Technology has taken over every aspect of our lives, so unless you are riding your bike in some rural area, you can pretty much guarantee that you’re at risk of exposure to Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) and Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) generated by electronics. Further, whether it’s an automobile, boat, plane, or train, all these transport options are also sources of EMR. What’s worse is that we are also travelling surrounded by powerlines which increases the risk of exposure to EMFs.
A vast amount of research has found that the effects of exposure to high EMF can cause childhood leukemia, chromosome damage, fatigue, cancer, and insomnia. So it’s imperative to protect yourself from exposure to EMF while travelling. Although you cannot escape EMFs all together, you can take certain steps to ensure that you and your family are protected.
Automobiles
A lot of us spend a considerable amount of time in our cars commuting to work, getting groceries, or driving the kids around. But most of us are unaware that the driver and passenger side of the vehicle is a hotspot for EMF. This is a direct result of the electronic components that are located behind the dashboard.
Low frequency EMFs are generated by the engine and chassis parts like cables, alternator, and battery. The level of EMF also increases at night when we drive with our headlights on. All modern vehicles come equipped with numerous electronic smart devices that also generate EMR. So when you start the car, EMR will start radiating and will come in contact with your body (especially the lower half).
The introduction of hybrid automobiles has also significantly increased the risk of exposure to EMF as hybrid vehicles run on electricity at low speeds. This powerful flow of electricity generates high levels of EMR that put you at risk. We also add to this phenomenon by carrying other sources of EMR like mobile phones, SAT NAV, and tablets in the car.
Trains
Trains are powered by diesel engines or electricity. Both emit EMR, however electrical trains generate significantly more. Further, the powerlines that run along the rails can maintain exposure to high levels of EMF during long journeys. Passengers on trains are exposed to alternating and static magnetic fields which are far higher than the background levels found in homes and offices.
Further, people also continue to add to it by using their laptops, tablets, and smartphones while travelling. The introduction of Wi-Fi in trains has made this phenomenon even more pronounced as commuters start answering emails and start working on projects during the course of the journey. If the journey isn’t too long, a bus ride can be a good alternative. Although buses also have GPS and security cameras that generate EMR, but the level of exposure is much lower than trains.
Airplanes
Air travel has become a normal part of life in our highly mobile society. But aero planes are a major source of high levels of EMR (as a result of all the technology incorporated into the aircraft). From radar, electronic sensors, computers, engines, wiring, Wi-Fi, and communication equipment, the aircraft itself is a major generator of EMF.
Again, passengers continue to add to this risk again by bringing their smart technology and laptops along for the ride (and even use it simultaneously with inflight entertainment). Coupled with the rising popularity of wearable technology, it can only get worse. Further, flying at 30,000 feet in the air can have a greater level of impact on the human body than an x-ray.
Airports are also major sources of EMF, so your body will be exposed to the collective impact of EMR generated from radar equipment, metal detectors, monitors, communications devices, and escalators to name a few.
To minimize your exposure to harmful exposure to EMF, follow these tips:
- Choose an old (mechanical) car whenever possible
- Stop using GPS and mobile phones while driving
- Avoid vehicles that are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
- Turn off LCD screens
- Use radiation and heat shields for electronic devices (smartphone, tablets, laptops)
- Walk and ride a bicycle whenever possible
- Don’t talk on your mobile phone while traveling
- Disconnect Wi-Fi when it’s not needed
- Avoid carrying additional devices that generate EMF
- Use HARApad shields on your electronic devices
Protecting yourself from the health risks associated with EMF exposure can be difficult. In modern society, it is becoming increasingly impossible to disconnect from technology and its benefits. Our careers and responsibilities will demand us to travel long distances and sometimes we will be forced to use options to the detriment of our health. But one thing we can have control over are the devices that we carry. We can stop making things worse by increasing EMF levels with our smart devices.
Next time you travel (or even stay at home) and you need to take your smartphone, tablet, and laptop, try to ensure that you have heat and radiation shields on your devices. Protective shields like those offered by HARApad are affordable, functional, and are fashionable accessories for your devices. Further, these devices are stored much closer to our bodies while we travel, so it’s important to reduce your risk of exposure whenever possible.
