We are living in an unprecedented time, one in which
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from cellphones and cellphone base stations, Wi-Fi devices, power lines, electrical wiring, and even computers, televisions, and microwave ovens, surround us 24/7.
Olle Johansson, associate professor and head of the Experimental Dermatology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, is among those who have questioned whether humans are affected by such an assault.
In a 2009 review published in Pathophysiology, Johansson points out that since life on Earth began more than 3.5 billion years ago, the geomagnetic fields and radiation from the sun have remained largely static. During life’s progression, living organisms have developed ways to cope with these influences, including developing pigmented skin to shield from the sun or, for other species, living underground or under the dense, protective foliage of a rainforest.
During the past 100 years, however, as EMFs became prolific, we haven’t developed a similar adaptation. “Is it possible to adapt our biology to altered exposure conditions in less than 100 years, or do we have to have thousands of years—or longer—for such an adaptation? And, in the meantime, what kind of safety standards must we adopt?” Johansson asked.
After reviewing a number of papers on the effects of manmade EMFs on the immune system, he found disturbing consequences and ultimately concluded not only that existing public safety limits are inadequate to protect public health but also that limits should be set on the deployment of further untested technologies.
EMFs Disturb Immune Function
EMFs present in everyday life, including at workplaces, homes, and areas of recreation, disturb the human body at the cellular level, often at low or very low (non-thermal) levels. Johansson cites research showing that EMF exposures stimulate increases in mast cells and other physiological changes that indicate an allergic response and
inflammatory conditions.
He believes that rapid rises in the incidence of allergies,
asthma, and other sensitivities worldwide are a warning signal, as chronic exposure to EMFs may lead to immune dysfunction, chronic allergic responses, inflammatory responses, and overall ill health.
EMF exposures have also been linked to a variety of specific immune system effects, including: overreaction of the immune system, alteration of immune cells, profound increases in mast cells in the upper layers of the skin, larger size of mast cells in electrohypersensitive individual, suppressed or impaired immune function, decreased count of
natural killer cells, immune cells that help kill cells infected with viruses and control early signs of cancer, and negative effects on pregnancy.
Research published by the
World Health Organization in 2006 suggested 1 percent to 3.5 percent of people are hypersensitive to electromagnetic radiation, though estimates have reached as high as 10 percent of populations in the United States, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, and many other countries. This condition is known as electrohypersensitivity (EHS), and it leads to a number of physical and cognitive symptoms upon exposure to EMFs. Common symptoms of EHS include
headaches, dizziness,
fatigue, trouble concentrating,
cognitive problems,
sleep interruptions, and skin symptoms such as stinging, itching, and burning.
According to Johansson, “It is evident from our preliminary experimental data that various biological alterations are present in EHS persons claiming to suffer from exposure to EMF.
The alterations are themselves enough to fully explain the EHS symptoms, and the involvement of the immune system is evident.”
Damages from EMF exposure aren’t only a matter of increased cell damage but also of reduced repair, facilitating the spread of disease. The report cites evidence that EMF exposure may contribute to DNA damage and adverse effects on cellular communication, metabolism and repair, and cancer surveillance within the body, along with causing adverse cardiac and neurological effects, including memory impairment, changes in brainwave activity, and disturbed cognitive function.
Biological effects from EMF exposure may occur at levels significantly below U.S. and international limits. Biologically based exposure standards are needed to protect humans from the effects of even low-level EMF exposure, but, according to Johansson, “such a completely protective safety limit would, for many exposure situations, be zero.”
Unfortunately, the currently
accelerated rollout of 5G technology, which requires the installation of numerous small cell transmission devices in neighborhoods, stands to dramatically increase EMF exposures and their related health consequences.
1,000 Studies on Adverse Effects of EMFs
The body of evidence showing that EMFs cause harm has become too large to ignore. At GreenMedInfo.com, you can browse through more than
1,000 EMF abstracts and their connection to oxidative stress, DNA damage, cancer, inflammation, and more.
The GMI Research Group is dedicated to investigating the most important health and environmental issues of the day. Special emphasis will be placed on environmental health. Our focused and deep research will explore the many ways in which the present condition of the human body directly reflects the true state of the ambient environment. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of GreenMedInfo LLC. Sign up for the newsletter at www.GreenmedInfo.health 
