Radiation exposure is becoming more widespread and difficult to avoid, but do we know the long term effects? Non-ionising radiation, such as from computers and mobile phones, is less toxic but more prevalent and exposures to sources is often over an extended period of time. Apple and Blackberry warn users to keep their mobile phones nearly an inch away from their bodies due to the radiation exposure. Studies have shown that you can absorb 48-68% of the radiation into your body and head from your mobile device.
There is increasing evidence of cell DNA damage and chromosomal abnormalities which adversely affects reproductive eggs, sperm and embryos. Research has also shown radiation to be strongly implicated in hormonal disorders via disruption of the pituitary gland. Women who use mobile phones when pregnant are more likely to give birth to children with behavioural problems (Journal of Epidemiology, July 2008). In May 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified cell phone radiation as possibly carcinogenic to humans. It recommended that “Consumers should consider ways of reducing their exposure.” The governments of the U.K., Finland, India, and France have adopted a precautionary principle regarding exposure to cell phone radiation. Israel is also proposing legislation that would require cell phones to carry a label stating “Warning: the Health Ministry cautions that heavy use and carrying the device next to the body may increase the risk of cancer, especially among children.”
Radiation Reduction Tips:
* Use your mobile as little as possible. If you know you have to make a long phone call, try and use a land line. Otherwise use your mobile is best used on speaker phone.
* Switch your mobile off at night while sleeping, as it still attracts and emits radiation even when you are not making a call, especially if you have a smart phone and are receiving emails.
* Avoid using your mobile in the car or other metal framed structure as the metal becomes a conductor of the radiation, amplifying it. If you must use it in the car for occupational reasons, a car kit can be fitted with an external aerial or bluetooth.
* When switched on, keep it away from your (lower) body, at least 1 metre. Although there are health concerns for all parts of your body, your eggs, sperm and embryo are particularly vulnerable as this is where cell turnover is greatest. Radiation has been strongly implicated in fertility problems, especially sperm of men who constantly carry their mobile phone in their pocket and women with a mobile in their handbag. It is better carried in a top pocket or I carry a Raditech Goyster to neutralize the radiation. This is a small 10 cm disk which is available from www.geomack.com. Alternatively place your mobile phone on the other side of the room when working at a desk.
* I use and recommend the smart phone covers by Pong Research. It is a company that produces Iphone, smart phone and Ipad covers that reduce radiation exposure without reducing signal strength: www.pongresearch.com
* The use of hands-free kit/ear-piece is controversial as some studies seem to show they may actually increase exposure.
Computers
* Turn off the computer & monitor when not in use, ie. do not leave running as still producing radiation in that room. The more modern the monitor is, the lower the radiation. Laptops emit less radiation from their screens but emit higher levels of electric fields from the keyboard. Therefore laptops should not be placed on the lap itself as this places the electric fields too close to the reproductive system. Running the computer on battery minimizes EMFs as opposed to electricity.
* Sit and move away from the monitor whenever possible (at least 2 metres). Remember radiation is emitted from the back and sides of your monitor and other workers’ monitors.
* Fix a radiation protection screen to the front of your monitor. It is not the same as an anti-glare screen. These do not prevent 100% of the radiation from escaping and there is usually leakage around the edges. The more expensive screens are more effective.
* Epsom salts absorb radiation and as they do so, the crystals break down. Fill a small cushion cover or half an empty pillowcase and lay it on the desk or on your lap. When the crystals have broken down to a powder, they need to be replaced. Epsom salt baths or swimming in the sea can help to detoxify regular exposure.
* Green leafy plants, especially peace lilies and sunflowers, and cacti absorb radiation: have one on the desk or grow in the immediate vicinity of the computer.
* There are various devices available that protect against radiation. These include a small portable device to be carried in your bag or an appliance placed simply in your house/office/car by Raditech UK. More information: www.dulwichhealth.co.uk (Australian distributor – ph. 07 5441 3818) or www.geomack.com.
* Take breaks: nature, plants, sunshine, ocean all absorb and help clear radiation from you.
* Place some lead between yourself and the monitor, especially between the anti-radiation screen and your lower body, as radiation cannot penetrate through lead. The easiest way to achieve this (and the lightest) is to buy some of the lead-impregnated vinyl that is used as wall cladding in dental and other x-ray situations. It is available from dental suppliers by the metre or as a ready-made apron and is contained in a material cover as with epsom salts. For information and catalogue, contact Roland Pty Ltd, Ph: 07 55962 844 or www.rolandpl.com.au
* Take homeopathic, nutritional and herbal remedies to counter the effects – ask me to include these in your treatment plan.
Electromagnetic Radiation
* Consider moving if you live (or work) near a transmitter, electricity substation or major power lines.
* Move your bed away from a fuse box, even if it is on the other side of the wall. Check the outside wall that there is not an electric hot water heater or air conditioning unit.
* Make sure your (or next door’s) TV, refrigerator, stereo (or other electrical appliance) is not on the other side of the wall from your bed. Sit at least 2 metres from the television. Keep the lid closed when photocopying.
* Turn off all electrical appliances at the main wall power switch when not in use: do not leave on standby/pilot light as this still draws current, emits some electromagnetic radiation, and the circuits in the bedroom walls will still be active. Particularly in your bedroom, inactivate all electrical appliances while you sleep. This will give at least 6-8 hours out of 24 away from this type of pollution.
* Replace your clock radio with a battery clock. These actually emit surprising high levels of radiation and draw current through the bedroom walls.
* Make sure all electric blankets and water beds are turned off at the power point while you sleep. These circuits are very close to your body and have been shown to cause miscarriage & fertility problems
* Make sure your bed does not have a metal frame, as this can pick up and conduct radiation. Wooden beds are better.
* Switch off wireless technology at night as it is still attracting and emitting signals
* Install a Circuit Disconnection Switch which eliminates the need to switch off or unplug all the appliances in your bedroom, rooms behind and beside. Also recommended for nurseries and children’s bedrooms.
* Do not use a microwave oven. Official recommendations are to leave the room when operating but food that is radiated has the proteins denatured so are unable to be digested properly and utilized by the body. Do not microwave baby’s bottles!!
* An Ioniser creates negative ions which have beneficial health effects like the sea or nature. Place near the window to circulate healthy air or on either side of your bed.
* Electromagnetic home survey: investigates high levels f radiation and provides specific recommendations for correction or minimization. Environmental Health Analysis: 02 9953 4911.
