The spectrum of electromagnetic radiation is very comprehensive. It includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and X-rays and gamma rays, among others. The only difference between these types of waves is their frequency and therefore their energy. The guideline of the working group “EMF” of the European Academy of Environmental Medicine (EUROPAEM) summarizes the current state of research on this topic. Wherever electric current is produced or electricity is used, wherever electric voltage is generated and flows, electromagnetic fields and waves (EMF) build up. Whether, for example, electrical appliances, power sockets, power cables, transmitting antennas or wireless networks – all these electrical stations can cause side effects known to everyone as unwanted electrosmog. The WHO and the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, among others, have pointed out the need to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields as much as possible. In doing so, they are trying to address not only the large corporations, but also the end consumer in the context of their everyday lives. Because some study results give the scientists cause for concern. For example, there are connections between electromagnetic radiation and tumor diseases (cancer). The natural biological processes could be influenced by the rays and waves in such a way that, in addition to neurological effects, negative effects on the reproductive organs can also be assumed. In women who were frequently exposed to EMF radiation, for example, there were adverse effects on childbirth or even abortions (miscarriages). And in men, asthenozoospermia (poorer sperm motility) or reduced viability and premature sperm death, among other effects, were observed.
Electrosmog
The word “electrosmog” is a collective term for all technically generated electric and magnetic or electromagnetic fields (EMF). Electrical devices are found in all areas of life. These devices can be the cause of so-called electrosmog – an invisible fog of electromagnetic waves. Cellular base stations, cell phones, televisions, computers, high-voltage power lines and transmission towers, which almost everyone encounters every day, are blamed for electrosmog. Above a certain strength, electrosmog is likely to have a damaging effect on health. The following possible effects on health from electrosmog are discussed:
- Allergies
- Cephalgia (headache)
- Depression
- Memory performance – cumulative brain RF-EMF (radiofrequency electromagnetic field) exposure from cell phones may adversely affect the development of figural memory performance in adolescents.
- Cardiovascular complaints
- Muscle tension
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
- Stress
- Loss of vitality, fatigue
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has distanced itself from the final report presented by the authors of the National Toxicology Program “clear evidence” of a carcinogenic effect of the from 2G and 3G networks by “cell phone radiation”. In the experiments of this study, the entire body of the rodents was “irradiated”. Frequencies of 900 and 1,900 megahertz, respectively, were used according to the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) technologies of the time. As a result, the National Toxicology Program had rated the evidence for malignant schwannomas (rare malignant mesenchymal tumors) as clear evidence. It saw some evidence for increased numbers of malignant gliomas (malignant brain tumors derived from the cells of the glial tissue) and pheochromocytomas (tumors of the adrenal medulla, which in most cases are benign).The FDA objects that the experimental limits were 50 times higher than the current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) limits for wireless devices.
