What Is Electromagnetic Radiation And How Does It Affect You?

Most radiation studies have focused on ionizing radiation. However, they have overlooked non-ionizing radiation in processes such as electromagnetic radiation. 

Electromagnetic radiation is the process of releasing energy. This means that either waves or particles are sent through space.

To distinguish between these two types of radiation, you have to take into account their frequency. The greater the frequency, the greater their energy. Waves are vibrations that move through a vacuum at the speed of light. They are essentially outside the human visual range.

There are types of radiation that are not harmful to living beings. This is called non-ionizing radiation. They are not dangerous because they do not break atomic bonds and molecules stay together. And they form electromagnetic waves.

In general, we are exposed to AM and FM radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation and ultraviolet radiation.

At the extreme other end of the spectrum we find ionizing radiation. These destroy atoms and ionize the atoms in your cells. It causes irreversible damage to people, or even death.

This radiation comes from unstable atoms in radioactive substances, such as uranium for example.

The type of radiation

There are essentially three types of radiation: alpha, beta and gamma.

• Alpha (α): this radiation hardly penetrates and can already be stopped by a sheet of paper. It is especially harmful because it means that once it gets into something, whatever food or drink is around it will be affected. By just touching or eating this food, the radiation breaks down molecules.

• Beta (β) : This type of radiation penetrates more than alpha radiation and can pass through a layer of aluminum. However, it is much less harmful.
• Gamma (γ) : This type of radiation penetrates very deeply and comes from a nuclear source. This one needs thick shields like concrete to keep it from progressing further.

The harmful effects of radiation

Electromagnetic radiation causes biological changes in humans. However, these changes are not necessarily harmful.

For example, if you listen to music, dance or read a book, there is a biological change in your body that is not harmful. It has the ability to compensate for the effect of the radiation.

However, when your body is exposed to electromagnetic waves and the biological effect exceeds the normal range, it affects your health.

One of the many scientific reports therefore focuses on the effect of electromagnetic waves on the human endocrine system and associated diseases.

There have been cases of:

• Breast cancer, leukemia and tumors
• Sclerosis
• Amnesia
• brain cancer
• Heart-lung diseases: fast heart rate and high blood pressure
• Red Blood Cell Reduction

At the same time, you may suffer from other less serious illnesses, including:

• Vision Problems: Cataracts and Vision Loss
• Developmental problems in children

• High bloodpressure
• Fatigue
• Neurological diseases: mental confusion, irritability
• joint pain
• Reproductive issues: changes in your menstrual cycle, miscarriages, infertility
• Inflammation of the skin

How do you reduce electromagnetic radiation?

Big companies don’t recognize that home electronics, telephones and computers affect your health. However, studies have shown that the effects may not show up until 10 to 20 years later.

It is practically impossible to avoid exposure to electromagnetic waves. However, you can reduce your exposure to it by following advice:

• Switch off devices you are not using and also remove the plug.
• You need to charge your phone and then disconnect it. If you need to plug in the phone, keep the plug away from your body.
• If you use a heater or fan, place it at least one meter away from your bed.
• Do not use electric blankets.
• For your desk lamps it is important that you use incandescent lamps.
• When heating something in the oven or microwave, stay away from the appliance until the food has finished cooking.
• Stay away from your television. This generates electromagnetic waves.
• Turn off your Bluetooth devices when you don’t need them.
• Avoid closed spaces with air conditioning.
• Do not place your washer and dryer near the living room. The radiation can pass through the wall.

The people most likely to suffer from the effects of radiation are children, pregnant women and the elderly.

• Reduce your cell phone use, especially by children under 14 years of age.

In summary, we can say that human beings are exposed to millions of types of good and bad radiation. However, all you can do is try to reduce them by following the advice in this article.

Even if you don’t notice the problem, it is possible that the consequences could affect your life in a few years.