Electromagnetic Pollution - Is Avoiding It A Key to Wellness?

By Dr. Don Funke, D.C.
Electromagnetic pollution is the second and most controversial step in the Six Steps to Wellness. Many wellness authors write about the potential health problems of being exposed to low level electromagnetic fields. Think about what our environment was like as little as 100 years ago. No computers, cell phones, televisions,

microwaves, radio or cell phone towers, no electric alarm clocks or electric blankets. All of these devices and many more emit low frequency radio waves. We are electromagnetic beings. Every nerve impulse, thought or heart beat is a tiny electric charge. It is possible that the electromagnetic fields (EMF) of our electrical devices interfere with our own electrical field.

In a landmark book for creating better mind-body health, The Ultramind Solution, Mark Hyman M.D. states that "the absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence" regarding the potential effects of electromagnetic pollution. Meaning that just because we have not adequately studied the effects of "electromagnetic pollution" does not mean that none exists. Here's what we do know. EMFs alter cellular metabolism and generate free radicals that can be toxic to your brain and promote memory loss and dementia. Research shows higher rates of Alzheimer in people exposed to EMFs. Other studies link EMFs to mood disorders and depression.

Are the results from the research conclusive? No. In a search of Medline, the national archive of scientific research papers, I could not find a single conclusive study that implicated a direct relationship between any specific disease and EMF exposure. However, after reading numerous research abstracts I will quote the leading researcher in the field Dr. Ahlbom:

"Results of these studies to date give no consistent or convincing evidence of a casual relation between RF exposure and any adverse health effect. On the other hand, the studies have too many deficiencies to rule out an association."

This statement reflects the opinion of the most knowledgeable EMF/health researcher. The reason he states his opinion as such is due to the evolving nature of the research and the rapidly changing technology. Cell phones and every other appliance are changing so fast that researchers can't keep up. They do a study on a certain radio frequency and by the time the study is published cell phone manufacturers have begun using a different radio frequency, thus making interpretation of the data obsolete, in some cases, before it is even published. So should you throw out your cell phone, television, microwave, and all other electrical devices in your home? No, simply limit your exposure. If you use a cell phone for prolonged periods of time use a wired headset. The latest blue tooth devices emit EMFs very close to your brain, the most sensitive structure in your body. When watching television stay at least 5 feet from the screen. When working on the computer, staying farther from the screen will minimize exposure to EMFs.

As an added measure of protection at Advanced Spine and Wellness we use a bipolar magnet the size of a business card carried on our person. The idea is that the electromagnetic field of the body is disrupted by environmental exposure to EMFs and this simple magnet helps to normalize the bodies electromagnetic field.

Although there is a controversy regarding Electromagnetic field exposure and health risks it is prudent to do everything possible to be aware of potential risks and minimize exposure.