In the last post of the EMF Science Research Timeline, we saw how EMF continued dominating our environment as we entered a new era. And we also saw how it affected people on the receiving end. This post will conclude that conversation by discussing developments in the fieldIn the context of electromagnetic fields (EMF), the term "field" refers to a region in space where electric and magnetic forces are exerted. An electromagnetic field is generated by electrically... More of EMF science to date.
If you haven’t read the last two posts, I urge you to read them first, as only then will this post make complete sense to you. You can use the links below to access them.
EMF Science Research Timeline Part 1
EMF Science Research Timeline Part 2
And if it’s your first time learning about The Business of EMF Science series, use the button below to start at the very beginning.
So, let’s continue.
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2011: Radiofrequency is a Class 2B Carcinogen
After nine years of classifying electrical wiring as a Group 2B carcinogen, in 2011, the World Health Organization also classified radio-frequency radiation"Radiation" in the context of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) refers to the process by which energy is emitted and transmitted through space or a material medium in the form of electromagnetic... More as a Group 2B “possible” cancerous agent.
Besides cancer, the same year, a study at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) also showed that prolonged cell phone use changes brain activity. They saw that when stimulated by EMF, glucose metabolism increased in some areas of the brain.
2011: EMF & Asthma
Soon after, a study by Kaiser Foundation scientists found that children exposed to elevated magnetic fieldsDefinition and Nature of Magnetic Fields Magnetic fields are a fundamental aspect of electromagnetic fields, produced by moving electric charges (electric currents). The strength of a magnetic field is measured... More while in the womb are more likely to develop asthma.
This research involved 801 pregnant women and investigated the impact of magnetic field exposure on the risk of asthma in unborn children. They discovered that the risk of asthma in the offspring of women with high EMF exposure was more than three times higher compared to those with low exposure.
This study was the first to establish a connection between maternal magnetic field exposure during pregnancy and children’s asthma risk.
2013: US President Appoints Tom Wheeler
In 2013, US President Barrack Obama appointed Tom Wheeler, a lobbyist from the mobile phone industry, as head of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is responsible for overseeing and regulating various aspects of the telecommunications industry, including the safety of mobile phones.
This appointment raised some concerns and generated discussions due to the potential conflicts of interest arising from appointing a former industry lobbyist to a regulatory position. Critics argued that Wheeler’s previous role as a lobbyist for the mobile phone industry could create bias and favoritism towards the industry’s interests rather than prioritizing the public’s welfare.
2013: Belgium Mandates Warning Labels
In 2013, Belgium achieved a huge milestone. It became the first country to enforce a mandatory warning label on mobile phones. This development marked a significant step in raising awareness about potential health risks associated with mobile phone usage.
The Belgian government recognized the need to inform and protect its citizens from the potential effects of prolonged EMF exposure. As a result, they implemented regulations requiring mobile phones to carry a meaningful warning label, informing users about the potential risks and encouraging them to take necessary precautions.
Health advocates and consumer protection organizations applauded Belgium’s action as it emphasized the importance of informed decision-making and empowering individuals to make choices that prioritize their well-being.
The introduction of mandatory warning labels in Belgium demonstrated a proactive approach toward addressing the potential health concerns related to mobile phone usage. It set a precedent for other countries to consider similar measures, fostering a global conversation on the safety of mobile phones and encouraging manufacturers to prioritize the development of safer technologies.
Besides this, they also banned advertising mobile phones to children.
2013: Watercress Experiment
The same year, a group of Danish schoolgirls gained viral attention when they conducted a simple experiment involving watercress seeds and a WiFi router in their school. They divided the seeds into two sets, placing six trays in a room without WiFi and six trays in a room with constant WiFi exposure. Over 12 days, the seeds in the WiFi room turned brown and died, while the ones in the non-WiFi room germinated as expected.
Although this study garnered significant interest, some critics questioned its scientific rigor, considering it was a school project. However, in subsequent years, Dr. Marie-Claire Cammaerts from Belgium and Dr. Olle Johansson from Sweden decided to replicate the experiment using GSM cell towers instead of WiFi. They successfully reproduced the original findings and published their study.
This experiment is just one example among many studies exploring the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) on plants.
2015: Jenny Fry Committed the Unthinkable
In 2015, a tragic incident occurred involving a British teenager named Jenny Fry, who took her own life. It was reported that Jenny attributed her suicide to the distress caused by the WiFi in her school and perceived mistreatment by her teachers when she sought their assistance.
Jenny’s case drew significant attention and raised concerns regarding the potential health effects of WiFi radiation and the need for appropriate support systems in schools.
The same year, Harvard University published a report detailing how the mobile phone industry controls the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.
2015: EMF Scientist Appeal
In 2015, approximately 190 scientists signed a letter to the United Nations, expressing their concerns about the potential health risks associated with electromagnetic fields (EMF) and wireless technology. The letter also called for stronger safety standards and increased research to better understand the effects of EMF exposure on human health.
The appeal emphasized the need for preventive measures due to the potential risks of EMF exposure, including the development of cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues. The scientists urged policymakers, public health officials, and the general public to adopt responsible decision-making based on evidence regarding the deployment and use of wireless technology.
The appeal aimed to raise awareness about the potential health effects of EMF exposure and advocated for more comprehensive studies and regulations. It highlighted the importance of considering the long-term impacts of EMF on human health and called for stronger safety guidelines.
225 scientists from 41 nations currently have their signatures on this appeal. And these aren’t just any scientists. Each of them has conducted studies on EMF’s biological effects and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
2017: California Public Health Department’s Document
Two years after the EMF scientist appeal, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released a document warning the public about health risks from mobile phones.
“Although the science is still evolving, there are concerns among some public health professionals and members of the public regarding long-term, high-use exposure to the energy"Energy" is a fundamental concept in physics, often described as the ability to do work or cause change. In everyday terms, it's what is needed to move things, heat them... More emitted by cell phones,” said CDPH director Dr. Karen Smith.
It’s worth noting that the document wasn’t a recent discovery – it dates back to 2009. What’s concerning is that it was kept hidden for eight years, allegedly due to political motivations. The CDPH only released it after the Sacramento Superior Court ordered them to do so, following a lawsuit filed by a professor from UC Berkeley.
2019: 5G’s Effects Are Benign
By this time, we had already shifted into the 5G"5G" refers to the fifth generation of wireless communication technology, a step up from the previous 4G, 3G, and 2G networks. It's designed to provide faster internet speeds, more reliable... More spirit. The promises of faster internet, superior connectivity, and an overall better experience lured millions into desperately waiting for 5G rollouts.
But some people were understandably concerned, as 5G was set to operate on frequencies reaching up to 300 GHz.
Soon, industry-funded research started pouring in, saying the effects of 5G are benign and don’t affect human health.
ICNIRP limits were also revised to accommodate 5G EMF emissions. Now, was this a good idea? Sure, for wireless companies. But not so much for the public, say experts.
2021: EHS is a Disability
EHS, aka electromagnetic hypersensitivity: a physical condition or a mental illness? This debate has been going on for decades. But in 2021, things started to change. A Court of Appeal in California recognized EHS as a disability when a school teacher, Laurie Brown, filed a lawsuit claiming that the school district failed to provide her with reasonable accommodations to allow her to work alongside her EHS.
The court recognized that the teacher’s EHS condition should be considered when determining if accommodations should be provided. The court specifically allowed the teacher to proceed with her claim for reasonable accommodations, which suggests that the court acknowledges the need for her condition to be addressed in the workplace.
We Don’t Lack Science
After going through all of this, one thing is clear – we do not lack science at all. There are decades worth of evidence pointing toward one thing only – EMF is harmful, and it’s perfectly capable of devastating a person’s physical and mental well-being.
But why is technology thriving despite this, causing more EMFs to pollute our homes and environment? The simple answer is that we need it.
We enjoy the level of comfort and convenience that we do today because of EMF-based modern technology. And even though EMF harms our health, we can’t imagine our lives without it.
But we also can’t patiently wait for wireless companies or even the regulatory bodies to come and save us. Because evidently, no matter how much we wait, things aren’t going to improve.
So, what is our best option?
I can tell you. The number one thing we can do is to mitigate our EMF exposure on a personal level. It’s possible and a lot easier than you think.
Visit my “Healthy Living Tips” page to learn how.
Final Thoughts
As we bring this chapter to a close, I want to express my sincerest hope that our time together has positively impacted your life. Whether it was gaining new knowledge, expanding your perspectives, or finding inspiration, my greatest wish is that this series has left you with something valuable.
Thank you once again for being a part of this incredible journey. Your support has meant the world to me, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share my knowledge and insights with you.
Until next time!
