Preventive measures to reduce harmful effects produced by electromagnetic radiation on health

Abstract

Man-made electromagnetic waves are the most widely and rapidly expanding exposure in today's world, including ex- posure in several frequency groups: extremely low frequencies (ELF) from electricity lines, hybrid car batteries and high power lines (>3 Hz–3 kHz), radiofrequency (RF) and microwave frequencies including millimeter waves (3 kHz–300 GHz) from mobile phones, towers, base stations and wireless devices, and intermediate frequencies "Dirty Electricity" emitted from power lines. While such organizations as ICNIRP (the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) still con- tinue to claim that electromagnetic radiation can cause "only thermal effects", clinging to theory that does not match facts and upholding obsolete thermal safety standards, extensive scientific evidence has clearly demonstrated that non-thermal health effects produced by electromagnetic radiation do exist, are important to health, and should be taken into considera- tion when safety standards are set. This review aims to highlight some evidence of biologic effects in various body systems, and to suggest preventive measures to reduce such effects on health. Exposure to electromagnetic radiation at intensities lower than thermal safety standards has been associated with non- thermal biological effects including damage and changes to cells and DNA. This review presents evidence of such effects demonstrated in: the hematologic system, the nervous system, the immune system, the reproductive system, the skin and muscles, the cardiovascular system, glucose metabolism, and Electrohypersen- sitivity ("Microwave sickness"). Protective measures are then suggested to reduce these effects.