Protecting humans from exposure to electromagnetic radiation

The development of civilization with all its amenities and high technologies has long raised many questions about changes in the geomagnetic background. The impact of various radiation sources on the environment and the human body is a favorite topic of conspiracy theorists and conspiracy theorists.

Scientists ironically retort to them that our planet is just a huge piece of magnet that revolves around a mega-thermonuclear station - the Sun. Therefore, it is stupid to be afraid of any rays while living on it. However, modern electronic systems, electrical engineering and the infrastructure to support them should not be taken lightly. Electromagnetic pollution increases the risk of health problems and safety precautions are essential.

Why is artificial electromagnetic radiation dangerous?

The natural geomagnetic background provided by the Earth and space ensures the circulation of air masses, the world's oceans, normal insolation and other planetary living conditions. Compared to it, the scale of man-made is tiny. But there is a nuance - the electromagnetic web produced by people acts directly on its users. Power cables, high voltage lines, television and radio equipment, computer and household appliances create a second background. For humans, it turns out to be more aggressive than natural. The body is under its influence around the clock: on the street, at home, during work and sleep. And the power of some sources can disrupt physiological processes, especially during close or direct contact.

Doctors and scientists note that an artificial electromagnetic background can change the activity of the brain, endocrine, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems - those areas where all biochemical processes occur at high speed. Exposure to excess radiation reduces immunity, can increase the risk of malignant tumors, disrupts the production of hormones, protein synthesis, intracellular metabolism, leads to overheating of tissues, and promotes the accumulation of free radicals and toxins.

The risk group most susceptible to the influence of electromagnetic fields includes:

• pregnant women;
• aged people;
• nervously and physically exhausted;
• people with genetic and congenital diseases;
• Small children.

The more diverse radiation sources are located near or inside places of residence and work, the more aggressive their combined impact on health. The insidiousness of artificial EMFs is that their damage to the body is not always obvious. Studying it sometimes requires years of observation.

Current methods of protection

The most effective method of protection is considered to be reducing the power of radiating sources or simply leaving the area of ​​its influence. But if at home, thanks to the current SNiP and SanPiN, tension indicators rarely exceed current standards, then in production conditions it is not always possible to avoid such exposure.

Reducing the source power can be achieved in several ways:

1. Application of absorbing screens and protective structures.
2. Installation of blocking or reflective devices.

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All such means are classified as collective protection; in addition to them, PPE (personal protective equipment) is also used.

Most EMF protection products are designed for industrial environments. These include:

• Reflective screens, canopies and other structures made of metal mesh, reinforcement, metal sheets. In practice, cheaper structures made of steel, non-ferrous metals and their alloys have been obtained. All these structures must be grounded. The operating principle is based on the appearance of Foucault currents (eddy currents) in the screen materials, which have a similar amplitude but are in antiphase. As a result, the resulting field loses its intensity and cannot pass through the protective structure.
• Absorbing structures are made using polymer materials - polystyrene foam, various types of rubber, foam rubber. Wood impregnated with special compounds also performs well; plates made of ferromagnetic alloys are also used, but this is a more expensive result.
• To impart protective properties to various structures, conductive paints based on powdered graphite, metal oxides, carbon black, and colloidal silver are used. In this case, reflective elements of protection against electromagnetic radiation are obtained.
• Ionizers have also become widespread, making it possible to neutralize static voltage charges arising under the influence of electric and magnetic fields. Such devices are also used in everyday life.

Personal protective equipment includes:

• Workwear and footwear made from fabrics woven with metal threads.
• Safety glasses with metallized coatings that have reflective properties.
• To prevent exposure to infrared radiation, standard insulating suits are used.
• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is neutralized by protective clothing and goggles or a mask with light filters. A simple example is a set of overalls for an electric welder.

We provided only common solutions that make it possible to neutralize or minimize the effects of electromagnetic radiation. But in everyday conditions such options are of little use.

Also read: Are LED lamps harmful to human health?

What disorders does electromagnetic radiation cause?

Under the influence of radiation harmful to the body, people often develop disorders of the central nervous system. Typical EMF victims suffer:

• insomnia;
• neurasthenia;
• depressive disorders;
• increased anxiety;
• headaches;
• rapid fatigue;
• asthenic syndrome.

Those whose homes are crammed with electronic and electrical appliances experience deteriorating memory, reduced resistance to stress, and often experience mood swings, apathy, or states of agitation.

Typical disorders of the vascular system:

• bradycardia or tachycardia;
• regular increase in heart rate;
• dyspnea;
• pressing dull pain in the heart area;
• increased sweating;
• feeling of heat in the body;
• surges in blood pressure.

In hypotensive patients and those suffering from hypertension, exacerbations of pathological conditions near radiation sources occur more often than in “clean” territory. Leukocytosis and a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood are sometimes observed.

Due to decreased pituitary function, the endocrine system is likely to deteriorate. Under the influence of EMF, adrenaline and cortisol are more actively released, and the synthesis of sex hormones decreases. It has been established that aggressive electromagnetic radiation aggravates infectious and inflammatory processes, inhibits cellular immunity, reducing resistance to various external pathogens.

There is evidence that some types of radiation can exhibit teratogenic properties. For pregnant women, this risks premature abortion, critical disturbances in the development of the fetus, and the formation of congenital deformities or serious illnesses in the child. In men, intensive work with electromagnetic equipment is fraught with impaired spermatogenesis and decreased libido.

Practical application of protection methods

Solving home problems related to exposure to electromagnetic fields should begin with a simple check. To do this, it is necessary to determine the level of magnetic and electric field strength in an apartment or house. If the indicators do not go beyond the maximum permissible levels that were discussed, then do not worry, they are calculated with a multiple margin.

If there is a problem, then proven methods are used to reduce the impact of electromagnetic waves:

1. Check the presence and connection of sockets to grounding circuits. It is recommended to use these elements with special PE conductor contacts.
2. Microwaves and other potentially dangerous household devices are equipped with housings with protective shielding. Operation is not allowed even in a partially disassembled state.
3. Stationary equipment must be grounded, for this reason it is important to have sockets with appropriate contacts.

Among other well-known methods of radiation protection, we recommend that possible sources be located at the greatest possible distance. You should not sleep next to a microwave, and it is better to use a mobile phone with a headset. But these are common truths, so we won’t dwell on them.

Let us remind you once again that you should only worry about the effects of electromagnetic radiation if an instrumental test has revealed an increased level of field strength. An apartment saturated with electrical appliances is not a reason to panic; given acceptable standards, there is no threat to health. A tin foil hat can only be used as an extravagant accessory.

Certain nutrients may help protect the body from EMF damage

My recommendations:

• Magnesium - As a natural calcium channel blocker, magnesium may help reduce the effects of EMF on VGCC. Since many are deficient, it would be beneficial to take 1-2 g of magnesium per day.
• Molecular Hydrogen - Research has shown that molecular hydrogen can mitigate about 80 percent of the damage caused by EMFs because it targets free radicals produced in response to radiation, such as peroxynitrites. You can take molecular hydrogen tablets during a flight to protect yourself from gamma rays. This is one of the tips I have given on how to minimize jet lag.
• Nrf2 - Increased Nrf2, which is a biological hormetic that activates superoxide dismutase, catalase and all other beneficial intercellular antioxidants, also reduces inflammation, improves mitochondrial function and stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis.
• Spices – Some spices may help prevent or repair damage from peroxynitrites. Spices rich in phenols, particularly cinnamon, cloves, ginger root, rosemary and turmeric, show some protective effects against damage caused by peroxynitrite.

What determines the effectiveness of shielding?

The level of shielding is determined by the shielding coefficient. Shielding coefficient is the ratio of the intensity values ​​of the electromagnetic field before the screen and behind the screen.

Several factors collectively influence the effectiveness of the screen:

• frequency range of electromagnetic fields;
• degree of electrical conductivity of the materials used;
• indicator of magnetic permeability of materials;
• dimensions and location of the screen.

ning for each specific object.

Important

Five rules for protecting yourself from electrosmog:

1. Take care of the correct placement of equipment in the house: it should be at least one and a half meters away from a person. This applies not only to the refrigerator, TV, etc., but also to power supplies, chargers, and phone “bases.”

2. When you finish working with household appliances (food processor, blender, iron, etc.), immediately unplug them from the electrical outlet.

3. The most radiation-protected place in the apartment should be the bedroom; we are there every day for at least 6–8 hours, so do not place a TV, computer, etc. there. The socket for the night light should be no closer than a meter from the bed.

4. All household appliances must be properly connected to the electrical system.

5. While waiting for a connection on your mobile phone, do not hold the phone to your ear, watch the signals on the display. Try to keep your cell phone conversations as short as possible.

Outdoor EMP protection

In an urban environment, people constantly encounter electrical networks, ubiquitous cellular communications, and travel by electric transport - electric trains, trams and trolleybuses. Some houses are located near high-voltage power lines.

The state should protect the population from the effects of power lines by creating the boundaries of sanitary protection zones, reducing the electric field in residential buildings, institutions, office buildings, and places of long-term stay of citizens by using a shielding coating. It is necessary to introduce rules for the construction of any buildings at the legislative level, taking into account the location of nearby power lines, providing buildings with grounding, proper electrification, shielding, and, if necessary, strictly prohibiting construction that deviates from these standards. In reality, alas, this does not happen due to the cost of research.

To create protection for your body, you should use simple methods of protection from electromagnetic radiation:

• do not stand closer than 1 m to a person talking on the phone;
• use electric vehicles as little as possible;
• in the case of close proximity of power lines and/or inevitable frequent use of electric trains and other similar types of movement, you can purchase or make clothing from shielding fabric.

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Electromagnetic safety from STC Faraday

The creation of conditions for electromagnetic safety of premises, especially in relation to information protection, must be provided for at the design development stage. The technologies and materials used make it possible to perform high-quality electromagnetic shielding, both at the stage of construction of the facility and in existing premises that were not originally intended for special use.

The company’s specialists will develop and implement a unique project of screens of any complexity according to the customer’s order and technical specifications:

• all-welded chambers and prefabricated chambers with dimensions required by the customer;
• screening gates and doors;
• filter screens for optical fiber;
• specialized glasses for separate observation;
• EMC protective materials;
• electrical filters (power and signal);
• ventilation filters.

Testing and ongoing technical support are provided during the operation of electromagnetic shielding protective systems.

Elements and raw materials for shielding

A variety of materials are used in the production of protective screens. Shielding media can be sheet copper, aluminum, steel or foil, as well as modern specialized fabrics and meshes. The higher the conductivity of the shield material, the more effective the shielding. The specific value of the protective capabilities of the screen depends on the configuration and volume of the room, the area of ​​window and door openings, and the material of the walls.

For electromagnetic shielding of incoming/outgoing communication lines from external interference and stray currents, special filters are integrated into the system.

The raw materials for the manufacture of shielding structures and devices are:

• steel and copper plates - for the construction of buildings, chambers, interior cladding of premises;
• thin foil made of soft magnetic alloys – equipment protection;
• metal tapes and braids – cable shielding;
• metallized hoses – protection of cable harnesses;
• metal honeycombs - for organizing screens with breathable properties;
• thin wire mesh - screening window openings.

Reliable and high-quality shielding of premises and equipment cannot be ensured without careful sealing of window and door openings, construction joints, and all kinds of cracks and openings. For these purposes, special materials are used that sufficiently possess such qualities as:

• conductivity;
• formability;
• resistance to EMF of varying intensity;
• low level of contact resistance.

These requirements are met by seals made on the basis of silicone rubber. They are used in screens in the form of tubes, plates, and ring-shaped cords.

General rules for protection against EMP

There is no point in relying on the fact that no one has ever died from exposure to EMR. Direct or indirect electromagnetic radiation creates irreparable changes in the human body. Therefore, you should minimize the number of harmful effects of EMR sources and learn the general rules of protection.

A household appliance that is turned off but connected to the network is also a radiation source. There is a potential difference at the ends of the cord, creating an electromagnetic field around itself. What if there is not just one such device, but several of them in a small apartment? In a few years, the cumulative impact of low-power household appliances will cause poor health, lack of sleep and a host of other negative aspects.

Such simple methods will help to significantly reduce the impact of EMR sources and protect yourself from imminent health problems.

Possible radiation sources

The degree of exposure to radiation and methods of protection depend on its type. The radiating effect largely depends on such basic characteristics as frequency and wavelength, which determine their penetrating ability.

The following types of electromagnetic radiation are classified:

• radio waves from ultra-short (frequency 30 MHz-300 GHz with a wavelength of 1 mm-10 m) to ultra-long (less than 30 kHz with a length of more than 10 km);
• infrared radiation (300-430 THz at a wavelength of 770 nm-1 mm);
• visible light (430-755 THz at 385-785 nm);
• ultra-violet rays.

Sources of electromagnetic waves

Electromagnetic waves also include X-rays and gamma radiation, but they belong to the category of ionizing radiation.

Sources of electromagnetic waves can be natural or man-made. The most famous source is the sun. Many people know for themselves how electromagnetic disturbance on the surface of this planet affects their general condition. Geopathogenic zones, which can have a stationary location or arise unexpectedly (earthquakes, volcanoes), have a significant impact. Even people have sociopathic radiation that affects other people, which is especially noticeable in a crowd.

Artificial sources include almost all technical radio, electrical and electronic devices: electrified transport, power lines and electrical equipment. In everyday life, people receive electromagnetic radiation from televisions and microwave ovens. The most common radiation is from computers, laptops, and cell phones. Devices that provide mobile communications are considered to be quite powerful suppliers of electromagnetic waves.

What is EMF?

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, EMFs are "invisible areas of energy, often called radiation, that are associated with the use of electrical energy."

Most people are aware of the dangers associated with ionizing radiation, which is why your dentist will cover you with a lead apron during an x-ray. For the same reason, you can expect sunburn if you allow bare skin to be exposed to the sun's UV rays for too long.

Ionizing radiation is thought to have enough energy to break covalent bonds in DNA, but in reality most of the damage occurs due to oxidative stress, which results in an excess of free radicals.

The type of EMF that your cell phone emits is in the microwave range from 2 to 5 gigahertz. Additionally, cell phones, cordless phones, and electronic devices such as baby monitors, Bluetooth devices, smart thermostats, and Wi-Fi routers constantly emit microwave radiation at levels that can damage your mitochondria.

Bad neighborhood

However, you can find yourself at the mercy of dangerous waves without even knowing it. For example, if behind the wall of your apartment there are common power supply units, cable lines, a distribution panel (not that simple panel on the staircase that is intended for several apartments, but a distribution or transformer substation that provides electricity to the entire house).

There are series of houses where they are located literally behind the wall of the apartment. What to do if you find out that your home is exactly like this? Do not place your sleeping or working place closer than 2.5 meters from the “harmful” wall - otherwise the increased level of the electromagnetic field can lead to serious illnesses.

A tense electromagnetic environment is also observed in those houses that are located next to television towers or relay centers. Brick walls are considered the most permeable to electromagnetic fields, and those inside the apartment are made of plasterboard. The most reliable protection is reinforced concrete with reinforcement.

A dangerous option is when there are high-voltage power lines in the immediate vicinity of houses. Working continuously and under high load, they create strong electromagnetic fields. According to the World Health Organization, this can provoke the development of cancer. The law prohibits the construction of residential buildings under “high voltage”. In urban planning this prohibition works, but as for summer cottages - alas! About twenty years ago, in the vicinity of cities, unauthorized development of the treasured “six hundred square meters” was actively underway; no attention was paid to high-voltage lines. If they are not involved, that is, they are reserves, you can still come to terms with this. If the lines operate continuously and with high load, they create very strong fields. When purchasing a new summer cottage, remember this!

What electromagnetic field (EMF) sources are around?

• Electrical wiring: creates an electromagnetic field around itself, the magnitude of which is directly proportional to the load on the line. That is, when you turn on the boiler or electric oven, the radiation intensity increases many times over.
• Any electrical appliance that contains conductors (the windings of transformers, the filament of a hair dryer or a heater is a source of radiation). Even if there are no obvious nodes generating radiation.
• Information display devices: TV screens, monitors, tablets, laptops, game consoles.
• Acoustic systems.
• Electric motors (washing machine, refrigerator, vacuum cleaner, fan, hair dryer).
• Electronic measuring instruments: electricity meters.
• Places where electrical wiring is concentrated: electrical panels, switching nodes for television or Internet cables.
• Electrical appliances that include switching power supplies (from a smartphone charger to a computer and a music center).
• Underfloor heating system powered by electric current.
• Electric central heating systems.
• Modern, economical lighting devices (include power supplies operating at high frequencies).
• Microwave ovens, or electric ovens with a high-frequency heating unit. This is the scourge of modern civilization: a similar device is found in almost every home.

Let us separately list the sources of direct radiation for transmitting information

• Mobile phones, smartphones, tablets with wireless network connection.
• Radiotelephones of the city communication network.
• Portable radios.
• All kinds of wireless devices: headphones, computer mice, keyboards.
• Radio-controlled toys.
• Wi-Fi routers.

And these are just the devices that surround us indoors. That is, located in close proximity. We can somehow influence this danger by optimizing modes of use. In this case, protection from electromagnetic waves is the responsibility of the building owner.