Beware of Home Electromagnetic Fields

It is not very well known that continuous exposure to high levels of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in homes can sometimes lead to unacceptable risks to the health of the occupants. It may lead to what is commonly known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) which is a physical disorder that is characterized by neurological and allergy like symptoms. The symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, eye irritation, swelling of face, numbness in skin, skin rash, joint and/or muscle pains, breathing difficulties and many other symptoms. These may either develop gradually or abruptly with the installation of new electrical or electronic appliances in the home.

The first step in the prevention of any problems arising from continuous exposure to EMFs in the home is to detect and evaluate the electromagnetic fields inside the home environment. Meters to measure the EMFs inside the home are usually available with home inspectors. You can also pool buy one with your friends. Using the meter the electromagnetic field strength in the various areas of your home near electrical and electronic appliances can be determined. For example you can find out if the vaporizer in your baby's room is emitting any strong EMFs. Likewise you can detect any concealed wiring near the sofa or bed or any other place where you spend a lot of time, emitting strong fields. The common sources of EMF in the home are all electrical and electronic equipments, power lines, mobile phones and base stations, computers, etc.

Once you have detected the areas of high electromagnetic fields in your home you must consciously try to spend the minimum amount of time possible in them. Rearrange your home furniture where you spend a lot of time, like beds, couches and desks, so that they are some distance from known EMF hot spots like heaters, wiring, door bells, fluorescent lights, etc. If possible you can try to replace some electric appliances with non electric ones. These precautions are even more important if you already suspect that some of your symptoms or those of family members may be related to electromagnetic hypersensitivity. You can find out about EMF consultants in your area by contacting the NEFTA at 1-847-475-3696

Organizations like the World Health Organization are sponsoring further studies into the effect of electromagnetic fields on human health. With more and more new appliances using stronger and newer types of electromagnetic fields being developed and mass produced the risk of electromagnetic sensitivity is going to increase. It is not possible for this type of research to keep pace with rapid technological change as such research takes time. Therefore it is safer for homeowners and residents to be aware of the EMF in their homes and take preventive measure to avoid overexposure.

Sources:

http://ewh.ieee.org/soc/embs/comar/Hypersensitivity.htm

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs296/en/index.html