As winter is upon us, people spend more of their time indoors. They should be aware of the dangers of EMFs [electromagnetic fields] in their homes and offices, and use common sense to reduce their risks.

What are EMFs? The cord of a plugged in appliance is surrounded by an electric field. When the appliance is turned on, and the electricity therefore moves, a magnetic field is created. These fields can be measured some distance from appliances, although they drop off exponentially [twice as far away is four times less, ten times as far away is 100 times less].

As EMFs interfere with our body's natural electromagnetic field, stressing our immune system and leading to disease, putting a little distance between us and them can have beneficial effects. Moving the clock radio away from the head of your bed, using the back burner on an electric range instead of the front one, unplugging the electric blanket when you go to bed, sitting back from your computer and TV are all helpful in reducing our daily exposure.

Limit cellphone and cordless phone use, and use a landline whenever you have the choice.

As metal is used to conduct electricity, so it can also absorb and re-radiate EMFs. This would apply to metal headboards and bed frames, and coil mattresses. Women should think twice about wearing wire support bras while working at a computer.

You can rent a gauss meter from your electricity provider, usually at no charge, to measure the magnetic fields in your environment. Or perhaps hire a consultant to undertake a more thorough assessment. The readings should be 2 milligauss [mG] or less in areas where you spend a lot of time. Numerous studies show an association with a doubling of childhood leukemia at 4 mG.

Also look outside your home. Are there transmission lines nearby? Cell towers? Transformers on poles or on the ground near your bedroom? Is the service drop [where the wire delivers electricity to your home] on a wall of a room where you spend time?

Sometimes just moving things around in your home or office can reduce your exposure. Being aware that this electrical pollution exists is the first step in having a healthier living environment.

HANS Member Milt Bowling is President of the Clean Energy Foundation, www.cleanenergycanada.com, which measures and makes recommendations to reduce electrical pollution in homes and offices.

Want to search for other articles that may interest you?

Readers of this article also enjoyed...