I’m sure by this point you’ve seen some notice or article about the harms of cell phones and 5G. It’s become more common culturally in the last 18 months and even more so now with the new administration and the MAHA movement. Electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation is everywhere, and while our technology makes life way more convenient, concerns about impacts on our bodies are growing. We love our phones, gadgets and all that the evolving technology devices grant us in convenience and connectivity in our daily lives. One growing concern is: could this radiation be affecting us on the cellular level? Picture your DNA and how precious it is that makes you you, and don’t forget that children still have open DNA as they’re developing.

What is EMF Radiation?

EMFs are invisible areas of energy emitted by our electrical devices. There are two main forms: ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is the high-energy radiation used in X-rays, which can directly cause damage to our bodies. This is well-known, so industries using this technology know to take necessary precautions.
Non-ionizing radiation, however, is the tricky one. These low-energy EMFs, emitted by cell phones and other wireless technology, have been labelled as “safe” by regulatory agencies. However, recent studies are challenging that assumption. And because we’ve been told for so long that it’s no cause for concern, many of us don’t think to take any precautions when using our wireless devices.

The Research on EMF and DNA Damage

A major study conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, tested how radiofrequency radiation (RFR) – the type of EMFs emitted by cell phones – affected laboratory rodents. In addition to looking at the potential risk of cancer, this research explored possible links to DNA damage. Here’s what they found:

• Male rats exposed to RFR showed significant DNA damage in their brain cells, specifically the hippocampus – which is the learning and memory center of the brain.
• Male mice exposed to RFR also had DNA damage in their frontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for problem-solving and decision-making.

There were some signs of DNA damage in certain tissues of female rats and mice, but overall, females showed “less variability in response than male mice.” This suggests EMF exposure could affect males more than females – at least in rodents – but the reasons for this are unclear. More research could help shed further light on this pattern.

Higher Exposure, Higher Risk?

This NTP study used EMF exposure levels that are much higher than what we typically experience from using our cell phones. Rodents were exposed to RFR for nine hours a day at levels of 6 W/kg for rats, and 10 W/kg for mice. To put that into perspective, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set the limit for our devices at 1.6 W/kg. 

So while these results don’t directly translate to our exposure, they raise an important question: If high exposure to EMF radiation can damage DNA in small mammals, what could happen to humans after years of lower-level exposure?

How Could EMFs Cause DNA Damage?

Ionizing radiation from X-rays can damage DNA by breaking DNA strands or altering the chemical structure, potentially leading to mutations – and later cancer – if not repaired properly. 

Up until recently, the main concern with non-ionizing radiation centered around thermal effects, and safety limits were set to prevent excessive tissue heating. Non-ionizing radiation from cell phones doesn’t have enough energy to break DNA strands, so how could it still be causing damage beyond thermal effects? There are a few theories:

• EMFs may increase free radicals in the body, leading to oxidative stress. This can damage DNA over time.
• Some research suggests EMFs could possibly interfere with DNA repair, slowing down the body’s ability to fix damaged DNA.
• EMFs could disrupt normal cell functions, leading to unexpected effects and genetic changes.

These ideas are still being explored, but they suggest that non-ionizing radiation could have biological effects beyond just heating tissues.

The Big Question: Is EMF Harmful?

There’s a growing body of research suggesting a link between EMFs and DNA damage, the debate over whether or not EMF is truly harmful still has more work to do. After all, human studies are limited. Most research has been done on animals, and effects on laboratory mammals don’t always translate directly to effects on humans. Still, there have been tens of thousands of research papers submitted to the World Health Organization specific to EMF radiation and it’s effects on humans and other biological organisms.

Some human studies suggest a possible link between long-term cell phone use and increased risk of brain tumors. Based on human studies, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified EMF as a “possible carcinogen,” meaning there’s some evidence of a link to cancer.

A Precautionary Approach

While people debate whether or not EMFs are harmful to humans, it’s smart to take a cautious approach. After all, cell phones and wireless technology are relatively new in our history. Instead of waiting for definitive answers before taking action, we can make simple changes to our tech habits to promote wellness and reduce our EMF exposure:

• Limit screen time, especially for kids, whose developing brains and bodies could be more sensitive to EMF exposure. Not only does cutting back on screen time reduce EMF exposure, but it could give your mental health a boost too!
• Keep devices away from your body when not in use. The closer your device, the higher the exposure. Research on fertility suggests it’s especially important to keep it out of your pocket.
• Use speakerphone or wired headphones instead of holding your phone against your head while chatting.
• Use airplane mode and night and unplug your Wi-Fi router to reduce the EMF load surrounding you while you sleep. Studies suggest reducing EMF exposure can lead to better sleep, so it’s a win-win.

Consider EMF protection, such as Aires Lifetune, to protect your body from the potential effects of EMF exposure. With devices that attach directly to your phone, wearable devices that you can take everywhere you go, and area protection for the home, Aires’ proven, patented technology reshapes EMFs into a form that’s more compatible with our biology, neutralizing the harmful effects.

Learn more about how EMFs here.

If you want to become more knowledgeable about EMFs and how it affects children, please check out this blog post.

Keep Up With EMF Research

As research on EMFs and their potential effects on our health continues to evolve, staying informed is key. Taking simple precautions to reduce exposure can be a proactive step toward overall well-being. With new studies emerging, it’s important to keep an open mind and stay updated on the latest findings. Small changes today could make a big difference in the long run, so stay curious, and stay informed!