Is Electropollution from EMFs Making You Sick?

Electropollution refers to the excessive presence of artificial electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in our environment due to the widespread use of modern electrical and wireless technologies. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible energy waves emitted by natural and man-made sources. Unlike natural EMFs (e.g., those from the Earth’s magnetic field or sunlight), artificial EMFs are man-made and often much higher in intensity and frequency, particularly in the radiofrequency (RF) and microwave range. These EMF sources include cell phones, WiFi and Bluetooth devices, smart meters, power lines, microwave ovens, and other electronic devices.

These frequencies can interact with the body’s natural electromagnetic system, potentially leading to stress responses or other effects. Many people experience common symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained headaches, insomnia, heart palpitations, dizziness, tinnitus, and difficulty concentrating (brain fog) when over-exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Some people discover that these symptoms are triggered by EMF exposure and resolve when they are in low-EMF environments. Although this condition has various names, it is most recently being called Electromagnetic Radiation Syndrome, or simply EMR Syndrome.¹

EMFs and Disease

Low levels of EMFs, also referred to as non-ionizing radiation, are generally considered safe by regulatory agencies. However, there is growing concern about long-term exposure to these high-frequency EMFs, especially from wireless technologies. People with impaired or overloaded detoxification systems are often affected, and the symptoms can be debilitating. EMFs can induce changes in the body that may cause overproduction of free radicals (oxidative stress) and affect the neurological, cardiovascular, immune, and circulatory systems.² Emerging research suggests potential associations between EMF exposure and reproductive issues³ as well as increased risk of certain cancers.^4,5 One recent summary of 18 distinct findings⁶ provided powerful evidence for EMFs being one contributing cause of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Regular exposure to EMFs is linked to the development of specific health challenges:

• Impaired Sleep. Insomnia is one of the most common symptoms reported by those experiencing a new EMF exposure. One reason is that EMFs reduce melatonin levels, which are essential for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle). Many studies prove that non-ionizing radiation lowers melatonin.⁷ Melatonin is also an antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress, making low levels problematic.
• Intestinal Permeability. Electromagnetic Fields weaken the tight junctions that help maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier, which can cause leaky gut. EMFs also interfere with the function of beneficial gut bacteria, affecting immune health.
• Damage to the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). The increased oxidative stress triggered by EMF exposure can cause blood-brain barrier permeability.⁸ The BBB is a protective shield around the brain that exists to protect the brain from toxins such as alcohol, environmental pollutants, viruses, and bacteria. It also allows nutrients and brain chemicals to function correctly. When the BBB is damaged, it can contribute to numerous health conditions, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.⁸
• Cancer. The link between EMFs and cancer is likely due to the increased oxidative stress contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage, a significant cause of cancer. Healthy mitochondria (the cell’s powerhouse) are essential to disease prevention. Studies show an increased risk of brain tumors for cell phone users⁹, and that risk is exceptionally high in children who began using cell phones before age twenty.¹⁰ There is also a well-established, historical link between the EMFs emitted by power lines and childhood leukemia.¹¹ A 2016 meta-analysis of 42 studies, including over 13,000 women, found that EMF exposure is associated with breast cancer, especially in the United States.¹² Another study¹³ linked breast tumors with young women (under 40) who carried their cell phones in their bras. These tumors were in a location where the cell phone was in contact with their breast, an uncommon spot for typical breast tumors.
• Infertility studies¹⁴ show that exposure to wireless radiation reduces sperm motility, total sperm count, and quality, and increases oxidative stress, leading to infertility. For men, it’s critical to avoid carrying a cell phone clipped to a waistband or in a pocket (close to genitals). Women’s fertility may also be disrupted by EMF exposure due to the delicate balance of reproductive hormones. In fact, not only do some studies show difficulty with getting pregnant, but also an increased risk of miscarriage.¹⁵

Since EMFs may contribute to these and more health conditions, it’s critical to protect yourself by reducing overall exposure.

Reduce EMF Exposure for Better Health

Whether you feel sensitive to EMFs or not, the risks of long-term exposure may be significant. There are many ways to reduce overall exposure to EMFs—often called EMF mitigation—which benefit everyone.

• Turn off WiFi routers at night. This can significantly reduce exposure, since we sleep about eight hours each night—that’s a third of your life! You may even notice improvements in your sleep quality.
• When you sleep at night, charge your phone away from your head and put it in airplane mode. Since phones in airplane mode still emit EMFs, consider a Faraday bag for further protection. A Faraday bag blocks all electromagnetic waves from reaching anything inside, such as a cell phone, tablet, or laptop computer. It also blocks EMFs from escaping the bag and affecting your health. Faraday bags are typically used for security purposes, but can also provide an excellent way to block EMFs.
• Reduce “smart” appliances, computers, and televisions that depend on wireless signals. If possible, consider hard-wiring computers for internet access in your home.
• Distance is a factor for reducing EMFs. Use cell phones in speaker mode when possible and keep your phone away from your body (not in your pocket). For privacy, consider using an air tube headset with hollow tubes to transmit sound without the EMFs.
• Young children are especially vulnerable to EMFs and should not have wireless devices, especially cell phones. With older children, protective cases for tablets, cell phones, and computers may offer some protection.
• Avoid using baby monitors, which are a significant source of radiofrequency radiation. Instead, move the baby’s crib into your bedroom. If you must use a baby monitor, keep it far away from the baby’s crib and mom’s bedside.
• In your bedroom, use a battery-operated clock rather than an electric one. This helps eliminate EMFs and excess light (from the display).
• A microwave oven is the largest radio-frequency EMF polluter in your home. It emits a very high magnetic field many feet into the kitchen (it’s best to remove it altogether). Consider replacing your microwave with a steam convection oven, which combines steam cooking with convection heating. This type of oven is ideal for reheating, baking, and enhancing flavors without drying out food.
• Replace CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) light bulbs with incandescent or LED bulbs. Fluorescent lights emit unhealthy light and can transfer current to your body when close to the bulbs. In addition, CFL bulbs have mercury inside, so if one breaks, it presents a toxic challenge.
• Consider reducing exposure from wearable devices such as the Fitbit or Apple Watch. These body-worn devices’ specific absorption rate (SAR) typically emits less radiofrequency than smartphones. However, some people still have sensitivity to their frequencies.¹⁶
• Take time to unplug from electronics. Leave them home and spend time in nature where WiFi exposure is less likely. Mountains, parks, beaches, and rural areas can provide a needed break from the constant exposure we often experience.

Build Resilience to EMF-Related Stress

In addition to reducing EMF exposure in your home environment, personal health practices can help enhance resilience to EMF stress on the body.

• Consume an antioxidant-rich diet of plenty of whole foods, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, nuts, seeds, beans, and unprocessed whole grains.
• Magnesium can help lessen the damage from EMF exposure by blocking excessive calcium channel activation caused by electromagnetic fields. It is also beneficial for overall health and is commonly deficient in most diets.
• Grounding or earthing means physically connecting the body to Earth elements. It can help facilitate the transfer of electrons, mitigating exposure (see “Featured Therapy” below).
• Restful sleep may help reduce some of the biological effects of EMF exposure by supporting the body’s natural repair processes. This includes reducing oxidative stress, balancing cortisol levels, and enhancing melatonin production, which has antioxidant and EMF-protective properties.

With more people experiencing symptoms consistent with EMR Syndrome and studies suggesting potential biological impacts, taking simple steps to minimize EMF exposure is essential. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms, susceptibility factors, and long-term consequences, but until then, precaution and education remain the best options for protecting health.

REFERENCES

1. Burdick PhD, Suzanne, Wireless Radiation Sickness Gets a New Name: EMR Syndrome, The Defender Children’s Health Defense News and Views, January 28, 2025.
2. Stein Y, Udasin IG. Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS, microwave syndrome) – Review of mechanisms. Environ Res. 2020 Jul;186:109445.
3. Gye MC, Park CJ. Effect of electromagnetic field exposure on the reproductive system. Clin Exp Reprod Med. 2012 Mar;39(1):1-9.
4. Mevissen M, Ward JM, Kopp-Schneider A, McNamee JP, Wood AW, Rivero TM, Thayer K, Straif K. Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) on cancer in laboratory animal studies. Environ Int. 2022 Mar;161:107106.
5. Hardell L, Carlberg M. Mobile phone and cordless phone use and the risk for glioma – Analysis of pooled case-control studies in Sweden, 1997-2003 and 2007-2009. Pathophysiology. 2015 Mar;22(1):1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2014.10.001. Epub 2014 Oct 29. PMID: 25466607.
6. Pall ML. Low Intensity Electromagnetic Fields Act via Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel (VGCC) Activation to Cause Very Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: 18 Distinct Types of Evidence. Curr Alzheimer Res. 2022;19(2):119-132.
7. Cherry, Neil. EMF/EMR Reduces Melatonin in Animals and People, September 2, 2002. Lincoln University, New Zealand
8. Kıvrak EG, Yurt KK, Kaplan AA, Alkan I, Altun G. Effects of electromagnetic fields exposure on the antioxidant defense system. J Microsc Ultrastruct. 2017 Oct-Dec;5(4):167-176. doi: 10.1016/j.jmau.2017.07.003. Epub 2017 Aug 2. PMID: 30023251; PMCID: PMC6025786
9. Morgan LL, Miller AB, Sasco A, Davis DL. Mobile phone radiation causes brain tumors and should be classified as a probable human carcinogen (2A) (review). Int J Oncol. 2015 May;46(5):1865-71.
10. Hardell L, Carlberg M. Mobile phones, cordless phones and the risk for brain tumours. Int J Oncol. 2009 Jul;35(1):5-17.
11. Wertheimer N, Leeper E. Electrical wiring configurations and childhood cancer. Am J Epidemiol. 1979 Mar;109(3):273-84.
12. Zhang Y, Lai J, Ruan G, Chen C, Wang DW. Meta-analysis of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and cancer risk: a pooled analysis of epidemiologic studies. Environ Int. 2016 Mar;88:36-43.
13. West JG, Kapoor NS, Liao SY, Chen JW, Bailey L, Nagourney RA. Multifocal Breast Cancer in Young Women with Prolonged Contact between Their Breasts and Their Cellular Phones. Case Rep Med. 2013;2013:354682.
14. Adams JA, Galloway TS, Mondal D, Esteves SC, Mathews F. Effect of mobile telephones on sperm quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Int. 2014 Sep;70:106-12.
15. Li DK, Chen H, Ferber JR, Odouli R, Quesenberry C. Exposure to Magnetic Field Non-Ionizing Radiation and the Risk of Miscarriage: A Prospective Cohort Study. Sci Rep. 2017 Dec 13;7(1):17541.
16. Seungmo, Kim, Human Electromagnetic Field Exposure in Wearable Communications: A Review, December 2019.
17. Chevalier G, Patel S, Weiss L, Chopra D, Mills P, The Effects of Grounding (Earthing) on Bodyworkers’ Pain and Overall Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial; Explore, Vol. 15, Issue 3, May-June 2019, Pages 181-190
18. Chavalier G, Sinatra S, Oschman J, Delany R, Earthing (Grounding) the Human Body Reduces Blood Viscosity – a Major Factor in Cardiovascular Disease, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Vol 19, Number 2, 2013, pp. 102-110
19. Chavalier G, Sinatra S, Oschman J, Sokal K, Sokal P, Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons, Journal of Environmental and Public Health, Vol 2012, Article ID 291541