not in use.
• Talking on Your Cell Phone – Use wired headphones or speakerphone instead of a Bluetooth earpiece or holding the wireless phone against your head.
• Allowing Kids on Tablets and Computers– Install or display games on a TV screen when possible, and limit time spent on electronic devices.
• Sending Files Between In-Home Devices – Use a hard-wired connection or LAN connection when possible vs Bluetooth connection.
• Using a Microwave – Leave the room when the microwave is in use, or substitute what you use the microwave for in your home.

Aren’t Microwave Radiation Dangers a Myth?

Maybe you remember the microwave oven scares from when the technology was new, and people mistrusted it. Our minds have been relatively easy since the dangers of microwaving in plastic containers were addressed. Many people believe the only microwave danger was shown to be a plastic-related problem—that’s why we now have BPA-free plastics, right?

What we know about the potential risks of microwaving food, apart from toxic chemicals leaching from plastic into food, centers around electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic fields, or EMFs are emitted by many devices including microwaves, and can be harmful.

Because the microwaves (not microwave ovens, but the actual waves) themselves are a form of radiant energy (radiation), the inherent risks of this family-favorite electrical appliance must be carefully considered.

We do not fully understand all the effects of microwave radiation on human health. We do not know the full extent of the harm that EMFs can cause, either. However, after examining the evidence, you, too may wish to limit your family’s exposure to EMFs.

Why is it even important to consider a limit on EMF exposure or microwave use?

One might say, that the dearth of solid knowledge in combination with many health implications is precisely the reason for further investigation. We can only make good decisions if we have good information. A technology that touches so many lives at such a basic needs level—our food preparation—warrants close scrutiny if there is any chance it may cause harm.

We all love the convenience of microwave cooking. If you’re in love with your time-saving, but EMF-emitting microwave, this section is just for you. As a concerned parent or health-conscious consumer, you may be considering getting rid of the microwave altogether after looking at the research.

Here are specific strategies to ditch your microwave for non-EMF-generating food preparation:

• Pop Your Popcorn with Air – Instead of using the microwave for popcorn, which includes a host of other chemicals beyond microwave use, try using an air-pop machine or whirlybird, stovetop popper.
• Heating Water or Coffee– Instead of reheating coffee in the microwave, try single-serve coffee makers or coaster-size hot plates to keep your cup of Joe warm. Use an electric kettle for instant hot water.
• Cooking Personal Size Meals– Use a toaster oven instead of a microwave for quick meals made in smaller portions without the EMF exposure of a microwave.
• Reheating Leftovers– Mama Z has a tried and true method of reheating leftovers without the need for a microwave; Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 8-15 minutes. BONUS – the texture is better too!
• Thawing Meat– There are several ways to thaw meat that doesn’t require a microwave. If you forget to defrost it in the fridge overnight, try placing the meat in a sealed, waterproof baggie in a sink of warm water.

Replacing your microwave isn’t the only step you can take to create a more healthy environment in your home.

7 Ways to Mitigate EMF Damage

By this point, you may feel like a walking science fair experiment. No worries—there are ways to correct and heal after EMF exposure, and this will happen more quickly if you also limit exposure as much as possible. If you feel you already have concerning symptoms of EMF overexposure or you know you have been exposed to high levels of EMFs, it’s best to consult with a trusted, knowledgeable healthcare provider.

But even without serious symptoms, you can try these relief measures at home: If you are concerned you can try these measures at home, even without dramatic symptoms.

1. Use Essential Oils

I recently stumbled upon a fascinating research article suggesting that fennel essential oil can help reduce the damage done to the reproductive system damage due to EMFs. “The antioxidant compounds in fennel & vitamin E, with other antioxidants,” the Iranian researchers stated, “Can reduce the harmful effects of EMFs on the reproductive system.” (source)

Harmful effects of EMFs on the reproductive system? Yep!

Many people are unaware that, “EMFs induced cell death in testicular germ cell in mice”. And, “According to many researchers, neuroendocrine changes caused by EMFs are a key factor in changing hormone function and cause infertility symptoms in females.”

Try this at home: consider applying a 2% dilution of fennel as a gentle, therapeutic body oil when you’re stuck in a heavy Wi-Fi zone.

2. Himalayan Pink Salt

Himalayan pink salt can help normalize the ion balance in the human body, not only by eating it, but also just by physical contact. A salt soak is very beneficial, even if you only soak your feet. Pink salt slabs are sold to rest your feet on, so you can reap the benefits of salt without soaking—try one under your desk at work. Himalayan salt lamps help balance the ionic levels in your home continuously.

3. Grounding

No, you don’t need to send your children to their rooms. Grounding is a method of returning your EMF frequency to the frequency of the natural environment by standing barefoot on the good, clean earth for as little as 20 minutes per day. This is part of the benefits of tree medicine (forest bathing) and why we love getting outdoors!

4. Moving Water

Bathing in moving water can also encourage your EMF to return to normal, and it does not require a swim. Spending time walking or resting near a natural body of water (i.e. not a dam or swimming pool) with natural movement (rivers, creeks, ocean rather than a pond) has an effect similar to grounding.

5. Balneotherapy

Mineral-rich or salt-water not only shows promising medical results for many difficult ailments, but it can also combine the benefits of natural salt therapy with those of moving water. What a great reason to visit your local natural hot springs and reset your electromagnetic field!

6. Unplug Your Home and Mind

It seems obvious to minimize environmental influences but this is a simple step is often overlooked. Try to escape all electronic devices a few days a year, especially if you choose an escape like camping where you may find: opportunities to get away from most high-level EMFs, plenty of time to go barefoot, and even a creek nearby. If you can’t do this then forest bathing without electronics can help. Even unplugging your Wi-Fi router overnight while you’re asleep to prevent passive exposure during the nighttime hours minimizes EMF and RF exposure.

7. Wear a Harmoni Pendant

The Harmoni Pendant works through the science of bioenergetics. Bioenergetics is a study of vibrational frequency and explains that everything has its own vibration. Every organ in your body, your cell phone, WiFi, electricity — everything in your world vibrates at its own frequency. It has been clinically proven to reduce EMF-causing stress at the cellular level. To learn more about the Harmoni Pendant, check out our product review.

What Can You Do About Exposure to EMFs?

Learning about EMFs is not enough if it only causes worry or anxiety. Now is the time to formulate a plan to limit or avoid the EMFs in your environment and to heal the overload.

Some strategies can be applied right away—today:

• Salt soak – Try adding these detox essential oils to your bath for added benefits.
• Grounding, or forest bathing for tree medicine.
• Keeping electronic devices off laps and on tables.
• Wear a Harmoni Pendant.

Some take planning, but are achievable this week:

• Buy wired headphones.
• Introduce new time limits for children’s electronics if needed.
• Switch to microwave-free cooking strategies.
• Consider adding a pink salt lamp or slab to your home.

It may take more advanced planning and a month or two to implement some changes:

• Plan some unplugged time in nature for your next vacation.
• Research your local natural hot springs.
• Develop a habit of spending time near natural bodies of water.
• Limit your own electronics time as much as possible.

Long–term goals take time, but are worth the effort:

• Learn where high-EMF towers are (or are planned when considering a home purchase.)
• Be proactive about EMF safety at your child’s school and in your work environment.
• Establish regular habits to heal the EMF damage and prevent new exposure.

EMF radiation caused by microwaves, Wi-Fi signals, and other devices in your home can impact your health. But a few simple changes can help make your home healthier. Where will you start in detoxing your home today? That’s what our Bible Health Academy is dedicated to helping you achieve.