The danger of radiation from household appliances: how to avoid it

The open debate on the effects on our health of being exposed to the magnetic and electric fields emitted by appliances, such as microwaves or mobile phones, is difficult to conclude. And it is because it is unlikely that there will be clear and conclusive scientific studies.

But what is irrefutable is the position of the WHO (World Health Organization) that classified low-frequency fields as class 2B “possibly carcinogenic.” Although the latest studies endorsed by the WHO suggest that exposures that occur in public spaces and in everyday life remain at safe levels for health, the same organization also urges scientists to continue investigating its effects. the industry to create formulas to reduce the emissions of their products.

What are electromagnetic fields?

Whenever electricity flows, electric and magnetic fields exist near the lines, cables, that carry it (outside and inside homes) and near appliances. Electric fields are measured in volts per meter (V/m) and are shielded by common materials, such as wood and metal.. Magnetic fields are expressed in tesla (T)or more commonly in microtesla (µT) and are more difficult to block, they pass through a large part of the materials.

How much radiation is safe?

At the European level, The maximum level of magnetic induction recommended for the public is 100 microteslas (µT). Because what has been demonstrated is that there are biological effects when exposure to high levels (much higher than 100 µT) occurs in a short space of time: they cause nerve and muscle stimulation, and changes in nerve cells.

The long-term effects of low levels of exposure have also been studied, especially in childhood leukemia, but also other childhood and adult cancers, depression, suicide, cardiovascular disorders, reproductive dysfunction or neurodegenerative diseases… But they have not been found evidence that confirms this association. And yes, in some cases, such as breast cancer or cardiovascular problems, they have managed to rule out.

How much does each appliance emit?

The vast majority of household appliances, used at 30 cm, are within this safety limit of 100 µT.. And we point out the distance because it matters a lot, it radically reduces the µT.

For example: a microwave emits 73 µT when you are 3 cm away, and drops to 4 µT at 30 cm and less than 1 µT if you are 1 m away.

But let’s look one by one

Hair dryer: 3 cm between 6 and 2000 µat 30 cm between 0.01 and 7 µTRazor: 3cm between 15 to 1500 µT,at 30 cm between 0.08 and 9 µTDrill: 3 cm between 400 and 800µT,at 30 cm between 2 to 3.5µTVacuum cleaner: 3 cm between 200 and 800at 30 cm between 2 to 20 µTFluorescent lamp: 3 cm between 40 and 400at 30 cm between 0.5 to 2 µTMicrowave: 3 cm between 73 and 200at 30 cm between 4 to 8 µTRadius (portable): 3 cm between 16 to 56at 30 cm between 1 and less than 0.01µTElectric stove: 3 cm between 1 to 50at 30 cm between 0.15 to 0.5µTWasher: 3 cm between 0.8 to 50at 30 cm between 0.15 to 3 µTDishwasher: 3 cm between 3.5 to 20at 30 cm between 0.6 to 3µTComputer: 3cm between 0.5 to 30 at 30 cm less than 0.01µTRefrigerator: 3 cm between 0.5 to 1.7at 30 cm between 0.01 to 0.25 µTTelevision (tube device): 3 cm between 2.5 to 50at 30 cm between 0.04 to 2 µT

These Data are provided by the German Office for Radiation Protection and are estimated minimum values ​​for different household appliances. In fact, they have also found that there are abysmal differences within the same type of appliance. In any case, it must be clarified that it is not a question of power, it is due to the design and operation.

What can we do?

We can reduce exposure through simple rules:

Maintain as much distance possible from the sources of magnetic fields.Reduce duration of exposure to the maximum.Completely turn off electrical devices after use and do not leave them in “standby” mode. This is especially true for televisions and stereos.Maintain sufficient distance from field sources, even at night.

Governments and companies also have an important job: During construction, exposure can be reduced by ensuring that the electrical installation is well insulated and manufacturers can achieve the lowest possible field strengths in the area surrounding the devices through engineering design.

It would also be very positive label devices appropriately so that consumers can see what the magnetic field strengths are when we buy a product.

Especially at night: the time factor

As nocturnal exposures are of longer duration, we must be more careful to make sure the sources of magnetic fields are far enough away. It is also a time when the body needs to recover and not be subjected to stimulation.
These precautions must be applied especially with babies and small children.

Mains-powered clock radios should not be placed directly next to the head of the bed. It is better that they run on batteries or that they are far awayBaby monitors, and especially the power supply unit, they should be kept at a sufficient distance from the child’s bed. If possible, the transmitter should be powered by rechargeable batteries, which do not generate low-frequency alternating fields.

Be careful with the ones we use closest: the distance factor

The table of values ​​of the magnetic flux densities of household appliances that we have seen above clearly reflects how Distance intervals are very important to reduce intensities. And if we saw these results from one meter it would be even more evident. That is why we have to be very careful with the appliances we use near the body.

If we cannot keep them away, we can try to reduce the time of use to a minimum. Because the exposure time factor is also essential.

Tips for using household appliances

Unfortunately, not everything is in our hands, some devices can influence from one home to another: clock radio, television, wireless bases, electric installations and motors, etc. If we know, it is better to change at least the headboard of the wall bed.

People who, due to their profession (hairdressers, cooks, etc.) are exposed to the effects of these appliances for many hours a day, should also be especially careful.

The clock radio

It is perhaps the appliance that can cause us the most problems during sleep. Due to the power of the emissions of some models and the proximity, it can become a risk factor for health.

Initially it can cause insomnia, irritability, fatigue and depression, among other disorders. One option is to place it more than a meter away, although it is best to change it for a mechanical one or one that runs on batteries.

The electric razor

It also usually generates a significant magnetic and electric field. Although the difference in the designs is also very large (between 15 to 1500 µT), most of the time we cannot know it and since we cannot vary the distance, it is better to reduce its use.

The hair dryer

We are in a similar case, It is a device that causes a strong electromagnetic field and is used nearby. Although in this case there is the option of installing a model with a motor attached to the wall, as we frequently find in hotels. In this way, with distance, a lower incidence of the magnetic field is achieved.

Washer and dryer

They emit a strong electromagnetic field when in operation so it is best not to stand nearby during use.

The fridge

The refrigerator has an additional problem, its electric motor starts intermittently. It’s a good idea to put it in a far corner and check what’s behind the wall it’s leaning on.

Electric and ceramic hobs

The use of electric plates has spread due to the convenience they offer in terms of cleaning and maintenance. But this aspect must also be valued. The alternative is gas stoves. How when we use it we receive the effects of the electromagnetic field at waist levelpregnant women should be especially careful.

The microwaves

Microwaves emit two types of radiation while in operation: a low-frequency magnetic field and a microwave field. This could be a risk factor for people who spend a lot of time with him, like bar and restaurant workers. In any case, it is better to move away during operation.

Microwave ovens are required to have shielding to prevent microwave radiation, but leaks can occur if the device is damaged or very old. If in doubt, it is better to change it.

The television

Televisions also emit low frequency fields around them, although it is also true that New LCD, LED or plasma designs have greatly reduced radiation. To avoid its effects, the distance resulting from multiplying the diagonal of the screen by six is ​​recommended.

The computer

Computers from the 1980s and part of the 1990s generated strong magnetic fields. Current laptop screens barely emit electric or electromagnetic fieldsjust like flat screens or laptops.

Likewise, we can reduce them by moving away from the tower and the screen as much as possible. As for the electric field, it can be eliminated by using shielded cables and grounding the screen and the plug.

American unions especially recommend pregnant women reduce their working hours and take protective measures when working with computers or photocopiers.

Electric radiators

Conventional electric radiators also cause electromagnetic fields at short distances, so it is good that we separate ourselves from them by at least one meter.
Electric radiant heating in floors and ceilings can create high level electromagnetic fieldsand it seems prudent for pregnant women and newborns to avoid it.