Many people are becoming aware of the harmful effects of long term exposure to wireless devices, like cell phones, towers, and wi-fi. However, few people realize that long-term exposure to electrical currents can also be harmful. Forty years ago, epidemiologists Drs. Nancy Wertheimer and Ed Leeper published a landmark study which found a higher rate of leukemia (a type of blood cancer) in children living near power lines. More than 20 years later, in 2001, this extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic radiation created by the flow of electricity was finally classified as a possible cancer-causing agent by the World Health Organization. Many studies have shown an association with DNA damage, various types of cancers, depression, and also neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Motor Neuron Disease. A study published this year found an increased rate of female infertility for women living up to 1 km away from power lines. While the strength of the electromagnetic field emitted by electric blankets is weak, spending the entire night in direct contact can have a cumulative harmful effect, which I have also seen among my patients who have used electric blankets. The nervous system is also more vulnerable to all electromagnetic radiation during sleep periods. So if you are using an electric blanket, be sure to switch it off before you get in bed, to allow your nervous system to get the proper regenerative rest required to function properly.
By Dr SJ Nana
References:
- Occupational Carcinogens: ELF MFs
- Electrical Wiring Configurations and Childhood Cancer
- Possible effect of electric blankets and heated waterbeds on fetal development
- Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields of High Voltage Overhead Power Lines and Female Infertility.
- Occupational exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields and risk of Alzheimer disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and the risk of ALS: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Powerwatch UK Information Regarding Powerfrequency EMFs
Please see my previous articles related to this important issue:
- Wireless Radiation In Cars Disturbs Brain Function
- Safety of WiFi in Schools is Unproven
- Are Cell Phones Killing Us Slowly?
- How Cell Phones and WiFi Harm Your Brain
- Limit Your Electro-Smog Exposure
- Cell Phone Safety Tips from AAP
- Are Cell Phone Towers Harming You?
