They are everywhere, and they present increasing dangers to your health.

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are present everywhere in our environment but are invisible to the human eye. Your only protection is knowing the sources and taking precautions to reduce the cumulative and harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation surrounding you.

Since the beginning of the universe, the sun has emitted waves that create EMF radiation. Since the 1800s, human-made gadgets that power our lives surround us with increasing EMF radiation.

Power lines, cell phones, microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, and X-rays are only a few sources of EMF radiation we have added to our daily exposure. Some sources present low doses, but other sources are high and a cause for concern.

Radiation exposure is measured in units called millirads (mrad). For example, one week of living at a high altitude in Denver presents about one mrad of radiation. A 6-hour jet flight presents about five mrads. Yet, a screening mammogram presents about 300 mrad.

Mammograms and EMF Dangers

Dense breast tissue among premenopausal women requires about twice the mammogram radiation than that of postmenopausal women who typically have less dense and fattier tissue.

Risk is substantially increased if radiation is absorbed in the developing breast tissue of females aged 8 – 20. For those females in this younger age range who are so sensitive to radiation that they become physically ill after exposure, the low-level accumulation can increase risk and initiate cancer. Cancer can then appear up to 10 years after exposure and does not peak until 40 years after exposure.

However, the mammography industry reports that for non-sensitive women over 40, the added risk of mammography is statistically insignificant.

Electrical Devices and EMF Dangers

EMF radiation surrounds all electrical devices. As a part of our everyday lives, constant exposure increases breast cancer rates.

For example, evidence suggests that women who work with telephone line installation or repair are up to 200 times more likely to develop breast cancer. EMF can disturb the normal growth of cells by interfering with hormone, enzyme, and chemical signals. The result is DNA damage and the potential for cancer.

Computer monitors typically emit electric and magnetic fields in the very low frequency range (VLF) and the extremely low frequency (ELF) ranges. For women who sit in front of computer monitors during work hours, grounded glare screen filters reduce the electric fields.

Reducing the magnetic fields requires additional equipment to surround and shield the top and sides of the monitor. Flat-screen monitors such as liquid crystal displays, or LCDs, and plasma displays, typically emit less EMF than do cathode ray tube, or CRT, monitors.

Melatonin and EMF Dangers

EMF also reduces the production of melatonin, a brain chemical that contributes to breast cancer when in a state of deficiency. Some flight attendants have higher incidence rates of breast cancer due to irregular sleep patterns disturbing their melatonin levels.

Reducing EMF Radiation

EMF radiation can be reduced by 80% when common household appliances are kept at least 28 inches away from your body.

These appliances include electric clocks, electric wiring, TVs, computer monitors, electric blankets, electric fans, and other common household electric appliances. Hairdryers and bedside clocks can do more damage than televisions because they are typically closer to the head and the glands that regulate melatonin and other hormones.

For an in-depth understanding of EMF radiation risks and mitigation tips, consider our related articles:

• EMF-Dangers – (Complete Article) and EMF – (Short Article)
• Is Your Home Healthy for You? and Managing EMF in Our Homes
• Dumbing Down Your Smart Meter
• Cell Phone Health Risks and Cell Phone Safety Tips
• Cars and EMF and Cars and EMF: Healthful Tips