What are EMFs?
Electric and magnetic fields together are referred to as electromagnetic fields, or EMFs.
The electric and magnetic forces in EMFs are caused by electromagnetic radiation. There are two main categories of EMFs:
High Frequency: x-rays and gamma rays. These EMFs are in the ionizing radiation part of the electromagnetic spectrum and can damage DNA or cells directly.
Low-Mid Frequency: static fields, magnetic fields from power lines and appliances, radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, computers, cellphones, bluetooth, visible light, etc. These EMFs are in the non-ionizing radiation part of the electromagnetic spectrum and are not known to damage DNA or cells directly.
Research on Harmfulness
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified non-ionizing EMFs in the radiofrequency range (electronic products like cellphones, smart devices, tablets) as Group 2B, a possible human carcinogen.
The INTERPHONE International Case Control Study compared cancer cases in cellphones users and nonusers. The research followed cancer rates and cellphone use in more than 5,000 people in 13 countries. They found a loose connection between the highest rate of exposure and glioma. Even then, the researchers said that the connection wasn’t strong enough to conclude cellphone use caused cancer.
The Swiss National Cohort analyzed data over almost 3 decades and found people exposed to high levels of extremely low-level ELF-EMFs over a long duration showed an increase risk of acute myeloid leukemia. But they noted that the results were inconclusive because the monitoring of EMF was lacking.
There are many other cases like the above that found a potential link between cancer and EMF waves, but with the agreement that more long-term, in-depth research needs to take place.
Symptoms Related to Chronic High Levels of Low EMF Exposure
Insomnia
Anxiety
Depression
Brain fog
Dizziness and vertigo
Frequent illnesses
Adrenal Fatigue
Hormone imbalances
Cancer or increased in cancer risk
Sources:
Pall ML. Microwave frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produce widespread neuropsychiatric effects including depression. J Chem Neuroanat.
de Vocht F. "Dirty electricity": what, where, and should we care? J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol.
Pick and Choose Your Battles
The fact of the matter is if you live in modern day society (which most of us are) you cannot escape EMFs completely. We live in an imperfect world with lots of potential harm and toxins.
Do no let yourself be overcome with fear lest you miss out on the joys and beauty in our everyday lives.
All we can do is pick and choose the battles that are most important to us, then take a deep breath and live life to the fullest. If baby monitors are one of the battles you would like to choose, keep on scrolling. If not, totally okay!
BEST
Analog Monitors
Audio only monitors that come with AC adapters and do not run off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are going to be the best choice. The only downside with these types of monitors is that you might pick up someone else’s signal, especially if you live in a large and crowded city.
The truly low EMF analog baby monitors are those that operate closest to 49 MHz.
BETTER
Hard Wired Monitors
If you have the capability and mental capacity to set up a hard-wired situation, that will be your next best best. The downside with this set up is that you cannot travel with it, or move it around easily.
DECENT
Lower EMF Video Monitors
If you would like the peace of mind of a video monitor that does not have to be hardwired, your next best bet will be a monitor that’s lower on the EMF totem pole. And even better if they are sound activated - meaning they only turn on if sound is detected.
How to Reduce EMF Exposure from Baby Monitors
Place the monitor 10 feet or more from the crib
Turn it off when it’s not in use
Consider only using it at night when you are asleep and may not be as alert to cries
Consider investing in Greenwave Dirty Electricity plug ins to reduce “dirty electricity.”
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