It seems like there was a big fuss when electronics appeared, but it is like that with every new thing, right? We tend to be skeptical and disapprove at first because of all the negative effects that it might have, just like with 5G now. But after a while, we seem to forget about all the negatives and just decide to go with it, to prevent falling behind. Or should we be the cool, old-school guy? According to our research, that won’t be such a bad thing, maybe the best decision you can make!
We are surrounded by electronics, from mobile phones that we often use to microwaves, TVs, or refrigerators, but as we mentioned they are old news, and now we take them for granted, and we would scroll over the newsfeed or YouTube recipes all day long, but how does that affect our health? What about radiofrequency radiation?
Radiofrequency radiation is just one of the forms of electric and magnetic fields, known as EMF, which are invisible lines of force that surround electrical devices and power lines. In this article, you will discover how to block EMF from power lines. So let’s dive in!
EMF, what is it exactly?
When electric and magnetic fields are joined together as one field, the result is EMF. EMF is the most common form of radiation that exists out there. For example, the earth’s magnetic field is natural EMF.
Magnetic and electric fields are produced by the flow of electric current, depending on the strength and amount of the current being used, the force of the field will be different.
Fun fact:
An electron will move in the opposite direction of the electric field because it has a negative charge.
Where do we have EMF?
Today, 90 percent of the world’s population uses electricity and electrical appliances. That means lots of EMFs are created around the world. Since the beginning of the universe, when the sun sends out its waves it creates EMFs or radiation. So the radiation from the sun is actually its visible light.
In the 20th century, electric power lines spread worldwide, and scientists realized that the power lines were sending off EMFs to the world, just like the sun does naturally.
Actually, we have EMF’s anywhere where electricity is used, from the power lines, cellphones, microwaves, Wi-Fi routers, TV, and similar, at home or work. They, unlike the sun, send out a stream of invisible energy waves. Should I Leave My Wi-Fi Router on All the Time?
Types of EMF
So, we can conclude radiation exists across the electromagnetic spectrum. It can be high-frequency, or low-to-mid-frequency.
High-frequency EMFs
The first type that you will get familiarized with is the ionizing type of radiation. X-ray imaging machines and CT scans emit this kind of radiation. Other sources include gamma radiation from diverse radioactive elements and UV radiation that is used either in tanning beds or we can be exposed to by simply enjoying the sun. Scientific researches show that significant exposure to this kind of radiation can severely damage DNA or cells.
Low-to mid-frequency EMFs
Unlike X-rays or UV radiation, this is a non-ionizing type of radiation. It can be emitted by any household appliance like electric shavers, hairdryers, and electric blankets as well as power lines and MRIs. This category can be divided into extremely low-frequency EMFs – ELF-EMFs and radiofrequency EMFs – RF-EMFs. The effects from this kind of radiation are mild and usually thought to be harmless to people. But is it like that? Keep on reading!
Extremely low-frequency EMFs (ELF-EMFs)
This type of radiation can cause movement of the atoms around in the body or make them vibrate, but unlike the high-frequency, it can not damage DNA or cells.
It can come from many sources such as power lines, electrical wiring, and personal appliances like washing machines, cellphones, and hairdryers.
Radiofrequency radiation
This kind of radiation also affects the body when the body absorbs it in large enough amounts, it can produce heat.
Power lines
The word ‘power lines’ refers to ‘transmission lines,’ those big walkers bridging large distances of the countryside, or ‘local distribution lines’ with which the electricity is supplied in your neighborhood.
The strongest electric fields that we are exposed to in our everyday life are beneath high-voltage transmission lines. The role of transformers is to reduce that high voltage before it goes into your home or business.
Maybe, the transformers reduce the ELF-EMFs, also in order to lower the level of radiation when the power lines are made materials for electromagnetic shielding are used as sheet metal, metal screens, and metal foam. Moreover, common sheet metals that are used for shielding are copper, brass, nickel, silver, steel, and tin.
Besides that, the walls of your home also act as a shield, but to some degree. The field is the strongest beneath the power lines. Both of the EMFs drop off significantly with distance. The further the home the weaker the field.
How to Block EMF From Power Lines
If you are worried about your safety and want to protect yourself the best way you can, the first thing you should do is determine the strength of the field. When you know what you’re dealing with, you can find the best solution for the problem. Hiring a professional to measure the field is the best solution.
Use EMF Paint
One practical and straightforward way to protect yourself from radiation from power lines is using EMF-protective paints. EMF paint can be a wonderful option if you want to block any electromagnetic fields that come from multiple sources, including power lines.
The great thing is that you will be safe even from low-frequency EMF. What is even better is that the paint is black, you would use it as a primer and then choose whatever color you want on top of that. If you are in an area with very high levels of EMF, you should use two coats for maximum protection.
NOTE: Keep in mind that if you use EMF-emitting devices in rooms that are painted, the fields would essentially be “trapped” in the room. That is why we advise you to use EMF paint just for shielding bedrooms only.
Do Some Landscaping
Adding bushes and trees to the property apart from that will certainly improve the looks of your home, also it will help reduce the impact of EMF from power lines. Trees will act as a “shield,” and like that, they will weaken the impact of radiation as it passes through objects.
Invest in Wire Mesh
While EMF paint is great, sadly, you can’t add it to windows, which can be weak spots for EMF defense. What to do in this case? It is simple, buy a wire mesh. You can attach them to the outside of the window, and you will be more protected.
For best results, look for 6mm wire mesh. The only problem is the natural light, how can you have a wire mesh and still have the needed light in the room? You can always use a slightly larger mesh that will allow more natural light to pass through.
Distance
Another option for reducing exposures from a high-voltage power line is to increase the distance from it if you are noticing that it affects you in a bad way. Look at the symptoms in the part down below, and see if there are some consequences to your health.
Consider Your Diet
When there are no ways to implement the measures mentioned earlier, you should consider changing your diet. Surprisingly, that can also help, and in many ways. We are all aware of how food affects us, and having a good diet can help lower the effects of radiation and improve your overall health.
But which are the best nutrients for exposure at EMF? What has been proven so far, when it comes to the most effective nutrients for this purpose, you should increase the intake of
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Whole food vitamin C
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Chlorella
- Proanthocyanidins
However, we strongly advise you to consult with a professional nutritional therapist, as that is key to achieving the best results.
Researches about the effect of EMF
Some experts are concerned about how this EMF affects us. But should we be worried?
Some researchers don’t believe most EMFs are dangerous, especially radiofrequency radiation; there are still some scientists who question the safety of exposure to this kind of radiation. Many would say there isn’t enough research that will prove or disprove this. Let’s take a closer look.
There is one research for which scientists have spent almost 2-decade analyzing data, and what they discovered is devastating. For the purpose of the research, they have exposed people to high levels of ELF-EMFs and found that a longer duration results in an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of leukemia found in adults. You can check out the results of the study yourself.
Another review of more than two dozen studies states that exposure to low-frequency EMFs may cause various neurological and psychiatric problems in people.
One study dedicated to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) got similar results, it has been shown that a short burst of electromagnetic energy can affect nerve activity in rats. They have come to the conclusion that long-term EMP exposure can affect cognitive ability and may cause pathology that is quite similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease. Anyways they add that, this issue needs further investigation.
Measures That the Government Undertakes
In the United States, various governmental agencies are managing EMF exposure from various sources such as technologies, facilities, and products. Local governments can also impose their controls and regulations. Here we present to you some examples of federal controls:
Medical use
Because in medicine they use machines that make ionizing radiation to diagnose and treat disease, various regulatory agencies share responsibility for the safety of these procedures and devices. You all have heard of X-rays, CT scans, and radiation therapy. The agencies that regulate them are the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), the FDA, the EPA, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Nuclear power
Also, some agencies share responsibility for regulating nuclear power and coordinating disaster response, those are EPA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the NRC.
Workplace
When it comes to the workplace and the exposure to EMF, it is governed by legislation and enforced by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
Power lines
Currently, there are no federal restrictions about power lines and EMF in either residential or occupational settings. Power lines are also considered safer than high-frequency radiation, it is advised to keep a safe distance from them.
Possible Symptoms Related to EMFs
The precise effects are still in the process of research, from the studies that have been made so far, the most common symptoms that you should pay attention to are:
- Headache
- Tremor
- Dizziness
- Memory loss
- Loss of concentration
- Sleep disturbance
- Depression and depressive symptoms
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Skin burning and tingling
Final Word
EMFs occur naturally, but they also can come from a human-made source. Scientists and regulatory agencies generally agree that low-frequency EMFs are less dangerous than high-frequency radiation. Still, they warn you that even low-frequency can be bad for your health.
The effects on people can be diverse. Depending on person to person, in some cases leukemia, in some cases it affects the nervous system, disturbs the brain’s cognitive function, or can even cause Alzheimer’s. Maybe you are sensing some of the symptoms, but you don’t think it is from radiation. What if it is?
The best approach is to be aware that EMFs exist and try to be smart about it, and lower the exposure as much as you can. We showed you some ways of how to block EMF from power lines, and we hope you find this article helpful. However, this is a developing field of research that will undoubtedly expand as technology progresses. Keep an eye on new studies in the future. Stay informed!
