Question 1

What is EMF exactly?

Accepted Answer

Since the beginning of the universe, the sun has been sent out in waves that create EMFs or radiation. At the same time, the sun sends EMF by the energy that is radiation. This is the visible light. At the beginning of the 20th century, the electric power lines and indoor lightning were spread worldwide, and scientists realized that the power lines that supply the energy to the world population were sending off EMFs just like the sun does naturally.

Over the years, as the median world became much more advanced, scientists learned that many emerging electrical appliances also created EMFs, like imaging devices for X-rays and CT scans. Today 90 percent of the world population has access to electricity and uses electrical appliances. This means a lot of electricity and EMFs are created around the world.

Question 2

What types of EMF exposure are there?

Accepted Answer

The electromagnetic spectrum is filled with radiation. This radiation ranges from very high to very low energy at the other end. Examples of high-energy include x-rays, gamma rays, and some higher-energy UV rays.

This energy or so-called ionizing radiation can affect cells on the automatic level by removing the electron from the atom and ionizing it. Ionizing radiation can also damage the body’s DNA and cells, contributing to genetic mutation and cancer. 

On the other end of the spectrum, there is extremely low-frequency LEF radiation. This is a type of non-ionizing radiation. This moves around the body and makes the atoms move. Between EMF radiation and high-energy radiation on the spectrum, there are many other types of non-ionizing radiation like radiofrequency, visible light, and infrared. 

Once the electric and magnetic fields join as one field, the result is called an electromagnetic field (EMF). Still, the electric and magnetic fields in EMF radiation can act independently. Hence, we use the terms “magnetic field” and “electric field” to refer to them as two different fields in EMF radiation.

So there are two types of EMF that you can be exposed to:

High-frequency EMF

This is the ionizing type of radiation that scientific literature considers to be a large exposure able to damage DNA or cells. Medical devices like X-ray image machines and CT scans produce low levels of this type of radiation. But other sources include gamma radiation from radioactive elements and UV radiation from tanning beds or the sun.

Low-frequency EMF

This type of radiation is non-ionizing; it’s mild and thought to be harmless to people. Most household appliances like hairdryers, microwave ovens, cell phones as power lines, and MRI produce this type of radiation. This category of EMFs includes extremely low-frequency EMFs.

Question 3

What kind of impacts do electric blankets have on humans?

Accepted Answer

Our body cannot repair itself due to the constant exposure to high levels of radiation, which results in various health complications. Electric blankets are known to emit 10 to 40% more EMF radiation than the electrical wiring in the home. 

There are studies linking radiation from electric blankets to leukemia developed in childhood. It can also increase the growth of cancerous cells because it interferes with the autoimmune system.

There is also an increased risk of miscarriages to pregnant women. The exposure of EMF radiation between 50 to 60 Hz is known to increase breast cancer, also affecting the reproductive system as a result that leads to increased infertility in men.

Prolonged use of an electric blanket can suppress the production of melatonin hormones that trigger stress and also reduce the quality of sleep and sleeping cycles. It can also affect your brain, increasing the possible risks of depression.

However, not all people react differently to EMF radiation, and the effects can vary from one person to another. In most cases, those sensitive to radiation report having sleeping problems and reduced energy levels. Therefore, using electric blankets regularly can cause you more harm than good.

Question 4

Why are heating blankets not safe?

Accepted Answer

Not only do they emit EMF radiation, but they also have harmful effects on humans. There are a lot of cases where house fires were associated with using an electric blanket. In some cases, the fires caused serious burns and, to some extent, even death, especially in the ‘90s. 

When you keep the electric blanket on for too long, the wires inside the blanket may start to overheat and result in fires. Another reason for overwhelming wires is improper storage of the electric blanket. If you leave the blanket for too long in the socket without using it, it will result in overheating. 

Folding the blanket can also make the wires bend and eventually break, affecting the even distribution of current throughout the blanket. This results in fires or overheating.

Question 5

Can you minimize radiation caused by electric blankets?

Accepted Answer

Alternatively, you can if you start using other types of electric heating methods to warm up at night, instead of an electric blanket. But still, electric blankets aren’t the only source of EMF radiation. 

Other home appliances, including your cellphone and Wi-Fi devices, also emit EMF radiation. You should also come up with other ways to protect yourself against exposure to these other appliances. What is the other alternative to electric heating blankets: 

Use non-electric blankets made from wool or cotton fleece, or use sheets made of these materials to increase heat. 
Start wearing warm pajamas when going to sleep; wear winter socks or winter heat. 
Use flannel sheets or thicker sheets that give more warmth from the inside.
Use a warm comforter that has an extra blanket, or use a duvet made of wool material to increase the warmth.
Use a room heater and turn it on at night.
Use hot water bottles made of plastic material, put hot water in the bottle, and place it at the end of your bed under the covers while sleeping.
Turn the electric blanket on before and then turn it off after you get in.

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Low EMF Electric Blanket

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