How to shield against harmful EMF

Remember when cell phone providers used to give free phones to new customers? In 2000, that’s how I got my first cellular phone – a flip phone. I know it is hard to imagine living with a flip phone now, but stay with me because I’m going somewhere with this. The year 2000 seems like ages ago, but, as you are aware, telecommunications have improved tremendously over the last 20 years.

Although the telecommunications industry has helped us to download, talk, and text quickly, it is important that we ask ourselves how is this possible? What has changed that allows us to press a button on a phone and send a recent photo to a friend in Tokyo or Mozambique in less than 16 seconds? Currently, cell phones operate at much higher bandwidths and frequencies than they did 20 years ago, which begs the following question: What risk, if any, do cell phones pose on human health? One simple way to begin to uncover this is to determine the effects of cellular phones on the birds and bees. I am not talking about sex; but I am introducing the topic of electromagnetic frequencies, otherwise known as EMFs.

The telecommunication advancements over the last 20 to 50 years have continuously introduced new products, which emit EMFs in our society. Some of the top EMF sources in our homes are cell phones, laptops, Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, microwave ovens, and Bluetooth devices. Interestingly, several studies have been conducted to demonstrate the effects EMFs have on bees when cell phones are attached to their homes (bee hives).

In one study, worker bees were exposed to EMF frequencies of 900MHz for 10 minutes, daily, for ten days. This exposure affected their navigation skills in that they were unable to return to the hive. In another study EMFs from telecommunication structures may interfere with the bee’s biological clocks so that they are unable to predict the sun’s movements. This causes them to fly in the wrong direction, making them unable to return to the hive. In a third study, bees were exposed to extremely low EMF frequencies (50Hz, equivalent to the frequency of overhead power lines). They exhibited reduced learning, reduced success for foraging flights toward food sources, and reduced feeding.  Similarly, birds exposed to EMFs – especially near cellular towers – have exhibited changes in behavior.

We know that living creatures are affected by low-level (50-300Hz) and mid-level (900MHz) EMFs. How are they affected by high-level EMFs (2.4GHz, 5.8GHz, or higher)?  A quick search reveals that there is no substantial research on this topic; however, we need to ask what is the cumulative effect of repeated or continuous exposure to EMFs, whether at high or low levels?

Since no definitive research is available that speaks to the cumulative effects over the next 15 or 30 year period, let’s look at another study in which honeybees were exposed to EMF frequencies between two and 120 GHz.  This 2018 study verified that honeybees exposed to “increasing electromagnetic radiation exposure has weakened the bee populations and added stress that then results in decreased ability to maintain their health when exposed to increased pesticides, chemicals and infections. Further, the bee’s resistance to environmental stressors is weakened by EMF exposure.”

In order to understand fully the differences in frequencies, I thought it might be helpful to discuss how the letter which precedes “Hz” (either ‘M’ for Mega or ‘G’ for Giga) increases the numerical frequency value. One-thousand megahertz equals one gigahertz (1000MHz = 1 GHz); therefore, 2.4 GHz is equal to 2,400MHz. Do you see how alarming the conversions can be if you know how many zeros you are adding!

Please see the table below.

Value	Numerical Equivalent
1Hz (Hertz)	1 cycle per second applied to the frequency of electromagnetic waves
1MHz	1,000,000 (1 million Hz)   For example, 900MHz is equal to 900,000,000Hz (900 million Hertz).
1GHz	1,000,000,000 (1 billion Hz)   For example, 2.4GHz is equal to 2,400,000,000 (2.4 billion Hz or 2,400MHz)

 

Interestingly in 2020, thousands of new cellular towers were constructed across the country to deliver 5G technology at increased frequencies (mid-band 5G performs between 2.5 and 3.7GHz; high-band 5G currently uses frequencies between 25 and 39GHz).  Here is food for thought: If studies have proven that honey bees exposed to low-level EMFs weaken the bee population, what harmful effects will 5G ultra-wide EMF technology have on the human population? Is EMF exposure really harmful? Can it cause damage to the human body? Recent studies have shown an increase of certain cancers such as brain, thyroid, rectal and breast, although it is inconclusive as to whether this is directly related to keeping cell phones in close proximity to the body or being exposed to cellular signals from mobile network traffic. With 5G technology being more permeating and powerful, it is possible that it is detrimental to the human body; therefore, electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc. should not be placed directly on the body.

Since we know that EMFs can exert some level of harm, I have included a few tips to help protect you from EMF exposure.

• Do not keep your cellular phone in close proximity to your body.  Most cell phones have been studied at a distance of one inch away from the body, but never actually touching it. Ironically, this is the exact distance to the body most people keep their phones (i.e. in their jeans pockets, shirt pockets, undergarments, etc.).
• Limit your child’s cell phone use and screen time per day, as this may cause decreased attentiveness and overstimulation of dopamine being released in their body. This may result in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Turn off your Wi-Fi router at night, if possible.
• Avoid sleeping with your cell phone under your pillow or near your head.
• For voice conversations, use your cell phone’s speaker function rather than placing it directly next to your head.
• Consider replacing cordless phones with a corded landline phone.
• Limit common sources of “dirty electricity” from your home such as compact fluorescent bulbs, dimmer switches, fans with multiple speeds, smart utility meters, smart appliances, and LED lights.
• Grounding protects the human body from detrimental EMFs that release free radicals, which cause inflammation. Grounding is making a physical connection to the earth by walking barefoot on grass, soil, and sand as well as touching the dirt of the earth while gardening, farming, or planting flowers. It is essential to neutralize the effects of EMFs in order to promote immune health. While grounding, be careful of any sharp objects lying around, and be mindful not to ground in areas that have been heavily sprayed with herbicides and pesticides. See Moore, J.G. and Chilcoat, A. Purple MIND Shield of Protection, “Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMFs),” 2020, www.purplemindbook.com

Remember, as a society we are experiencing a new technological era. It is important you research safety standards regarding EMF, 5G, Wi-Fi and cell phones to protect yourself, your family, and other loved ones from the harmful effects of EMF.  Please be aware. Do your own research. Consider shielding yourself, your family, and your loved ones from the potential harmful effects of EMF. Be blessed!

References:

Mercola J. EMF*D 5G, Wi-Fi & Cell Phones: Hidden Harms and How to Protect Yourself. Hay House USA, Carlsbad, CA.  2020.

Moore JG and Chilcoat A.  Purple MIND Shield of Protection. 2020. www.purplemindbook.com

Philips et al., “Animals, Birds, Insects and Plants.” Radiofrequency EMFS and Health Risks (2017). 

Sainudeen, SS.  “Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) Clashes with the Honey Bees.”  International Journal of Environmental Sciences 1.5 (2011).

Sharma VP and NK Kumar. “Changes in honeybee behavior and biology under the influence of cellphone radiations.” Current Science 98.10 (2010): 1376-8.

Shepherd et al., “Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Impair the Cognitive and Motor Abilities of Honey Bees.” Scientific Reports volume 8, Article number: 7392 (2018).

The Earthing Movie: The Remarkable Science of Grounding (full documentary), YouTube.

Thielens A et al., “Exposure of Insects to Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields from 2 to 120 GHz.” Scientific Reports 8, Article number 3924 (2018).

Wikipedia, 5G.