Wireless Network (Wi-Fi) Health and Safety Advice

EMFacts has a nice flyer with health tips concerning Wireless networks or Wi-fi. With the advents of Wi-fi, Cell phone signals, Alarm systems, Wireless utility meters, consumers are getting bombarded with more and more radiation.

Some common sense tips they recommend:

• Do not sit in close proximity to a wireless router (keep it in an unoccupied room if possible)
• Turn off any wireless devices at night time while you sleep – as these devices emit    microwaves at all times  –  not just when the device is transmitting data

• Avoid using a wireless laptop on your lap for extended periods of time

• Take note of the short-term health effects – if you notice any symptoms

• Try to remove or reduce your exposure to  the wireless devices

A recent news report about some parents in Canada are blaming their children’s illnesses on the wireless Internet routers installed in their schools, is adding fuel to the debate.

Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF)

People have questioned whether there are negative health effects with electric and magnetic fields found wherever you have electric power, especially near power lines. The World Health Organization (WHO) has page that addresses this concern. Some researchers believe that there maybe a health risk from exposure to EMF and suggest further investigation. Some articles have suggested connections between headaches, leukemia, and other disorders with living near power lines. Electrical appliances such as microwave ovens, hair dryers, electric ranges, and even televisions also give off magnetic fields. Ongoing studies are needed to confirm or deny these anecdotes.

EMF is usually referred to as extreme low frequency 60-Hertz electric and magnetic fields associated with electric power. This is in contrast to radio frequency (RF) radiation associated with wireless communications and networks.

The California Public Utilities Commission has suggested actions regarding electro magnetic fields.

We suggest people minimize their exposure to electric and magnetic fields wherever possible. If you can avoid living near power lines, do it. Avoid placing electric appliances

CT Scans – Cancer Risks

photo credit: digital cat

As if Wi-Fi radiation wasn’t bad enough..

Archives of Internal Medicine had an article that outlines the risks of having CT Scans done. CT Scans have become routine and with that an increased prescription of them has arisen.

The problem:

• Almost 20,00 scans are done in the US daily
• CT can be used instead of diagnostic surgery
• Each scan is equivalent to 30 – 442 chest xrays

They reason that 15,000 people may die as a direct result of CT scans ordered in 2007 alone.
Wow.

If your doctors orders a CT Scan be sure to discuss the benefits, risks carefully.

Posted on October 3rd, 2012
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