Research Blog

EMFs and Chemical Hypersensitivity Part 1: Electromagnetic Fields

Welcome to part 1 of ODX's "Electromagnetic and Chemical Hypersensitivity" Series. In this series of posts, the ODX Research Team explores electromagnetic fields, their health effects, and effective strategies for mitigating sensitivity-related illnesses caused by toxins, chemicals, and electromagnetic fields.

The ODX EMF Series

Dicken Weatherby, N.D. and Beth Ellen DiLuglio, MS, RDN, LDN

The electromagnetic spectrum includes ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation. Natural radiation exposure on Earth is limited by the planet’s natural extremely low-frequency direct current magnetic fields and protective magnetosphere.

However, these protective features are bypassed or overwhelmed by man-made EMFs characterized by unnatural signaling and propagation factors and magnified by satellite generation. Non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and frequencies are used for all wireless technology and infrastructure, including cellphones, WiFi, baby/home monitors, “smart” grid/meters and other “smart” device technology, 2-5G data frequencies, AM/FM radio, television, shortwave and HAM radios, surveillance/security systems, satellites, radar, military applications, and medical diagnostic equipment, including MRIs. Researchers suggest that chronic low-level EMF exposure should be recognized as a pollutant with potentially detrimental effects on humans and wildlife (Levitt 2021).

Source: Levitt, B Blake et al. “Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 2 impacts: how species interact with natural and man-made EMF.” Reviews on environmental health vol. 37,3 327-406. 8 Jul. 2021, doi:10.1515/reveh-2021-0050

Exposure to man-made EMFs, including high-power electrical lines, wireless antennae, and cellphones, is associated with sympathetic dominance of the autonomic nervous system, decreased resilience to stress, and altered heart rate variability (HRV). Disrupted HRV increases the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, cardiac dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, bipolar disorders, depression, pain, and mortality. Electrical utility workers are frequently exposed to EMFs and are at greater risk of arrhythmia-related cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction (Mansourian 2023).

Computers, modern televisions, energy-efficient appliances and lighting, dimmer switches, and cordless phones also emit electromagnetic frequencies within the home (Havas 2008).

Cellphone use has skyrocketed worldwide, increasing direct and indirect exposure to EMFs through the phone and its associated infrastructure. The cellphone is a two-way radio that emits EMFs in the microwave range. Exposure to non-ionizing radiation from cellphones and their associated infrastructure can not only affect human physiology. Still, it can also disrupt nearby electronic devices, including medical devices and home glucose monitors (Mortazavi 2014).

Optimal Takeaways Electromagnetic Fields

Man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from technology like cellphones, WiFi, and medical equipment bypass Earth's natural protective mechanisms, potentially posing health risks to humans and wildlife.
These include everything from wireless infrastructure to diagnostic tools in medicine.
Exposure to these EMFs can lead to various health issues, including alterations in autonomic nervous system balance, increasing the risk of severe conditions such as heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and mental health disorders.
Even everyday devices in homes, such as computers, energy-efficient lighting, and cordless phones, emit EMFs that can disrupt human physiological functions and interfere with other electronic devices, including essential medical equipment.

References

Havas, Magda. “Dirty electricity elevates blood sugar among electrically sensitive diabetics and may explain brittle diabetes.” Electromagnetic biology and medicine vol. 27,2 (2008): 135-46. doi:10.1080/15368370802072075

Levitt, B Blake et al. “Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 2 impacts: how species interact with natural and man-made EMF.” Reviews on environmental health vol. 37,3 327-406. 8 Jul. 2021, doi:10.1515/reveh-2021-0050

Mansourian, Mahsa et al. “Effects of man-made electromagnetic fields on heart rate variability parameters of general public: a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies.” Reviews on environmental health, 10.1515/reveh-2022-0191. 18 May. 2023, doi:10.1515/reveh-2022-0191

Mortazavi, Smj et al. “Electromagnetic Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted from GSM Mobile Phones Decreases the Accuracy of Home Blood Glucose Monitors.” Journal of biomedical physics & engineering vol. 4,3 111-6. 1 Sep. 2014

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