It's electri-frying...

Thanks to remarkable advances in technology our homes and workplaces are well furnished with devices to make things quicker, easier, warmer, cooler. How many electrical appliances do you use in 24 hours? Kettle, oven, toaster, clock, microwave, dishwasher, telephone, blender, mixer, shaver, television, radio, computer, printer, photo copier, fax machine, electric blanket..?

Beyond the naked eye our world is web of electromagnetic fields. Electrical appliances work based on wavelengths and frequencies. Although these frequencies are naturally found in the electromagnetic spectrum, our dependence on operating electrical devices from it has never been so pronounced as it is in today's environment.  Are we the canaries in the mine? (Bijlsma, ACES 2007).

The impact of long term exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) remains under scrutiny. A large number of cases have suggested that magnetic fields have increased the risks of childhood cancer. There is also suspicion that exposure to EMFs can lead to brain tumors, miscarriages, birth defects, fatigue, headaches and stress. In 1998, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reported that electric and magnetic fields like those surrounding electric power lines should be considered a possible human carcinogen (Bijlsma, ACES 2007).

After more than 25 years of intensive study, the health and safety conscious Swedish Government deemed 2.5mG (milliGauss)a safe exposure limit (Lessemf.com).

Despite this and the studies identifying a link between health concerns and EMFs Australia deems the highest permitted exposure to magnetic fields as 1000mG.

With most appliances in the home generating in excess of 2.5mG, it's almost impossible to avoid contact with EMFs. However, reducing your exposure is as easy as increasing your distance from the appliance. And, where possible turning it off at the power point and ideally unplugging it.

- Don't ever sleep against a wall with a power box on the opposing side.

- Don't ever sleep with an electric blanket on. Preferably, turn off and unplug it before sleeping.

- When you've finished with the toaster, kettle, microwave - turn them off and unplug them (this will also reduce your energy bill.... up to 40% of your electricity bill goes towards appliances that are on standby!)

- Move digital clocks as far away as possible from your head when sleeping (or alternatively opt for a battery operated one)

- Never sleep with a mobile phone near by

- Limit your time on mobile phones and cordless phones (use speaker phones where possible so you can increase the distance between you and the appliance)

- avoid standing in front of the microwave (even better avoid using it whenever possible!)

- Remember what your mother told you: "don't sit too close to the TV" Aim for 6 ft away.

- Some forms of slab/underfloor heating emit frightful amounts of EMFs - this is particularly concerning because it occupants are constantly surrounded by the EMFs. If you have underfloor heating, considering getting the EMFs checked out and/or try to use it as little as possible.

Better to be safe than sorry....