REDUCING RADIATION RISKS

WAYS TO LESSEN ELECTROMAGNETIC EXPOSURE

by Carrie Jackson

We are tied to our devices, washing machines and baby monitors. continually connected via The closer a device is to a person, the phones, tablets and com- more potent the charge. “EMFs cause puters, but this convenience comes at VGCC’s [voltage-gated calcium chana cost. Many people are surprised to nels] to swing open and allow excess learn that our devices are constantly calcium into the cell. This causes elevatemitting electromagnetic fields (EMFs) ed oxidative stress, inflammation and and radiofrequency radiation (RF). ultimately, if not counteracted, disease,” According to the American Academy says Mieke Jacobs, an EMF consultant of Environmental Medicine, there is and founder of Healthy House Chicago. strong evidence of a correlation be- Jacobs, who does private house intween these exposures and neurologi- spections in the Midwest, says that the cal, cardiac and pulmonary disease, as rise of smart appliances and lighting in well as reproductive disorders, immune recent years has increased certain types dysfunction, cancer and other health of EMFs. “Dirty electricity consists of conditions. high-frequency voltage transients riding along the 60-Hertz electricity provided Constant Exposure by the utility company. Many people Our exposure to EMFs has dramatical- are surprised to learn how prevalent it ly increased over the past few years, is in seemingly safer sources such as especially in homes containing cord- solar panels, compact fluorescent lights, less phones, wireless routers and smart dimmer switches and energy-efficient meters. Every electrical device emits an appliances,” she says. EMF, whether or not it’s turned on. This constant radiation can cause damage to Concerning Effects cells, and even comes from applianc- As a certified electromagnetic radiation es such as refrigerators, microwaves, specialist and founder of EMF Healthy, in Sedona, Arizona, Liz Menkes focuses on the radio frequency EMFs found in wireless devices and systems, alternating current (AC) electric and magnetic sources in wiring and appliances, and dirty electricity, all commonly found in homes. “EMFs have been linked to many symptoms and health conditions, and there is evidence of cancer risk from all four types,” she says. “AC magnetic fields were classified as a possible human carcinogen in 2001 due to evidence of increased risk for childhood leukemia. Radio frequency was classified as a possible human carcinogen in 2011 due to evidence of increased risk for brain tumors. Plus, there are links to many other health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.”

Symptoms from EMF exposure can manifest in many ways. “Early warning signs include difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, headaches, irritability and anxiety. It is estimated about 30 percent of the population is moderately sensitive to EMFs, but have not connected the dots, since these are common symptoms that can be caused by many things. Other common symptoms can include tinnitus, skin rashes, dizziness, sharp stabbing pains, leg cramps, high blood pressure, nausea and hyperactivity, especially in children,” says Menkes. Less common symptoms include heart arrhythmias, unexplained nightmares and nosebleeds, as well as ADHD and food allergies in kids, adds Jacobs.

Reduce Exposure at Home

Tangible steps can be taken to lessen the risk. “The number one mistake people make is sleeping with their cell phones near the head of the bed. Leave it turned off in another room and get a battery-operated alarm clock,” says Menkes. “Turn off Wi-Fi at night, since EMF radiation affects melatonin production. If possible, hardwire your laptops, tablets, cell phones and other devices to eliminate Wi-Fi completely in the house. If you must use a cell phone, keep it in air-

plane mode as much as possible and don’t store it in a pocket or otherwise close to the body.”

More in-depth interventions include electrical rewiring, as well as radio-frequency shielding that blocks EMFs with copper or another absorbent material. “Replacing dimmer switches helps, but not all electricians are aware of EMFs and have different priorities when upgrading a home,” says Jacobs.

The federal government has no restrictions on overall EMF exposure. “The wireless industry and the government agencies that are supposed to regulate this industry want you to believe that the science is settled and wireless exposures are safe. Unfortunately, this message is not reality. EMF damage can manifest in myriad ways that include many conditions and that are occurring in ever-increasing amounts,” says Lloyd Burrell, author of EMF Practical Guide and France-based founder of ElectricalSense.com.

The Building Biology Institute offers classes and resources to help create environments free of EMF hazards. “Any measure to reduce your exposure is worth taking, and will contribute to a healthier and more peaceful home environment,” says Menkes.

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

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The 12th Annual Tour de North Port

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Sponsored by People for Trees, Inc.

The Tour de North Port is a scenic on-road organized bicycle ride that features the beautiful pine flatwoods and oak tree canopies of North Port and the parks along the Myakkahatchee Creek. It is NOT a race! Riders choose to complete a 15, 35, or 65 mile loop. Includes breakfast, catered lunch, desserts, fully-stocked rest stops, t-shirt, goodie bag, and mobile (SAG) Support And Gear. $50 pre-registration closes online Friday, Oct. 21 @midnight. (on-site registration $55) Breakfast/pre-registration check-ins/ on-site registrations start at 7AM, Group Starts begin @8AM. Imagine School, 2757 Sycamore St. North Port 34289 More information, routes, and to pre-register: www.peoplefortrees.com • (941) 468-2486 Proceeds benefit People for Trees, Inc., a non-profit native tree advocacy group since 1997. Celebrating 25 years! Early packet pickups and new registrations will be available on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the “North Port Food & Fest” from 10-noon at the North Port City Center Green.

Event sponsors: DurtiRunners, Louie’s Bicycles, Real Bikes of Venice, Local Ladies Social Network, Natural Awakenings of Sarasota, First Watch Daytime Cafe, T’s Plus, Jim Dodson Law, Bicycles International, Frohlich, Gordon, & Beason, Trust for Public Land, Hampton Inn & Suites of North Port, Beautiful Ponds, Allamanda Garden Club, White’s Diesel Performance, North Port Forward, Wellen Park, Namack Portfolio Investments “Save a tree today, and we’ll all breathe a little easier!”