Mobile Phones – Aussie Kids

by | ehs, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, health, high frequencies, indoor environmental health, mobile phone, radiofrequencies, sleep

Changes To Mobile Phone Use and Ownership in Aussie Kids

Recent Roy Morgan research finds that girls own their first mobile phones earlier than boys.

Children between the ages of 6-13 were surveyed, along with children 14 years and over. They found that from the age of 8-9 years old, 12% more girls than boys own mobile phones.

The survey is discussed here, and this graph is taken from this page.

Concerns About Young People Using This Technology

Apart from:

  • the lack of real face-to-face social skills
  • the risk of 24/7 bullying
  • the fact that WHO and IARC classified radiofrequency EMF (used for wireless technology) as a possible human carcinogen

… there are numerous concerns about the use of mobile phones, particularly for the young developing/growing bodies.

Recently at the 2016 Environmental Sensitivities Symposium, Dr Mary Redmayne shared research that she did in 2009 into New Zealand ‘tweens usage of mobile phones, comparing it to nowadays. She found that many children used their phones “covertly” – inside their pockets and so forth, which can be particularly problematic in terms of the proximity to reproductive organs.

I am not going to delve into that here… merely point out ways to stay safe.

Staying Safe from Mobile Phones

I am going to add to this list:

1) Divert/forward mobile phones to your corded landline, and then turn your mobile phone off.

2) Don't hold onto your mobile phone when it is on or in use.

3) Carry your phone in a Radiation-Reducing Phone Case to reduce what you are exposed to – and ideally keep it in flight-mode while you do this.

4) Air-Tube Earphones are a better alternatives to the standard ones – but speakerphone is better still.

5) Put your mobile phone in flight mode and turn it off when it is not in use.

6) Charge it overnight – well away from bedrooms.

7) A side note – if you use a tablet – follow these steps to hardwire it, so that you don't have to use wi-fi.

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Some extra tips for mobile phone safety from Environmental Health Trust:

Avoid using your cell phone when the signal is weak or when moving at high speed… as automatically power increases to emit a maximum amount of radiation because the phone repeatedly attempts to connect to each nearest network antenna.

 

Children should only use cell phones for emergencies. Children’s skulls are thinner than adults’ and their brains are still developing. Hence, radiation from cell phones penetrates more deeply into their brains and is likely to cause more damage.

Avoid using your cell phone in metal contained spaces like a car, elevator, bus, train or airplane.

Protect your fertility. This radiation has been shown to damage sperm and the ovaries. Many people move the phone away from their head to reduce exposure but down to their torso forgetting that a cell phone or laptop to the abdomen results in higher radiation absorption to the reproductive organs.

 

Read your cell phone manual to find the minimum distance the federal government recommends that your cell phone must be kept away from your body. Keeping it closer than the designated distance can result in a violation of the FCC Exposure Limit. Exceeding FCC levels is proven to result in burns, sterility, and brain damage. Learn more about fine print instructions at ShowTheFinePrint.Org.

Remember that these “minimum distances” in the cell phone manuals do not protect you from nonthermal effects such as sperm damage, damaged brain cells and increased brain cancer risk. Federal guidelines are set thousands of times too high to protect from these “nonthermal” effects from long term low level cumulative exposures.

Special Note if You're Pregnant It is especially important for those who are pregnant to reduce cell phone exposures because research has shown cell phone radiation can damage to the brain and reproductive system in developing pregnancies. To learn more, please go to the Baby Safe Project.

Book a virtual assessment of your place to identify any EMF issues.

#mobilephonesafety #mobilephone #EMF

Hawthorn University Holistic Detoxification Presentation

by | building biology, buildings and health, chemicals, cleaning products, detoxification, diet and lifestyle, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, environmental sensitivities, grinding teeth, health, high frequencies, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health, ingredients, mold, mould, perfumes, personal care products, radiofrequencies, scents, self-care, sleep, smart meters, stress, water damage

Hawthorn University: Holistic Detoxification

Hawthorn University offer high level online training to health practitioners, predominantly naturopaths. So, I was thrilled to receive an invitation from Hawthorn University to present a webinar.

I have watched many of their webinars, which are available for free and are presented by highly respected people, so as you can imagine, getting an invitation from them was such an honour.

The topic which I presented on is, of course, so dear to my heart – Holistic Detoxification: How to Create a Healthy Home Which Supports Healing.

Too often I hear stories of people on the (expensive) merry-go-round of treatments, objects, supplements, drugs… when in many cases the cause is environmental and can easily be addressed by changing the environment.

I wanted to help students of natural therapies and practitioners understand more about this and avoid unnecessary treatments and delays.

In a nutshell, the topics that I covered in my webinar include:

  • why detoxification is so important
  • case studies
  • our built environment
  • hindrances to detoxification
  • action steps for your clients/patients
  • when to think of the environment

After the webinar, I was able to answer the questions asked by the audience – and they were such fabulous questions.

I would like to publicly thank Hawthorn University for the opportunity to present this webinar, all of the audience members, and everyone who has watched it since. What an honour!! 🙂

Hawthorn University Presentation

#hawthornuniversity #holisticdetoxification #buildingbiology #health

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski on Effects of Mobile Phone Radiation on Human Endothelium

by | buildings and health, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, health, indoor environmental health, mobile phone, radiofrequencies, smart meters

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski is a leading scientist in the area of EMF. He is presenting a public lecture. The topic: Effects of Mobile Phone Radiation on Human Endothelium.

Prof Leszczynski, PhD, DSc Adjunct Professor of Biochemistry, University of Helsinki, Finland, Chief Editor of ‘Radiation and Health’, Lausanne, Switzerland.

About Prof Dariusz Leszczynski's Lecture

Several animal studies suggested that mobile phone radiation may cause leakage of the blood-brain barrier. Studies of my research group, using cultures of human endothelial cell line, have shown that mobile phone radiation, at levels permitted by the current safety standards, activates Hsp27/p38MAP kinase stress response pathway.

EMF and Skin

Exposure of endothelial cells to mobile phone radiation caused transient increase in phosphorylation (activity) of the Hsp27 stress protein and p38MAP kinase. Activation of the Hsp27/p38MAPK pathway led to re-distribution of the F-actin in cytoplasm and an increased stability of the F-actin stress fibers. This, in turn, led to shrinkage of the endothelial cells.

These observations suggest that mobile phone radiation might affect endothelial permeability and potentially cause leakage of the blood-brain barrier.

Furthermore, it is likely that the activation of the Hsp27/p38MAPK pathway affects also endothelial gene expression, as shown by the analysis of changes in expression of endothelial transcriptome and proteome.

The only human volunteer proteomic study, performed by my research group, has indicated that mobile phone radiation might alter protein expression in human skin.

mobile phone radiation might alter protein expression in human skin.

Further studies are necessary to determine whether changes of transcriptome, proteome and bloodbrain barrier permeability are caused by mobile phone radiation in human brain.

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Prof Leszczynski’s Lecture – WHEN and WHERE

Melbourne University, Friday, 11th December, 2015, at 2.00PM

Richard Newton Rooms, Level 5, Electrical Engineering Building, University of Melbourne

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski’s Lecture – HOW

Concerned that EMF May be Affecting Your Health?
Let's talk! Book a call here >>

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski Wireless Radiation and Human Health Policies

by | buildings and health, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, environmental sensitivities, indoor environmental health, mobile phone, radiofrequencies, smart meters

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski, who holds two doctorates in molecular biology and biochemistry, is presenting a FREE public lecture

Between 1992 and 2013 Prof Dariusz Leszczynski worked at the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. During the years 2003-2007 he worked as the Head of Radiation Biology Laboratory and from 2000 to 2013 as a Research Professor.

He has spent several periods working at different universities around the world: 1997-1999 – Assistant Professor at the Harvard Medical School, 2006-2009 – Guangbiao Professor at the Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China and 2012-2013 – Visiting Professor at the Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.

Among others, in 2009 Prof Dariusz Leszczynski testified in the US Senate and in 2015 in the Canadian House of Commons hearings on cell phones and health and in 2014 advised Minister of Health of India.

In 2011 he was one of the 30 experts, invited by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, who classified cell phone radiation as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

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About Prof Dariusz Leszczynski's Lecture

“Wireless Radiation and Human Health Policies: How reliable is the Scientific Evidence?”

The scientific evidence for biological and health effects of radiation emitted by the wireless devices is contradictory. Different areas of investigation included epidemiology, human volunteer studies, animal and in vitro studies. For all, there are both, studies showing effects and studies showing lack of effects.

When considering the impact on human health, the most important results are those obtained in human studies. Health policy recommendations and safety limits must be firmly based on the scientific evidence.

But the question is, how to make reliable health policy recommendations and how to set adequate safety standards, when the scientific evidence is contradictory, when the quality of science is poor or when there are gaps in the scientific evidence.

Should the precautionary policies be considered, especially of the Precautionary Principle, as defined by the European Union?

These are important health-policy-related questions. They will be addressed in the context of the currently available scientific evidence of the wireless radiation effects and its quality for decision-making.

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski's Lecture – WHEN and WHERE

Monash University Wednesday, 9th December, 2015, at 11AM, the Lecture Theatre of The Alfred Centre (5th floor) 99 Commercial Road

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski's Lecture – HOW

You do not need to register or RSVP to this event.

Worried about how Wireless Technology May be Affecting Your Health?
Contact Lucinda >>

Dr Devra Davis on Wireless Devices & Biological Effects

by | buildings and health, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, environmental sensitivities, health, indoor environmental health, mobile phone, radiofrequencies, smart meters

Epidemiologist and Toxicologist Dr. Devra Davis will be presenting a FREE public lecture in Sydney

Dr. Davis is an internationally recognised expert on electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones and other wireless transmitting devices. She is the Founding Director of the Center for Environmental Oncology at The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute- the first institute of its kind in the world, to examine the environmental factors that contribute to the majority of cases of cancer.

Her presentation will outline:

  • the evolution of the mobile phone and smartphone
  • the background to the current radiation safety standards (SAR)
  • modelling exposures to children and adults from mobile phone and wireless radiation with breakthrough animations of children’s exposure and risks
  • the mobile phone and secondary insurance industries approach to this important topic
  • new global studies on the health consequences of mobile/ wireless radiation policy developments:
  • “The Right to Know” Law. New legislation in California U.S.A. requiring mobile phone retailers to fully disclose the radiation levels of the mobile phones and ways in which to reduce exposure.
  • current requirements regarding mobile phones in Belgium, France, Israel, India, Taiwan and other high tech nations
  • a proposed system “Would you give two cents?” to create funding for cross-disciplinary training in electrical engineering and medicine, identifying important data gaps and carrying out cutting edge research as Australia currently has more mobile phones than people.

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In the past Australia has led the world in safety standards including:

  • first country in the world to have compulsory seat belts
  • leader in gun control laws
  • first country in the world to implement plain packaging cigarettes
  • a leader in product and food disclosure legislation

However, Australia is falling behind in addressing the significant issues associated with safe mobile phone use.

Dr. Davis’ address is compelling listening for parents and students, educators, those concerned about liability arising from mobile phone use, government legislators or any organisation in which mobile phones and wireless devices are used on a daily basis.

Her address will ask you to reconsider your relationship with this essential piece of technology and provide clear tips on the path to safer use.

WHEN and WHERE to see Dr Devra Davis:

Wednesday, 18 November 2015

UNSW Kensington, The Law Building Lecture theatre G02, NSW

HOW to book to see Dr Devra Davis:

Concerned about EMF?
Let us assist you with a Virtual Indoor Environmental Health Assessment.

Use Your Laptop or Device Safely: How to Reduce Your EME Exposure

by | building biology, buildings and health, ehs, electric fields, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, EMR, environmental sensitivities, grinding teeth, health, high frequencies, indoor environmental health, magnetic fields, mobile phone, radiofrequencies, sleep, stress, wifi, wireless technology

Device-Use…

Device-use (tablets, laptops and smart phones) has skyrocketed since I first wrote this post back in 2014. They not only are used widely but dominate the lives of many.

The rampant use of devices is apparent when looking about. So many people walk down the street glued to their device. Somehow they manage to avoid colliding with power poles and people.

It has become such a problem that we have new phrases, like “Digital Detox” as part of our vocabulary, now.

With my work as an Indoor Environmental Health Consultant, I get a range of enquiries from people about different things. One of the biggest areas of questioning is about reducing exposure to electromagnetic energy (RF EME).

The most asked question is, “How can I use my laptop or device safely?”

There are three types of EME exposure associated with laptops and devices which will be discussed below.

Let’s cover a bit of the scientific background so it makes more sense.

AC Electric Fields – ELF

The electric fields emitted from many household appliances fall into the category of Extra Low Frequency (ELF). Electric fields are created where there is electricity under pressure. This means that any wiring connected to a power source, can emit an electric field.

Further, a buildings’ wiring can have an electric field even when there are no appliances plugged in. Electric fields can occur when an appliance is plugged in and not in use.

I always recommend people to unplug cords from power points when they are not in use.

Electric fields are also proportional to voltage and they decrease with distance from the source. Therefore, keeping away from appliances that are plugged in can reduce exposure.

Common sources include power lines, household wiring, lighting, and smartphone chargers. As well as all appliances, including, hair straighteners, irons, kettles, electric blankets, electric ovens, electric hot water systems, slab heating…

ELF electric fields have been associated with Electrical Hypersensitivity Syndrome (EHS), also known as Electrical Sensitivity (ES). This condition can manifest with some or all of these and other symptoms:

  • skin symptoms (a feeling of itchiness or biting, redness, a burning sensation)
  • eye symptoms (redness, dryness, pain)
  • poor concentration, and
  • dizziness.

Some other health effects that have been associated with ELF electric fields include:

  • sleep disturbances,
  • fatigue,
  • headache,
  • ringing in the ears (tinnitus),
  • and a constant feeling of a cold or flu about to start but not eventuating.
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AC Magnetic Fields – ELF

Magnetic fields exist in nature. This can be seen when the field of the earth causes the compass needle to point to north.

However, it is with man-made magnetic fields that we are mostly concerned.

Magnetic fields are created when an appliance is switched on. That is, it directly relates to a current being drawn. This is why I always recommend clients turn off any appliance that is not in use at the wall.

Magnetic fields arise from the motion of the electrical charge (WHO, 2012). This is especially the case in alternating current (AC) as the electricity changes direction frequently.

Common sources of ELF magnetic fields are the same as for Electric Fields.

There is a large body of evidence that links ELF magnetic fields with biological changes. Possible health effects, according to Professor Adey, include:

  • a reduction in the immune system,
  • abnormal foetal development,
  • changes to cell growth and development,
  • changes or interruptions to the brain and central nervous system

Other linked or suspected health effects include breast cancer, miscarriage, depression and suicide.

Radio frequency electromagnetic energy (RF EME)

On the electromagnetic spectrum, radio frequency electromagnetic energy (RF EME) is between 3kHz and 300GHz. Here we measure the combined electric and magnetic fields and refer to this as electromagnetic radiation.

There is an ever-increasing range of sources for radio frequency electromagnetic energy (RF EME) as we move towards wireless technology.

As the race to “get rid of unsightly wires” continues, we are adding many layers of convenience to our lifestyles. Some of these “advances” include driverless cars, 5G and so on.

Sources include mobile phone towers, cordless telephones, satellite transmitters, mobile phones, tablets and i-pads, wireless games such as Wii and X-Box, many baby monitors, wireless computer accessories including printer, keyboard, and mouse, wireless internet connections, smart meters and so on.

Numerous health concerns have been linked with RF electromagnetic energy. These include:

  • disturbed sleep,
  • headaches,
  • learning difficulties,
  • concentration problems,
  • fatigue,
  • waking feeling unrefreshed,
  • anxiety,
  • depression,
  • muscle and joint aches and pains,
  • ringing in the ears,
  • hearing loss,
  • palpitations, and more.

As well, there have been some links made to brain tumours, epilepsy, blood pressure, and lowered immunity.

UPDATE (Jan 2020): As we speak, research is being done as the new technology of 5G is being rolled out.

What is evident is that there is not enough research that shows it is safe to use.

Some of the concerns centre around the fact that we will be utilising even higher up the electromagnetic spectrum, into the millimetre waves.

Millimetre waves do not travel very far, and cannot penetrate walls, however, they can penetrate our skin and our eyes. (Lower levels of RF EME can penetrate deeper into our bodies.)

How Can I Use My Laptop or Device Safely?

1. Laptops and devices have a massive advantage over the desktop computer, in my eyes

This advantage is that they can be used on battery. Anything that is plugged in uses AC power. AC stands for “alternating current.” Alternating current is where electricity passes back and forth through the wires. In contrast, a battery uses DC, or “direct current” – which only goes one way. In short, DC is safer than AC.

Unplug the charger and use your laptop or device on battery.

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2. No matter what, I always recommend that you used wired connections – for Internet, mouse and keyboard.

This point is a bit of a 3-for-1 deal – I can’t just give you three tips!

Ultimately, this tip is about reducing your exposure to the radio frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Here’s the best things that you can do – get a keyboard and mouse that you can plug into your laptop. (Not all devices have this option, so I would suggest using a stylus instead of your fingers.)

Using the wired keyboard and mouse means that you have a greater distance from your laptop. This is always a good thing. It also means that you are not relying on a wireless (radio frequency electromagnetic energy (RF EME) connection).

Using a wired Internet connection is part of this solution.

Note that you will also need to turn off the Wi-Fi capabilities on your computer. Otherwise, it will constantly be searching for a connection. Leaving it on would then be defeating the purpose of using a wired connection) AND you will need to have a modem that does not have Wi-Fi capabilities.

Finding one can be a little tricky. I located some at my local office supply store. I got a modem that had no aerial and only worked via Ethernet connections. It only cost about $50.

So, swap your wireless bits and pieces for wired/cabled equivalents. 

3. Despite its name, do not EVER use your laptop or device on your lap.

We have already discussed the health implications above, and I have pointed out that distance is the key.

The other thing to think about is that by having it on your lap, it is close to your reproductive organs.

Science is only beginning to recognise and accept that there can be health effects beyond the thermal changes.

A bit of background information

When radar began to be used mid last century, the thermal effects of radiofrequency EME were recognised as problematic for health.

The thermal effects on the body have been used as the measuring stick for health effects. This is despite the fact that the vast array of associated health effects have nothing to do with tissues being warmed.

Therefore, never use your laptop or device when it is in contact with your body. 

There you have it – 3 tips to help you use your laptop or device more safely.

I hope you have found this information helpful. Please feel free to get in touch with me if there is more you would like to hear about.

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POSTSCRIPT

As things have evolved, there are many laptop mats that shield from wireless technology (RF).

TAKE CARE!

RF EME can bounce back off the mat. This can increase what you are exposed to. So if you are sitting over it, it can be a double whammy.

As much as it would be lovely to have a “magic pill” to protect us from RF…

The best and most reliable way is to not have it.

This is a stretch for many people, but would you knowingly put your health at risk?

Available in store now – all for shielding/reducing your exposure to ELF AC Electric Fields:

It is also important to consider connectivity – using an ethernet adaptor is key. Read more here.

Further reading:

Earthing Mats: Do They Really Work?

by | building biology, buildings and health, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, environmental sensitivities, health, indoor environmental health

I get a LOT of enquiries about earthing mats.

Many people have heard or seen things about them.

Many are seeking them out to remedy their exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF).

A lot of the information out there is positive and reports the profound effects from using earthing mats.

What Is Earthing?

Earthing, in principle, is wonderful.

Earthing is about getting barefoot and walking on the earth… It is about grounding, releasing anything accumulated…

Having said that, it means walking on the earth without holding your smartphone, without using your bluetooth and without listening to music on your MP3 player.

Earthing is about getting barefoot and returning to nature. It is wonderful, it is soul-nourishing as well as beneficial.

How Does It Help?

Earthing doesn't solve EMF exposure problems – it simply helps to discharge what you have accumulated.

BUT… (You knew there'd be one, right?)

Earthing does not help when you are in electromagnetic fields.

I'll explain.

Our bodies are made of 60-80% water. This makes us excellent conductors.

All electricity seeks the shortest route to earth.

So, if you are using earthing mats, what happens is that electrical fields bend to pass through you as you are providing a direct and short path to earth.

It's like standing in the middle of a field during an electrical storm.

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And Earthing Mats?

People claim that they are effective because they can demonstrate a drop in body voltage using a multimeter.

It is true that your body voltage reading drops however, you are actually increasing your exposure as more EMF is passing THROUGH you.

Imagine sitting on a chair next to a lamp that is switched on.

If you place an earthing mat underneath you, without changing anything else, your body voltage reading would drop.

But, you haven't changed anything, so the EMF has not lessened. It is still the same.

Now, instead of finding another way to earth, the fields will distort to pass through you and through the earthing mat to earth or ground.

So, what you have done by using an earthing mat is INCREASED YOUR EMF EXPOSURE.

What Can You Do Instead?

The very best thing that you can do is to get rid of the source of the EMF. The simplest way to do this is to turn off and unplug appliances that are not in use.

Apart from this, avoid spending time in the electromagnetic fields. Move the power cords away from where you are sitting, move your bed far away from the smart meter… Constant exposure to EMF can be a factor in the development of electrical hypersensitivity – and environmental sensitivity.

In terms of earthing (or grounding) safely, these are safer options.

1. Head to the beach, the park or your own garden… Take off your shoes and stand barefoot on the earth. Be mindful of what is near you, especially if you are in your garden – make sure that the hot water system or smart meter is not nearby, leave your phone and other devices inside…

2. Standing on a piece of aluminium foil short circuits the charges that you have accumulated – according to Dave Stetzer – a leader and expert in the field of dirty electricity.

My advice?

Spend time in nature without devices… enjoy the tranquility of it all.