INVISIBLE HAZARDS of the 21st CENTURY

Transcription

1 INVISIBLE HAZARDS of the 21st CENTURY TWELVE ACTION STEPS TO REDUCE Electromagnetic Radiation in your Bedroom to Create a Better Sleep Environment HOLLY MANION

2 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...3 WHAT IS ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION...4 SLEEP AREA...6 HEALTH RELATED SYMPTOMS...7 TAKE ACTION - Twelve Steps...8 STEP ONE: CORDLESS PHONES...9 STEP TWO: ELECTRIC BLANKETS...10 STEP THREE: CELL PHONES...12 STEP FOUR COMPACT FLUORESCENT (CFL)...13 STEP FIVE TELEVISION...14 STEP SIX CIRCUIT BREAKERS/ELECTRIC PANELS...15 STEP SEVEN DIMMER SWITCH...16 STEP EIGHT: ELECTRIC CLOCKS...17 STEP NINE METAL BED FRAMES...18 STEP TEN: COMPUTERS...19 STEP ELEVEN: WIRES UNDER YOUR BED...20 STEP TWELVE SMART METERS...21 THE SMART METER SHIELD...22 SUMMARY...23 CHART OF ELECTROMAGNETiC SPECTRUM...24 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

3 INTRODUCTION In this e-book I am going to explain how you can go through your own bedroom and easily identify the sources of excess electromagnetic radiation (EMR). I will explain briefly the different types of EMR, what types of devices fall into various classifications, and the health symptoms that could appear from either daily exposure or years of cumulative exposure to EMR. I will provide simple solutions to reduce some of these sources that could be preventing you from having the most restful and beneficial night s sleep. 3

4 What is Electromagnetic Radiation? Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is found everywhere in the environment. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) can be high or low strength, natural or man-made, and continuous or short-term. In an electromagnetic field the magnetic field and electric field travel perpendicularly, with a capacity for self-propagation. In other words, the magnetic field produces an electric field and conversely electric field produces a magnetic field. All forms of electromagnetic radiation in the spectrum are not created equal, and have different health effects on our bodies. There are four pathological effect windows in the electro magnetic spectrum: 1. Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) fields are those such as power lines, plug-in devices, household appliances, etc. In this effect window of low frequency, the magnetic field is dominant. Magnetic fields have been around since the beginning of time. Our bodies have developed a tolerance threshold of resistance for this radiation, as long as there is not an excessively high amount of power pushing the magnetic field, like directly below power lines. 2. Higher frequencies (HF) are the microwave effect window. A raw microwave signal oscillating at 1900 million cycles per second, is not a problem as it is too fast for the body to pick up. Our bodies only recognize a microwave when high power is put behind the signal causing a heating of tissue, (like heating meat in a microwave oven.) 4

5 3. The Information Carrying Radio Wave (ICRW) effect window includes all wireless transmission such as cell phones, cell towers, Wi-Fi. The mechanism of harm involves biological responses triggered at the cell membrane. We have no biological adaption and thus no safe threshold to the exposure of ICRW. (900MHz range) 4. The highest end of the spectrum is the ionizing radiation effect window. This is a powerful source causing extremely high energy, which breaks molecular bonds. These electromagnetic waves are from sources like sunlight, lightening, Ultra violet, and X-ray. Our bodies have a limited threshold for this radiation, depending on the intensity of the power, proximity to the source, duration, frequency, and vulnerability of the person. 5

6 Electromagnetic Fields and Health including related Symptoms: Exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has been documented to have major biological effects on living tissue. Thousands of scientific studies have shown that radio frequency exposures, including microwaves, can cause changes in cell membrane function, interferes with cell communication, and alters metabolism. Production of stress (cortisol) proteins are triggered at exposure levels far below current FCC regulatory standards. The resulting effects include DNA breaks and chromosome aberrations, cell death including death of brain neurons, increased freeradical production, cell stress and premature aging. Other documented effects are changes in brain function, including memory loss, performance impairment, sleep disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, reduction in melatonin secretion and an increase in many types of cancers. If you are sensitive to EMF s you may experience symptoms of insomnia, fatigue, foggy thinking, anxiety, headaches, tingling sensations, depression, high blood pressure, vertigo, tinnitus, infertility, aches and pains

7 Why it is important to reduce EMR in your BEDROOM: How do you sleep at night? Are you tossing and turning? Do you wake up in the middle of the night and have a difficult time going back to sleep? It could be that you have too many electronic devices near your bed. Your Sleeping Zone is critical to your overall well being. Exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is known to disrupt sleep in many ways. EMR inhibits the pineal gland (a small endocrine gland in the the brain which regulates sleep) from producing the hormone melatonin while you sleep. Melatonin is a primary regulator of the immune system and is a powerful antioxidant which fights free radicals. Your bedroom should be a calm area where your can give your cells every opportunity to rejuvenate. The way to accomplish this is to go through your bedroom and make some changes. Look for wireless devices such as cell phones, cordless phones, baby monitors. Look for electrical, plugged-in devices such as TV s, electric clocks, computers, electric blankets. Even dimmer switches and compact fluorescent light bulbs give off high levels of EMF that are not safe. 7

8 ACT NOW to Reduce the Radiation in Bedrooms. The 12 Steps To Create A Better Sleep Environment

9 ACTION STEP ONE Cordless Phones: Cordless phones emit high levels of radiation, especially the newer version known as the DECT phone. Almost all of the danger of EMF exposure is from the base station of these phones as it transmits at full power, whether in use or not. The antennas radiate laser-like beams of microwaves continually for hundreds of feet. This constant bombardment of radiation affects rooms above, below, and adjacent to the phone. Microwaves are also coming from the antenna on the hand set. When one uses a DECT phone, the near field exposure of radiation goes directly from the ear canal to the brain. To avoid this constant exposure to electromagnetic radiation you should switch back to a wired landline using a corded phone like the old fashioned kind. Get rid of your cordless phone entirely. If you must use a portable home phone, consider using a very early non-dect version. The 900MHz analog phones only emit radiation when in use. The base station of a DECT phone is not a device you want sitting on your nightstand next to your bed. Ideally, the base station should be many rooms away from where you sleep and spend time. 9

10 ACTION STEP TWO Electric Blankets Electric blankets and electric heating pads have wires threaded throughout the fabric that are plugged into the electrical outlet. While on they produce elevated electromagnetic fields. Get rid of them! Replace electric blankets and pads with more covers, cotton or wool blankets, a down comforter, or a hot water bottle. If you must have an electric blanket, turn it on before you get into bed. When you are ready to jump into bed, turn it off and unplug it. 10

11 ACTION STEP THREE Cell Phones: Cell phones generate very high, pulsing magnetic fields, as well as high levels of RF radiation, even in the stand by mode. Although regulators are not concerned with cell phones because they do not emit high enough levels to heat body tissue, there is strong evidence of biological effects on living tissue at a much lower, non-thermal level of exposure. In other words, just because your cell phone cannot cook your brain, does not mean it is not causing harm. Brain cancer can take well over a decade to develop. It is thought that insomnia, headaches, anxiety, dizziness, high blood pressure, ADD, autism and many other symptoms can be developing as a result of exposure to non-thermal radiation. 11

12 Don t wait for the government to tell you that the RF radiation from cell phones could be harmful! It is Better to be safe than Sorry. It is commonly known that the wheels of government turn slowly, and in this case there are companies with huge monetary interests working against ensuring your safety. Take precaution now. When retiring for the night, turn your cell phone off. Never have it on near your head while you sleep. Do not put it under your pillow for the night. Do not use it as your alarm clock. If you must have it by your side, turn it off completely. Best of all would be to take the battery out at night. Let the cells of your body have a good regenerative night s rest. When charging your cell phone, place it in another room, a good distance from your sleep area.! Exposure to radiation from cell phones can be greatly reduced: Choose a mobile phone with a low SAR value. This information can be found in the instruction manual of every mobile phone. Use your cell phone hands free, on speaker. Place your cell phone on a table during the call. Avoid mobile phone calls in a weak transmitting area, in a moving car, train or airplane. 12

13 ACTION STEP FOUR Compact Fluorescent light (CFL): A CFL saves energy by turning itself on and off repeatedly, as many as 100,000 times per second. The flicker of the lights can trigger electrohypersensitivity, headaches, and eye strain. The nickname for CFL s is Chronic Fatigue Lights. Although these compact fluorescent light bulbs are energy savers, they generate radio frequency radiation, ultraviolet radiation, and dirty electricity. CFL has a negative effect on our energy. They feed dirty electricity into the electrical system. They contain mercury, a potent neurotoxin. Never use CFL bulbs with dimmer switches. Avoid compact fluorescent bulbs and halogen torch lights, which also emit dirty electricity. Choose full spectrum lights. Ideally use LED or incandescent bulbs. 13

14 ACTION STEP FIVE Television: Televisions give off a high EMF up to several feet away. Many remotes do not completely turn a television off; they just put the TV in stand by mode. TV s are powerful emitters of magnetic radiation, even when turned off. It is best when finished watching the television to unplug it. When it s time to upgrade your TV, choose an LCD (liquid crystal display), instead of plasma or the old CRT (cathode ray tube) models. LCDs emit much less radiation. Plasmas generate transient pollution on your electrical wiring. 14

15 ACTION STEP SIX Circuit Breakers/Electrical Panels: Main electrical panel circuit breakers give off high electromagnetic fields. These panels could be located on the wall just outside your bedroom. They could even be hanging on a wall directly below or above you in another room. Find your panel and make sure your bed is a safe distance away from it. Do not have your head right up against the wall where the panel is located inside or outside your room. Rearrange your room if necessary. 15

16 ACTION STEP SEVEN Dimmer Switches: Dimmer Switches produce elevated magnetic fields and high frequency noise on the power lines. Even when turned completely on, they give off a high electromagnetic field and create dirty electricity. Get rid of any instant on devices including dimmer switches and touch on lamps. Replace with regular switches. Never use compact fluorescent light bulbs with dimmer switches. 16

17 ACTION STEP EIGHT Electric clocks: Place your electric and digital clocks at least six feet away from the head of the bed. Better yet, replace your electric clock with a battery operated one. 17

18 ACTION STEP NINE Metal Bed Frames and Headboards: Metal transmits electrical fields. Consider replacing metal bed frames, metal headboards, box springs, and metal light stands as the radiation bounces off this material and back through the room. It is best to use a wood, or fabric head board. Another option would be to ground the metal headboard to an electrical circuit grounding rod, or ground directly to the earth.

19 ACTION STEP TEN Computers: Laptop computers give off high magnetic fields at close range. Do not use a laptop computer on your lap! When in use, place them on a table or some other surface between your body and the computer. If you must have a computer in your bedroom, keep it as far away from your bed as possible. Put the computer on a power bar which can be turned off at the surge protector when not in use. Do not use a wireless or wi-fi network. If you must use a wireless computer, turn off routers on wi-fi and computers when not in use, so the radiation is not shooting throughout the house all day. 19

20 ACTION STEP ELEVEN Wires under your Bed: Get rid of wires located directly above or below your sleeping area. If necessary, have electrical items on a power cord that can be turned off while you sleep and not in use. The wires from bedside lamps act as antennas and give off EMF s right where it is the most dangerous - near your head! Unplug your lamps at night. Simply Turning off the switch does not stop the radiation from being emitted. 20

21 ACTION STEP Twelve Smart Meters The Smart Meter provides two way digital communication transmitting between the electric meter on your home and the utility company by way of a radio frequency (RF) network. Through the roll out of the Smart Grid program, you are being bombarded with EMR 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Smart Meters are sending strong, pulsating radiation bursts into our homes at frequencies between the 902 and 928 megahertz bandwidth. These wireless signals penetrate walls and pervade our entire home environment, traveling along electrical wiring, metal plumbing, metal fencing, box springs, and so on. Besides communicating with appliances, they are communicating with the outside network of meters and a cell site or wireless antenna in your neighborhood. NOTE: The smart meter RF/MW levels are much higher than those already reported to cause cell damage! => Additional Information on radiation from smart meters <=. To reduce the radiation from the smart meter one can install a Smart Meter Shield, the radiation reducer, which will decrease the radiation coming into your home from the smart meter unit outside. 21

22 What is a Smart Meter Shield? The Smart Meter Shield reduces the radiation into your home from the smart meter by redirecting most of the radiation into the ground. It is made up of three components: the Focuser Unit, Directional Unit, and Grounding Plane Unit. The utility company will still get the readings of your overall electrical usage while the Smart Meter Shield is in place. It is easy to install. It is easy to remove and replace by you or the utility company if that becomes necessary. For more information on the Smart Meter Shield, check our website : 22

23 Summary: Congratulations! You have just taken the first step toward making a difference in your environment. Now you have the knowledge to take action and reduce the radiation in your bedroom with these twelve steps that were just covered. Your bedroom is the most important room in your house. It is where you spend thirty percent of your life resting, sleeping, and repairing brain and body tissue injury with the help of melatonin. Even if you act on just a few of the steps suggested, it will make a difference. Start today... THE KEY TO IMMEDIATE BENEFITS IS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION. 23

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25 About Holly Manion My home is in North San Diego County. I live and enjoy life on the same street where I was raised. I woke up to the dangers of electromagnetic radiation when I heard that potentially hundreds of telecommunication cell sites were going to be placed along the country roads outside homes in my neighborhood, including mine. Not only did I not like the look of these imposing sites, but the more I studied the more I learned about the harmful health effects from the RF microwaves that would constantly rain on our homes. The Telecommunication Act of 1996 states that the placement of a cell site may not be turned down based on environmental concerns, most often interpreted by the courts as health. Wow, I couldn t believe it. No matter what studies had been done around the world showing the severe damage that non-thermal radiation does to our health, the wording in the very short Section 704 of the Telecommunication Act prevents us from discussing health concerns in a political forum. This was not right! The more I learned, the more I was determined to do what was possible to protect my family and friends from constant exposure to these harmful microwaves. I formed a group of concerned citizens to educate the community and take on an extremely complicated process. After three years and the most arduous fight, including hundreds of letters, petitions, media 25

26 coverage, tests, surveys, rallies, studies, articles, meetings and even a trip to Washington to meet with the FCC, Wireless Bureau, League of Cities and various congressmen, we ultimately arrived at the first master plan in a residential community for a responsible placement of cell sites. This plan has been a model for other communities facing similar cell site implementation issues. Throughout the years I have helped many to become aware of the dangers of EMR and how to decrease exposure both inside and out of family homes. I have met with local school groups to educate them on the dangers of WiFi. I am mainly concerned with exposing children to radiation in the 900MHz range, as the RF (microwave) radiation interferes with developing brains. It is especially hazardous if exposures occur before the age of 20, according to the latest epidemiological studies by Sweden s Dr. Lennart Hardell. My disclaimer... I am neither a medical doctor nor a health practitioner. I am simply a concerned citizen who has taken steps to share my knowledge and resources. The key is to be aware, so that we can make reasoned decisions NOW about the health and well being of the future. Holly Manion May