It's hard to imagine a day without a mobile phone, computer, TV … All these devices make our work easier, open a window to the world, provide entertainment. But as long as science does not clearly answer the question whether the electromagnetic field generated by them is a he alth hazard, let us use them with caution.

From the English word "smog" is a combination of two words: "smoke" and "fog". This term is used when describing the weather when the atmosphere is "dense".Elekrosmogis nothing more than pollution of the environment with electromagnetic radiation. It is produced in the vicinity of electrical devices, telephones, radio receivers and radars. Generally - whenever we draw electricity from the socket. Our body receives this field from the environment.

Environmental pollution with electromagnetic waves is more and more often referred to as chemical contamination or noise pollution. According to the data of the International Radio Frequency Registration Bureau (IFRB), the number of sources of electromagnetic fields in the world increases by 6% each year. In Poland, there are more SIM cards than residents. Electromagnetic smog has become a part of our lives, and almost all the devices we use are suspected of having a harmful effect on he alth: vacuum cleaners, mixers, and hair dryers. How is it really? Scientists around the world are trying to answer this question. So far they are saying neither yes nor no.

The microwave is OK, but …

In good-quality, modern microwave ovens, high-frequency electromagnetic waves do not come out of the housing walls and around the oven, their level is almost equal to 0. Therefore, they are completely safe, provided that a few rules are followed when using them. The oven should be set up in a place where you do not have to stand by it when it is turned on. It is assumed that within 0.5 m there should be no electromagnetic field generated by a technically efficient microwave oven. But the farther we are from the stove, the better.People with a very small kitchen should leave the kitchen when heating food.When the oven is on, do not look in through the glass or open the door. You also need to systematicallyclean the seals - greasy ones may not protect them, just like a damaged casing.

Away from masts and traction

Specialists assure that the waves emitted by cellular telephony base antennas propagate parallel to the earth's surface, so the highest level of radiation occurs at the height of the antenna installation. The power in the vertical direction decreases sharply as you move away from the antenna and the electromagnetic field reaching us is already very weak.The minimum distance of the apartment from the highest voltage power line(most often stretched on metal truss poles)should be approx. 40 m(houses and trees significantly reduce electric field strength, but they are not an obstacle in the case of magnetic waves emitted by high-voltage lines).

Better flat screen

The currently produced liquid crystal (flat) screens, used in fixed and portable computers and in televisions, generate such a small electromagnetic field that it is difficult to talk about their harmfulness if the equipment is properly used. The farther we are from the source of the field, the smaller its influence is, so don't sit too close to the screen. This applies to both the computer and the TV. It is recommended that the distance between the monitor and the eyes is 50 cm. It is best to watch TV from a distance of at least five diagonal screen sizes to take full advantage of its optical quality. A large high-end screen can send less waves than a small, lower-quality screen.

Important

Protection against electro smog - 5 safety rules

1. Choose certified equipment. Placing the letters CE on the housing of the electrical device means that it has been produced in accordance with European standards (e.g. the electromagnetic field emitted by it has been assessed). This is also confirmed by the TCO sign.

2. Check that the devices emitting the electromagnetic field of everyday use (fridge, radio, TV set, computer) are in the appropriate distance from you. Remember to have as few of them as possible in the room where you sleep.

3. Unused equipment disconnect from contact, do not leave it in stand-by mode. The screen saver does not protect against radiation.

4. Check the condition of the electrical sockets in your apartment; all should be earthed. This also applies to extension cords.

5. Ventilate rooms frequently, especially those with a lot of electrical appliances.

Careful with the mobile

Mobile phones affect us much less than years ago, thanks to the transition from analog to digital solutions and the construction ofmore base stations allowing connection using lower powers. However, because you still do not know what can be more harmful: the length of the calls or their number - let's use the cell phone only in necessary situations and let's talk briefly.The greatest interference with the body is observed at the beginning of the connection and when we lose range , because the camera works with maximum power.

Don't do that

It is better not to use the phone when the signal is weak(in the elevator, basement or in the car) - the signal then "jumps" from one base station to another and the energy that the phone uses emits in search of it, is the greatest.

Avoid talking in the crowd (on the bus), because then the radiation from cameras standing close to people overlaps.It is worth getting headphones, a hands-free kit or bluetooth, allowing you to talk over camera located away from the head. Remember that the phone also radiates when we are not talking. Therefore, it should not be worn close to the body or held on a bedside table. These precautions are worth taking, although in 2010 the World He alth Organization (WHO) concluded, based on the current state of knowledge, that there was no evidence that cell phone radiation was harmful to he alth.

But research on the effects of cell phones on our body continues. Last year, the International Institute for Cancer Research classified radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, like low-frequency magnetic fields a decade earlier, as an environmental probable carcinogen. Pessimists warn that cancer can take a long time to develop, so everything will turn out after many years. A recent Swedish study found that auditory nerve cancers are more common in people who have used their cells for more than 10 years.

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