The Buzz About Electromagnetic Fields Continues
None of us has ever seen, heard, or, at the very least, felt electromagnetic fields. But wherever electric current runs, we can be sure electromagnetic fields are present. Not a few people have expressed concern about the possible dangers these fields pose to human health. Researchers, in turn, continue to study on whether or not there are sufficient grounds to link electromagnetic fields with certain diseases.
Once an electric piece of equipment is turned on, the current running through it generates a magnetic field that envelops the device. Since it isn’t possible to block the field, it can penetrate the body, especially when one is standing close to a switched-on or running device.
Substations and power lines generate exactly the same type of electromagnetic fields. This is why many people fear that no one is safe from the ever-present, and possibly health-endangering, electromagnetic fields – they are almost everywhere.
Much of the research efforts have been concentrated on electrmagnetic fields that are generated by alternating current. These include those that come from home appliances, office equipment, and power lines. Near the source, some electromagnetic fields present in homes and workplaces may be unusually strong. But as one moves away from the source, the fields’ power quickly decreases. Weak electric currents are produced in the body once it is exposed to electromagnetic fields.
All the talks surrounding electromagnetic fields seem to center on the possible link between exposure to these fields and certain diseases. To this day, however, science still has to sufficiently and satisfactorily explain how these fields might cause such diseases. Besides this, many of the studies conducted on electromagnetic fields turned out negative for links to any illness or health disorder. In one particular study, in fact, it was found that living near power lines did not increase the risk of cancer as some people suspect.
Still, experts are divided; there are those who insist there’s a definite connection between exposure to electromagnetic fields and certain diseases or disorders, including leukemia, adult cancer, birth and developmental defects, behavioral disorders, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Some even look down on electromagnetic fields as a possible human carcinogen. The low-level energy emitted from functioning cellular phones is also a form of electromagnetic field. This, too, is suspected of being a possible cause of brain cancer.
With such a disparity on views and opinions, there is an obvious need to do more research and come up with more solid evidence to put a closure to the long-raging debate. In the meantime, people can try to lessen their exposure to electromagnetic fields by taking some steps, beginning with their minimizing the use of electrical devices that are known to emit high levels of electromagnetic fields. These include photocopiers, vacuum cleaners, some power tools, microwave ovens, blenders, hair dryers, and shavers.
Keep a good distance between your electrical bedside devices and your head. Lastly, whenever possible, use a laptop computer rather than a desktop model that makes use of a monitor. And while using a monitor, make sure that you sit as far away from it as possible.
