
There is a massive push on the sale of grounding equipment of late. This type of thing always puts my gimmick radar into overdrive because if there is one thing I detest, it’s being ripped off.
While I am not a scientist, nor do I claim to be one, I figure that with enough reading I can come to some pretty fair conclusions on products and services that all of my clientele and fellow Wellness advocates can surely benefit from.
Here goes nothing……..
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) come from a variety of sources. Power lines, home wiring, airport and military radar, substations, transformers, computers and appliances. These waves have been linked (although reported as “casually”) to the cause brain tumors, leukemia, birth defects, miscarriages, chronic fatigue, headaches, cataracts, heart problems, stress. nausea, chest pain, forgetfulness, cancer and other health problems.
Many have chosen to write about the possibility of serious health concerns as a result of exposure to EMF’s since the 80’s in such publications as Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and Business Week. Ted Koppel and Dan Rather also have reported on the subject. Lately, more attention has been brought to the subject by the up and comers of the Wellness industry.
In addition to the long-term health concerns, buying a house with high fields will be an economic disaster. In a few years, when power line radiation is as well known as asbestos and radon, a house with high fields will be practically impossible to sell. Currently there are hundreds of lawsuits regarding EMFs and property devaluation in the United States.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Says the Threat Is Real
In a draft report issued in March 1990, the EPA recommended that EMFs be classified as a Class B carcinogen — -a “probable human carcinogen and joined the ranks of formaldehyde, DDT, dioxins and PCBs. Reportedly after review by utility, military and computer lobbyists, the EPA’s final revision did NOT classify EMFs as a Class B carcinogen Rather, the following explanation was added:”
At this time such a characterization regarding the link between cancer and exposure to EMFs is not appropriate because the basic nature of the interaction between EMFs and biological processes leading to cancer is not understood.”
No real conclusion here…but can we truly KNOW that outside pressures stopped the EPA from speaking out?
SOURCES OF EMF
Power Lines
All power lines radiate electromagnetic fields. The question is: how much are the power lines near YOUR home radiating? The amount of EMFs coming from a power line depends on its particular configuration. Power companies know which power line configurations are best for reducing EMFs but most don’t feel the evidence supports costly changes in the way they deliver electricity.
Substations
A substation is an assemblage of circuit breakers, disconnecting switches and transformers designed to substations have been blamed for causing cancer clusters among nearby residents. Paul Brodeur wrote about several such cancer clusters in the July 9, 1990 issue of the New Yorker Magazine.
Transformers
EMFs near a transformer can be quite high, but due to its small structure, the field strength diminishes rapidly with distance, as it does from any point source. For this reason, having a transformer located near your home is usually not a major source of concern, although just to make sure, everyone should measure the field strength around it.
Home Wiring
If your home has high EMF readings, it is important to determine the sources of the EMF so that remedial action can be taken, if possible. Many times a particular room will have a higher EMF reading. Check to see if the electricity is coming into the house on the wall outside that room. When this is the case, it is usually a good idea to block off that room and only use it for storage purposes.
Sometimes, the source of a high magnetic field is incorrect wiring. If you suspect that your home is wired improperly, obtain the services of a licensed electrician. Warning: Do not touch electric wires, even if you think the current is turned off. If you need to disconnect electrical circuits to determine the source of magnetic fields, you should call a licensed electrician.
Computers
Computers are a complicated subject. Know this: EMFs radiate from all sides of the computer. Thus, you must not only be concerned with sitting in front of the monitor but also if you are sitting near a computer or if a computer is operating in a nearby room.
Electric Blankets and Waterbeds
Electric blankets create a magnetic field that penetrates about 6-7 inches into the body. Thus it is not surprising that an epidemiological study has linked electric blankets with miscarriages and childhood leukemia.
Electric Clocks
If you are using a bedside clock, you are probably sleeping in an EMF equivalent to that of a powerline Studies have linked high rates of brain tumors with chronic exposure to magnetic fields, so it is wise to place all clocks and other electrical devices (such as telephones and answering devices) at least 6 feet from your bed.
Fluorescent Lights
Fluorescent lights produce much more EMFs than incandescent bulbs.
Microwave Ovens and Radar
Microwave ovens and radar from military installations and airports emit two types of radiation — microwave and ELF.
Telephones and Answering Machines
Telephones can emit surprisingly strong EMFs, especially from the handset. This is a problem because we hold the telephone so close to our head.
Electric Razors and Hair Dryers
Electric razors and hair dryers emit EMFs as high as 200 to 400 mg.
CONCLUSION:
Look, I don’t have a Gauss meter, and they are pretty expensive but I recommend you do your own research. Does “grounding” yourself truly cancel the risks of exposure? Sure, it’s possible. But do your research for yourself first.
Electricity is an inseparable part of our modern day society. This means that EMFs will continue to be all around us. Is there a consequence to some of the modern conveniences we have? Absolutely. The automobile is destroying the planet after all.
Most experts agree that limited, non-chronic exposure to EMFs is not a threat. For example, it is probably acceptable for a person to be near a toaster in the morning.
This being said, it is not advisable for a person to sleep under an electric blanket, up close, live near a powerline/substation, and sleep in a room where the power enters the home. This person is under an extreme case of chronic exposure. This condition, unfortunately, applies to millions of Americans.
In short, don’t sit too close to your TV set. Distance yourself at least 6 feet away. Use a Gauss meter to help you decide where it is safe to sit/sleep/stand/breathe/eat and poop if you feel it is necessary.
Sources:
David Wolfe
Dr. Mercola
Wikipedia
Recommended Reading
Cross Currents The Perils of Electropollution. The Promise of Electromedicine Robert 0. Becker, M.D. Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc., 1990
Currents of Death The Attempt to Cover Up the Threat to Your Health Paul Brodeur Simon and Schuster, 1989
Electromagnetic Man Health & Hazard in the Electrical Environment Cyril W. Smith & Simon Best St. Martin’s Press. Inc. 1989