Debunking 10 EMF Radiation Myths: What Every Parent Should Know
Here at WaveBlock®, our mission is to create products that protect men, women, and children from EMF radiation. In a digital climate, we constantly surround ourselves with electronic devices that emit electromagnetic waves. This includes Wi-Fi routers, wireless earbuds, laptops, iPads, cell phones, and so much more. As these devices get more and more advanced, the more EMF radiation they need to perform all of their new functions.
Technology is an amazing thing. Our gadgets allow us to get work done outside the office, connect with loved ones far away, get directions, and so much more. The WaveBlock® team doesn’t want you to go back to the 1800s. However, we do want you to understand that, despite what tech giants want you to think, there are serious health risks associated with consistent EMF radiation exposure. We aren’t just saying this to promote our products. We are saying this because the WaveBlock® team has done hours of research and lab testing to test the amounts of radiation coming off of devices and how that can affect people of all ages.
There’s a reason we have worked so hard to create our WaveBlock® stickers. We’d like to explain why by debunking 10 common myths about EMFs.
Myth #1: “There are government radiation standards on cell phones, so phone emissions must be safe.”
- It is true that cell phone radiation standards exist. However, the current protocol may be creating a false sense of safety. Most countries currently use outdated standards that aren’t even followed by cell phone companies. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has not updated their Standard Absorption Rate (SAR) Standard since 1996. That was 10 years before the first iPhone went on the market. According to Pew Research Center, at that time, only 16% of Americans had a cell phone compared to the now 96%. SAR values help us indicate the potential risks of radiation from cell phones.
- The current SAR level for cell phones, per the FCC, is 1.6 watts per kilogram. This standard was set based on a 200-pound, 6-foot male testing dummy, which is problematic given EMF radiation has been proven to be more harmful to children, pregnant women, and those with a compromised immune system. Plus, a phone from 1996 was not nearly as powerful nor capable as current phones that can connect to WiFi, Bluetooth, and 5G towers. These government standards are ancient and not reflective of our current devices.
Myth #2: “There is no association between cancer and EMF radiation.”
- This simply isn’t true. While there may not be ample research yet, there have been studies that show a correlation between cell phone usage and cancer. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has conducted in-depth studies on the potential health effects of EMF radiation. One study showed that high exposure to EMFs resulted in tumors surrounding nerves in the hearts of the male rats that were tested. Researchers also noted an increase in cardiomyopathy and heart tissue damage in both male and female rats.
Myth #3: “The CDC says cell phones are safe.”
- The CDC itself offers guidelines for minimizing EMF exposure from cell phones. Why would they offer these guidelines if there wasn’t a need for protection? As our WaveBlock® team has also noted, the CDC suggests doing things like using speakerphone and keeping your device as far away from you as possible.
Myth #4: “Apple doesn’t tell me my gadgets shouldn’t be close to me.”
- Also not true! You know how when you get a manual for a device or those lengthy Terms of Service agreements that you just click through? Deep in the small font, Apple actually does warn customers about iPhone risks. The Environmental Health Trust cited a list of warnings on tech products, including ones like this: “This device should be operated with a minimum separation distance of 20 cm (8 inches) between the equipment and a person’s body.”
Myth #5: “EMF research is inconclusive, so I am safe.”
- Just because there is not enough research to prove that EMF radiation from current technology is harmful, that does not mean that we shouldn’t be concerned. EMF research isn’t robust or advanced enough to prove that there is 100% evidence that EMF radiation is harmful to “the average person.” However, that does NOT mean there isn’t research to show the harmful effects. There are also several scientists and researchers who have articulated their concerns and are adamant about continuing to do more research to establish more information and knowledge on the issue. We can all agree that more studies are needed, especially in relation to our current extensive use of technology and advances in technology, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of studies that show negative symptoms associated with EMFs. So why use the word inconclusive? Because there are studies that claim there are no significant harmful effects from EMFs. However, it’s important to note that most of the conflicting studies are funded by the cell phone industry.
- The World Health Organization states that high-powered tech devices are too recent to rule out long-term, negative effects. The WaveBlock® team also knows that WHO still acknowledges health outcomes like cardiovascular issues and neurodegenerative diseases. More research is needed, but there is certainly enough preliminary evidence to show that, at the very least, precaution should be taken with EMF-emitting devices.
Myth #6: “Non-Ionizing EMF radiation isn’t harmful like ionizing radiation is.”
- There are two types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing. Ionizing radiation instantly splits molecules and ionizes the electrons of atoms. Examples include x-rays, gamma rays, and UV rays from the sun. Non-ionizing radiation is what we deal with at WaveBlock®. It doesn’t have enough energy to break bonds and is therefore on the lower end of the electromagnetic spectrum. Most of our modern technology emits non-ionizing radiation. The initial concern with non-ionizing radiation was solely around thermal damage (think: your laptop getting hot on your lap and causing tissue damage). However, there is new research to show that non-ionizing radiation can cause biological changes regardless of heat being present. Studies show that EMF-level frequencies can cause oxidative stress, fertility problems, endocrine issues, and much more. So, while ionizing radiation may not be as powerful or initially harmful as non-ionizing radiation, that doesn’t mean it can’t cause damage overtime with consistent exposure.
Myth #7: “The radiation from 5G is not dangerous, and is safer than 4G.”
- 5G is the latest iteration of wireless technology and cellular connection. It boasts higher bandwidth, peak upload rates, and better overall service. In order to work, 5G employs shorter wavelengths with higher frequencies. With a widespread rollout that began in 2019, the increase in 5G antennas across the globe has been massive. Whereas cell towers used to be miles apart, the 5G deployment involves significantly more, smaller antennas that are about 750 feet apart. That means more chances for EMF exposure to you and your family. Plus, with a better, stronger network, you need more bandwidth (aka radiation). According to Healthline, the frequencies (bandwidth) needed for 5G can range from 3.5 GHz to up to several tens of GHz. Prior to its release, these high numbers were not used in mobile networks. It’s important to remember that with the necessity for more research around stronger tech, there is more research needed for a newer wireless connectivity advancement. Regardless, claiming 5G is safer than 4G is not factual.
Myth #8: “Wireless earbuds are not dangerous.”
- When Apple began removing headphone jacks from iPhones, the boom in wireless earbuds and Bluetooth headphones skyrocketed. While wireless earbuds like AirPods do not emit more radiation than cell phones or laptops, the concern over these gadgets is that they are emitting EMF radiation so close to your brain/skull. In order to work and sync, your wireless earbuds need to send signals to each other. Those signals are going through your head! That means radiation exposure to the brain. Think about how often we spend listening to podcasts or taking phone calls with wireless earbuds in our ears. WaveBlock® was actually started by a concerned father who noticed his kids using earbuds and iPads all day in order to do schoolwork during Covid-19. The research was concerning, and that’s why WaveBlock® stickers were created to help reduce radiation exposure from these devices.
Myth #9: “EMF Protection Devices Don’t Work.”
- We can’t speak for other companies. However, our WaveBlock® stickers have undergone hours and hours of testing and lab research from FCC-accredited labs. We reduce as much radiation as possible while still making sure your devices work at 100% capacity. You can read all of our lab reports on our website that prove significant radiation reduction to many devices and models thanks to our WaveBlock® stickers. We have had thousands of customers tell us they’ve experienced a reduction in EMF sensitivity and that they feel overall safer using their tech devices with WaveBlock® stickers. We know there are a lot of fake devices or scams out there. That doesn’t mean that all EMF protection devices don’t work.
Myth #10: “EMF Hypersensitivity Does Not Exist”
- While it may not be a widely recognized diagnosis, EMF Hypersensitivity absolutely exists, and it can be debilitating for some. EHS can cause body aches, headaches, nausea, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, stress, and much more. When near WiFi routers, cell towers, or other devices that emit high levels of EMFs, people with EHS can get very sick.
The reality is that the tech industry doesn’t want you to know that the EMF radiation caused by its devices can be harmful. While the effects may differ from person to person, there are several valid reasons to take precaution when using phones, earbuds, iPads, laptops, and other devices. The WaveBlock® team has created several stickers to keep you and your family safer when using these products. If you have any questions about our research, what our products do, or anything else, please feel free to contact our team! Whether you have EHS, you just want to prevent potential consistent exposure issues, or anything in between, we are here to help.
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