Are we over exposed to electromagnetic fields?
By lumenmom
@lumenmom (1986)
United States
June 17, 2009 9:18am CST
Something occurred to me today as I was sitting on the bus. I noticed that every single person had some type of electronic device. This seems to be the new rage today, very different from the times when all you saw was a book or two, maybe a newspaper or magazine. What occurred to me was that these devices have electromagnetic fields which some say can be harmful to your health so limiting exposure is a good idea. I wonder if being around all these people with all these devices puts you at more risk of illness? Also what about sitting in computer labs (as I am doing right now) with several computers on all at the same time?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
8 Jul 09
I always think that electromagnetic fields are dangerous for one's health but after reading some discussion answers here, I'm starting to think that there could be no basis for it too. Perhaps there is really no direct answer to this. I'm guessing that as long as there is a limit like say for instance not using the cellphone sticking it to our ears for a few hours in a row, we should be safe.
Perhaps there is no proof that electromagnetic fields are dangerous but it's best to limit ourselves and get on a good book once in awhile. I'm starting to get back to reading too. The real book instead of reading online. I've been reading too much..LOL. Good discussion here..
@JoyfulOne (6231)
• United States
17 Jun 09
I've always been interested in this, and I do believe we are exposed more than ever now-a-days. There have been many studies done on this over the years, and for every study that says over exposure to electromagnetic fields is dangerous, you can find several that say the opposite. I have read studies and discussions in the medical community about MRI's. The general consensus seems to be that it IS dangerous to have repeated exposure because it's at a higher level than most things producing the e. fields (ie: like cel phones, etc.) They are still doing studies on the effects of holding a cel phone up to our ears for extended periods of time. Cel phones haven't been used for enough years yet to tell the long term effects...so I guess the jury's still out on that one.
I personally believe there is something to it. Further away in my neighborhood there are electric transmission towers, and those living closer to them seem to have a higher incidence of cancers in their families. Coincidence, family genetics, or the presence of high e.m. fields? While some is natural in the earth, I don't think it's as high a level as what is man-made.
@faisai (1138)
• Hong Kong
17 Jun 09
I think that it probably won't matter much. If talking about electromagnetic fields, the power lines are much stronger sources of them because they are carrying so large current. In addition, there are the TV broadcast signals going around us all the times. If it is to be worried, I will worry about those sources first before the little gadgets around us. These gadgets are powered by the little batteries which I believe they are quite incapable of generating fields that are large enough to be harmful.


