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The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly addressed the concerns around Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) of all frequencies and noted that “all populations are now exposed to varying degrees of EMF, and the levels will continue to increase as technology advances”. In fact, it added that everyone is exposed to a “complex mix of weak electric and magnetic fields, both at home and at work, from the generation and transmission of electricity, domestic appliances and industrial equipment, to telecommunications and broadcasting”.
Amid these concerns, when we came across an Instagram post suggesting that one must not use their laptops when it is charging, we wanted to understand more. “EMFs are another unnatural man-made pollutant that is disrupting our biology. It is by far and away the biggest change to our environment in the last 100 years. You can’t completely avoid them but you can mitigate your exposure in many ways,” read the post on Carnivore Aurelius’ page.
We wanted an expert take, so we turned to Dr Haricharan G, senior consultant physician, HoD, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad who said that EMFs are invisible areas of energy produced by electrically charged objects, such as power lines, household appliances, and wireless devices. “They are categorised into low-frequency EMFs, like those from electrical wiring, and high-frequency EMFs, such as those emitted by cell phones and Wi-Fi routers,” said Dr Haricharan.
Prolonged exposure, particularly to high-frequency EMFs, has raised concerns regarding potential risks, including increased stress, sleep disturbances, and a possible link to certain cancers, pointed out Dr Haricharan.
“To stay safe, it’s advisable to minimise direct and prolonged exposure to EMF sources. This can be achieved by keeping electronic devices like cell phones and laptops at a distance when not in use, reducing the use of wireless devices, especially at night, and opting for wired connections where possible,” elaborated Dr Haricharan.
Additionally, taking regular breaks from electronic devices, avoiding sleeping with your phone near your head, and maintaining a safe distance from high-voltage power lines can further reduce EMF exposure. “For individuals particularly concerned about EMFs, investing in EMF shielding products or consulting a professional to assess and mitigate exposure levels in the home may provide additional safety,” said Dr Haricharan.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.