Occupational EMF Exposure Increases Cancer Risk

onizing radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays are known human carcinogens as they are capable of stripping electrons and breaking chemical bonds. We know that such ionizing radiation must be respected as it is capable of wreaking havoc in our bodies and our environment. On the other hand, non-ionizing EMF radiation such as microwaves, radio waves, television waves, cellular frequencies and power lines do not strip electrons or break chemical bonds in the same way and were thought to be safe. However, more and more information is now surfacing that indicates non-ionizing EMF radiation may also pose significant health risks.

A 2011 announcement from the World Health Organization (WHO), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radiofrequency EMF as a Group 2B carcinogen. The announcement deems radiofrequency EMF “as possibly carcinogenic to humans” due to “an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use.” This determination resulted from assessments from a group of 31 scientists from 14 countries who met over several days to evaluate the available studies and literature on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. ¹

In the past two decades, numerous studies have surfaced that show a direct correlation between prolonged exposure to EMF and cancer. Some of these studies focus on the workplace and reveal a higher incidence of cancer in people with occupational exposure to EMF radiation. A 2000 study in Poland found an increased risk of brain cancer and leukemia among electric energy workers with occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields. ² Another similar study in New Zealand found “a significantly elevated risk of acute leukemia for electrical workers overall, and for the specific occupational categories of welders/flame cutters and telephone line workers.” For the workers studied, a dose-response effect was found, which means “acute leukemia risk was related to historical and current magnetic field exposures”. ³As such, it is critical to realize that both past and current exposure to EMF contribute to the chances of becoming ill.

Research looking at the mortality rates of workers exposed to EMF also show a correlation between occupational EMF exposure and cancer. A Washington State study that analyzed death records of 486,000 adults over a period of 32 years supports a growing body of evidence “that electric and magnetic fields may be carcinogenic.” Based on the findings, “leukemia and the non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas show increased proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) in workers employed in occupations with intuitive exposures to electromagnetic fields.” ⁴ 

A 2001 Swiss study of railway employees showed an “increase in leukemia mortality of 0.9% per microT-year of cumulative exposure”, with a microT-year simply being a year of exposure to the amount of one microTesla of radiation. Furthermore, the study found an increase in leukemia mortality of 62% per year for those with ten or more years of exposure. ⁵ Again, this study shows a dose-response relationship and that the cumulative effects of prolonged exposure to EMF can be devastating to one’s health.

There was a time when young adults chose their careers based on their interests or potential income. The health effects of a career path were not at the forefront of most minds. However, things have changed rapidly in the last few decades. It is clear from these studies that, regardless of the source, EMF exposure can increase the risk of cancer or death. As research on this subject grows, it will become more and more difficult to ignore. The next generation of workers would be well served to consider the EMF exposure implications when choosing their career. 

Many of the studies indicate a dose-response effect to EMF. This means that as the total amount of exposure a person has to EMF increases, either due to exposure level or length of time, so does the risk of cancer or mortality. As such, we would all be well served to reduce our total exposure. Those already in a career where they may be exposed to electromagnetic radiation in the workplace may want to consider ways to reduce their overall exposure to EMF radiation.  Wireless phones and other wireless technology have become so pervasive in the work environment that even professions historically not considered as high EMF are now exposing their workers to higher and higher levels of EMF radiation. Although a change in career may not be feasible for everyone, you may be able to reduce your total exposure to EMF by avoiding or mitigating sources in your workplace and especially in your home. Your home is your domain where you can take more drastic steps to reduce your total exposure to EMF.

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The Dangers of Electromagnetic Radiation

"Everything I love is killing me; cigarettes, Jack Daniels and caffeine..."

These are the lyrics to a popular song by country music singer Alan Jackson, and more and more it seems to be true. The things we can't stay away from are the things that seem to be the most dangerous to our health. What about computers, though? Many people (including myself) work from home and spend hours a day on the computer. Is it killing us slowly? Experts would suggest that it is, because of a thing called 'electromagnetic radiation' or EM radiation. Computers aren't the only things we have to worry about though. This article will investigate the dangers of electromagnetic radiation and its effects on humans.

What is Electromagnetic Radiation?

Many different things in our environments emit certain levels of low frequency radio waves. It is simply a type of energy however it is described as being emitted in waves. Some of these waves are considered dangerous, and able to damage our bodies even at the cellular level. In fact, these waves of energy are able to split our cells and damage them to the point of causing different sicknesses and diseases over time. Have you ever noticed how health care professionals ask about the possibility of pregnancy when you get an ex-ray? They also protect themselves by stepping out of the room before the ex-ray is taken. This is because ex-rays are electromagnetic radiation as well. This type of EM radiation is different from others due to a different wavelength.

What are the Effects of EM Radiation?

Some of the smaller symptoms that people get from EM radiation include nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion or a general feeling of 'blah.' You can feel extremely tired due to electromagnetic radiation and can even suffer from memory loss, ringing in the ears and more. Some of the larger or long term effects of electromagnetic radiation can include cataracts, retina damage, eye cancer, skin rash, nerve damage, joint pain, muscle spasms, digestive problems, blood cells which leak hemoglobin and brain tumors.

There are even research studies which have been done to suggest that this type of radiation weakens the blood-brain barrier. This barrier is responsible for keeping toxins and foreign matter from entering the brain. In fact, Dr. David Carpenter, Dean at the School of Public Health, State University of New York believes it is likely that up to 30% of all childhood cancers come from exposure to EMFs [Electromagnetic Fields.] The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns "There is reason for concern" and advises prudent avoidance.

Statistics on Electromagnetic Radiation and Health Risks

*Thirty three of thirty five international research studies, (including one from the Swedish National Institute of Working Life) on EM radiation made a conclusive link between brain tumors and leukemia and electromagnetic stress.

*One study showed that workers with high exposure to magnetic fields had more than twice the risk of brain cancer than workers who were exposed to less, according to the Environmental Protection Agency Director of Analysis and Support, Martin Halper.

*Workers being exposed to moderate or high electromagnetic radiation were three to four times more likely to develop degenerative brain disease, such as Alzheimer's disease, as those who did not work around strong electromagnetic fields.

*It is proven that low level EM radiation such as that found in cell phones does cause DNA breakdown in the brains of experimental animals according to a publication in the Biochemical Journal. This concludes that the same effects may happen in humans as well.

*Women who are exposed to stronger electromagnetic radiation are at a greater risk of having miscarriages than women who stay clear of this radiation, according to the Bioelectromagnetics Research Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington.

* According to the law firm of Spiegel & McDiarmid, which represents public agencies and local governments in the energy, environmental, communications, insurance, and transportation fields, more and more people who live close to high voltage power lines are developing life-threatening illnesses, or have even died. Many people are suing their local power companies, claiming that the companies had information on the harmful effects of radiation and electromagnetic fields for years but have deliberately avoided telling their customers.

Where Does Electromagnetic Radiation Come From?

There are many appliances and devices which emit this kind of radiation. Some of the ones that are most commonly inside the home are:

Hair Dryers/Electric Shavers

Electric Blankets

Electric Radiators

Water Heaters

TVs

Stereos

VCR's

Radios

Desktop Computers/Laptop Computers

Gaming Systems Such As Nintendo/Playstation/Xbox 360/Game Cube

Microwave and Convection Ovens

Toasters

Lights That are on Dimmer Switches

Baby Monitors

Washing Machines/Dishwashers

There are most likely other things that have not been covered in this list, and there are certainly sources of EM radiation outside of the home, including:

Military Bases/Installations

Power Lines/Transformers

Cell Phone Towers/Communication Dishes

There is even EM radiation emitted from vehicles!

Preventing Damage from Electromagnetic Radiation:

Now having been empowered from learning all of this information, what can we do to save ourselves? Some researchers suggest limiting your exposure to EM Radiation, however with all the sources it can seem pretty difficult. You should know that there are products being made to limit the effects of this type of radiation. This includes devices that can be placed on your computer or cell phone which are designed to intercept these pulses and keep them from damaging our bodies.

There are even buffers which can be placed in rooms and work up to a certain amount of feet. These would help with the pulses that come from all sources in a room. There is even jewelry that is said to stop electromagnetic radiation from damaging cells. Some products claim to assist the body in fighting off these pulses by strengthening cells. Limiting your time and your children's time on the computer and cell phone would certainly reduce the effects of EM Radiation. This is especially true for children. They have a greater risk when it comes to radiation, and can be affected more seriously by it. So, actual studies and research points to the fact that our computer may just be killing us slowly! One thing is for certain. As we grow technologically and utilize these communication and convenience items more and more, we should really focus on how to protect ourselves from adverse effects.

Resources:

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060331-6502.html

http://www.rainforestinfo.org.au/good_wood/emr_fact.htm

http://www.epidem.com/pt/re/epidemiology/abstract.00001648-200109000-00008.htm;jsessionid=HFqX0nNN2JwLvstmHJXvrQ9ztJpvrn2ryQ2myHZnJfZTy18l7Y0v!901085598!181195628!8091!-1

http://www.fiu.edu/~mizrachs/EMF-Hazards.html

http://www.think-aboutit.com/energy/pwr_line.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone_radiation_and_health

http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20030222/fob1.asp