Are electromagnetic waves dangerous?

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Electromagnetic waves are present everywhere in our modern world: television, light bulbs and telephones are objects used in everyday life. However, for the past century, a debate over the possible dangers of these waves has divided public opinion. The subject is more relevant than ever in view of the world in which we operate. We are therefore forced to question ourselves: do the radiations emitted by electronic devices harm our health?

A recurring debate

Because everyday objects only emit so-called “very low frequency” radiation (around 60 hertz per second), they were seen for a long time as harmless, being too weak to crush the electrons and cause damage directly to our body.

But in July 1989, the American newspaper Times considered the frightening possibility that this ubiquitous background could cause cancer.

An epidemiological study was then launched, comparing children from Denver who had died of cancer with another group of healthy children. This leads to the conclusion that children living near a power plant were twice as exposed and could see the disease arise.

Laboratory experiments also provided other reasons for concern. Electromagnetic radiation would change certain cells and alter the actions of neurotransmitters. In addition, 60 Hertz radiation would have increased the number of misshapen embryos in chicken eggs.

Doctor David Carpenter of New York University, public health specialist, warned at the time:

25 years later, Dr. Carpenter, still at the same university, but as director of the Institute for Health and the Environment, is still wary of electromagnetic waves:

One of the reasons why some are still skeptical is that scientists have no explanations yet regarding how these waves would cause cancer. Recently, concerns have shifted no longer to frequencies of 60 Hertz, but rather to those of millions: those of telephones and wireless networks.

Dr. Carpenter would like to leave WiFi out of schools, for example, although there is no evidence of direct danger at this time.

Are all types of radiation dangerous?

No, humans are exposed to natural radiation all day long, both indoors and outdoors. Earth and cosmic radiation are obviously part of the world, of the planet on which we live. And there is of course the sun, our most important source of radiation through its solar rays. We are used to it, most are harmless, sometimes even necessary. What to be wary of is a extensive and intensive exposure to them, whether natural or artificial.

We are talking about electromagnetic pollution to describe excessive exposure to radiation or electromagnetic fields emitted by electronic devices such as smartphones, WiFi router or Bluetooth equipment.

The energy emitted by these electronic devices, however, does not have the capacity to damage chemical bonds. In other words, it cannot harm your DNA, which is a potential cause of cancer. However, if the electromagnetic radiation does not cause immediate damage, they do interact with our body, especially in the case of long-term exposure.

How do electromagnetic radiation from electronic devices affect our body?

Our body can absorb these electromagnetic radiations as energy, which means that the molecules of the tissue exposed to the radiation will be stimulated. In other words, they warm up. It’s exactly the same principle as when we tan in the sun. The molecules present in our epidermis are stimulated by the sun’s rays, and this is how our skin warms up.

In addition, the energy emitted by electronic devices is lower than that of the sun, the energy being proportional to the frequency of radiation. Ultraviolet light, that having a strong harmful potential of cancer type, has even a frequency of radiation higher than the microwaves which diffuse our telephones. Reassured?

In recent years, a lot of attention has been given to specific absorption rate (SAR) of smartphones and their effect on our health. The SAR is an index indicating the amount of energy carried by the waves received by the user of a radio device, when this device is operating at full power.

However, these values ​​are sometimes somewhat arbitrary, although manufacturers and companies must respect a security limit established by the Federal Communication Commission of the United States.

We still don’t take full appreciation of the potential effects of electromagnetic radiation, both in terms of biological interaction, but also the effects of their prolonged and cumulative exposure. What is certain is that we are more and more subject to this type of radiation, we bathe in it every day. They are issued by more and more devices and our relationships with them become more and more intimate. There is no way of knowing the result.

Are these effects obvious?

In 2011, wireless radiation was classified as potentially carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, an agency of the World Health Organization, in response to studies indicating possible correlation between the waves of smartphones and cancer.

The debate returns here, and divides: scientific studies suggest this link between radiation and cancer, while others refute it.

Our relationship with wireless technology today is radically different from 10 years ago, when most of the wireless devices used today did not exist. Studying long-term effects on the human body unfortunately takes time, and meanwhile, the technology continues to evolve far too fast for scientific study, which will not be able to keep pace.

At the same time, reports that purport to be alarming remind us to be cautious and wary. However, amateur experiences wishing to inform the population remain questionable: the report demonstrating that watercress sprouts would die when placed near a WiFi router had many weaknesses and errors of amateurism, and, therefore, could only be really credible or taken seriously.

Humans are not cress sprouts, yes, but we still keep a lot of wireless devices close to our bodies. So should we be really suspicious or should we take the risk? It’s all a question of subjectivity, at least as long asno valid conclusion is offered.

How to protect yourself from it?

As mentioned before, artificial electromagnetic radiation from our electronic systems is ubiquitous in our environment. At the current technological level, and provided that the transmitting devices are not used excessively, they seem harmless, at least for adults. However, if your habits seem risky or you have experienced symptoms that could be attributed to electromagnetic pollution, you can try some of the solutions below.

No more addicted to your smartphone

Your phone will have the most radiation during your calls, a hands-free kit is then recommended. Also avoid calls when network signal is weak, and, if possible, try not to wear your smartphone close to your body, especially when sleeping, or do not hesitate to put it in airplane mode while you sleep. You will also gain in battery! Finally, choose a phone with a low SAR when you buy the next one.

WiFi and Bluetooth waves

The WiFi signal only emits one low energy, since it only covers a short distance. In addition, it is considered non-thermal, which means that it does not cause tissue heating. Technically, no worries to be done, therefore.

However, children may be more vulnerable. If you are concerned, consider connect to the internet via an ethernet cable, which will allow you to turn off your WiFi router. If it should still be active, place it at a maximum distance from your desk or bed, while trying to keep a reasonable signal.

Again, based on our knowledge today, WiFi signals are harmless and it’s almost impossible to overdose.

Relax, everything will be fine

At this precise moment, the science is not clear. Partly because of the vagueness in which experiments are carried out in this area and the fact that the intimate use of technology is something relatively new.

Therefore, we will only see the effects clearly in a while.

Therefore, to the question “are electromagnetic waves dangerous for health”, we would be tempted to answer no. At least not for the moment. So don’t panic, you can sleep on both ears.

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