BioInitiative Report Shows EMF Health Risks from Wireless Devices

Last Updated on October 2, 2023

As use of electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets and laptops grows, and wireless networks continue to pop up all around the world, they are increasingly becoming a part of our everyday lives.

This is of growing concern for experts and medical doctors, who believe that Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) emitting from these devices and wireless transmissions can interfere with our biological makeup and disrupt biological functions within the human body.

The BioInitiative Report published by the BioInitiative Working Group highlights the health risks associated with exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) and Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) EMFs. The report, which documents more than 1800 research studies, warns that mobile phone users, young children, parents to be, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the associated health risks and calls for updated and stricter safety standards to be put in place.

Wireless Devices that Emit EMFs

The BioInitiative Report addresses EMFs generated by electrical power lines and other electrical wires, as well as household appliances and hand-held instruments; and EMFs emitted by wireless technologies such as cordless and cell phones, cell phone towers, smart meters, wireless notebooks and laptops, WiFi routers, baby monitors, as well as other technological gadgets.

EMF Health Risks

“There is now much more evidence of risks to health affecting billions of people world-wide … The status quo is not acceptable in light of the evidence for harm. – Dr. David O. Carpenter”

Some of the health issues covered in the report include: damage to genetic material (DNA and/or genes), impact on learning ability, attention span, behavior patterns, sleep patterns, memory, cancer and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

EMF Risks Associated with Cell Phones

According to Lennart Hardell, MD at Sweden’s Orebro University, extensive use of cordless and cellular phones is associated with both an increased risk of acoustic neuroma (a benign brain tumor that develops on the nerves that connect the ear with the brain) and malignant brain tumors. Medical science has provided clear evidence that RF radiation is carcinogenic, and should be classified as such, yet existing public safety limitations are inadequate to provide the public with adequate protection against these health hazards, warns Hardell.

Several recent studies have linked cell phone radiation to damaged sperm cells, including changes in DNA structure, which causes sperm to change shape, and can result in infertility in men. This damage can result from simply carrying a mobile phone in a trouser pocket or in a belt pouch. Laptop and notebook computers that have WiFi connections can also cause harm to sperm DNA.

Increased Risk of Autism from EMFs

The BioInitiative Report also suggests that ELF and RF radiation are likely to increase the risk of autism as well as the symptoms of autism, putting those that suffer from autism, as well as children, future parents, and mothers-to-be at particular risk. Martha Herbert, MD, warns that while further research focuses on investigating the link between EMF exposure and autism, EMF exposure for the above risk groups should be minimized as much as possible.

EMFs Linked to Developmental Problems

Using a wireless device, such as a mobile phone or a laptop, when pregnant can affect brain development of the developing fetus in the womb according to The BioInitiative Report. Studies of both human and animal subjects have shown that this can cause hyperactivity, as well as other behavioral problems and learning disorders after birth.

EMF Safety Concerns

With EMF and wireless technology becoming more a part of everyday life, we are increasingly exposed to these health hazards on a daily basis and should think about using EMF protection in our lives. The BioInitiative Report stresses that current safety standards are inadequate, and need to be updated urgently to protect people from the dangers of EMF exposure. “There is now much more evidence of risks to health affecting billions of people world-wide,” says David O. Carpenter, MD, and co-editor of the 2012 report. “The status quo is not acceptable in light of the evidence for harm.”

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