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Professionals For Safe Technology is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based group whose mission is to: 1. Inform about the effects of EMF (electro magnetic frequency) and Radiation Frequencies (RF) in private and public places eg mobile phones, wifi, bluetooth, smart devices, etc. 2. Encourage the review of public health management procedures that will ensure the safety of the wider community, particularly children.
3. Support people in the community with their efforts to reduce EMF radiation levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this EMF?
EMF is an electric and magnetic field generated by mobile phones, mobile phone towers, broadcast towers, Wifi routers, Bluetooth devices and other radio frequency transmitters.
Is it ideal to use mobile phone while in the car, bus, train, elevator or a metal building?
No, such places act like faraday cages. Your device has to work harder and use more power in order to receive and transmit signals. This means more signal or EMF is being absorbed by your body. Others around you are also exposed to this signal. Any devices which use a SIM card (eg tablets, iPads, etc) generate more EMF as they search for the nearest tower to connect to, while you're travelling.
Is it a good idea to use your mobile phone to have long conversations? Or, to watch videos using data or WiFi?
No, avoid such EMF generating technology as much as possible. Be mindful of EMF exposure for yourself and others around you. Limit your conversations or web browsing on mobile devices as they generate higher levels of EMF/radiation. Try to use a corded phone and a wired computer whenever possible.
Do telephone towers communicate with each other? How do they do this?
Telecommunication towers usually 'talk' to each other by using "microwave dishes" that are installed on them. This is known as 'point to point' communication. It is being used more and more by telco companies because the maintenance costs are lower and there is no need to lay fibre optic cable, making it a more 'financially viable' option. This unfortunately is creating more microwaves or radiation to travel through the air.
Can EMF be harmful?
There are increasing reports and evidence that EMF is harmful. The layers of frequencies that surround us daily have an accumulative effect on the body's biological functions. Symptoms can vary from severe (such as heart palpitations, difficulty with breathing, increased anxiety and/or depression, insomnia, migraines or headaches) to less intense symptoms (such as skin rashes, irritability, itchy or dry eyes, ringing in the ears, hair loss), etc. Other symptoms such as brain fog, difficulty concentrating, can be associated with EMF also.
The long term effects of EMF have been correlated to cancer, brain tumours, Alzheimer's or dementia, and other inflammatory illnesses. Even though a vast library of research exists to support that EMF is harmful, it is not being reported openly or with honesty to the public. This in turn carries consequences and risks because the public are not able to make 'informed decisions' or 'informed choices' about the effects of EMF and technology on health and safety.
The long term effects of EMF have been correlated to cancer, brain tumours, Alzheimer's or dementia, and other inflammatory illnesses. Even though a vast library of research exists to support that EMF is harmful, it is not being reported openly or with honesty to the public. This in turn carries consequences and risks because the public are not able to make 'informed decisions' or 'informed choices' about the effects of EMF and technology on health and safety.
Are children more vulnerable?
Yes, children are more vulnerable. Their nervous system is still maturing. Their size and volume is smaller than that of an adult and they can therefore be exposed to signals that even an adult struggles to cope with, affecting them more intensely.
Are there any health issues linked with the use of "microwave dishes" or "point to point" communication systems?
In general, the frequencies from microwave dishes or point to point communication systems range from 5-20Ghz. More and more people are reporting increasing symptoms or health effects to the body and brain while being in the path of these microwave links.Telecommunication companies have not openly shared with the public that they are using this microwave technology at higher frequencies and that it could be affecting people's health. Studies that focus on mobile phone frequencies and Wifi are reporting on frequencies that range lower than 5Ghz (typically between 0.9-5GHz) and are therefore not reporting on the effects of point to point technology, which unfortunately, can be more harmful to people's health.
What is EMF sensitivity or EHS?
There are people who have been identified as being EMF sensitive, or to have EHS (electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome). This is recognised as a medical condition, with an increasing number of individuals being identified. They tend to describe a cluster of symptoms that affect them and it is this commonality that identifies them as EMF sensitive or EHS. The severity of symptoms can vary between people because of variations in their exposure levels and tolerance levels throughout the day.
Can anyone feel symptoms of EMF or EHS?
There are those who say they do not feel any symptoms and those who experience quite severe symptoms. You don't have to be identified as EMF sensitive or EHS to feel symptoms. You may simply feel a little 'out of sorts' or 'not quite your usual self' but can't work out why that is. For instance, sleeplessness or irritability may not be considered as an EMF reaction, yet it is for many. Others may experience a slight headache after being around WiFi all day. There may be a ringing in the ears when around wireless technology. EMF signals are increasing in our daily life because of technology upgrades and more device use. This means our exposure to them is increasing and perhaps affecting our health in small, unsuspecting ways.
How to recognise if you have any symptoms?
Initial symptoms may be dismissed as being tiredness, or simply run down. Perhaps getting more headaches than usual or feeling more irritable. There may be an increased difficulty with concentration or focus. There may also be a lingering feeling of a headcold coming on, or sinus symptoms. There are those who report noticing a 'ringing' in their ears that was not there before. Or, losing more hair than before. Or, having more restless sleep or difficulty with sleeping. There may be a feeling of dry eyes or itchy eyes. Also, skin can feel more dry and itchy. For more information on symptoms please refer to our Resource page.
Is there a way to reduce exposure?
There are a number of practical and simple things that each person can do to reduce their exposure to EMF and therefore minimise health risks. It is possible to hardwire your modem instead of using wireless technology at home, to put your phone into flight mode when not in use, to use the speaker function on your mobile and to minimise lengthy phone calls on your mobile. For more tips and information please look at our resources page.