EMFs and Babies: Why You Need to Protect Your Child

Babies born today are exposed to EMFs from cellphones from the moment they’re conceived probably until the day they die.

Whether children are vulnerable to RF has been debated for the last 20 years, when children were widely exposed to mobile phones. And in everyday life, children are increasingly exposed to indoor and outdoor EMF.

As parents, we know interference with a child’s development at a fragile stage is probably unwise. We have the power to be responsible for our children’s health.

My personal opinion is to not let wireless devices around children, especially if they are below five years of age.

Given its detrimental effects on a child’s developing nervous system, some go as far as to say Mobile phones, tablets, and computer screens should be banned for children under six. Behavioural signs are clear; they make kids 'more irritable' and 'worsen their concentration and memory skills'.

But what about the biological and health impacts that begin long before any observable symptoms are seen?

In this article, we focus on the wireless radiation emitted by such devices and examine why they are so harmful to children.

What are artificial EMFs?

In modern societies that run on electricity, although we cannot totally escape the presence of artificial EMFs, or nnEMFs, we can take steps and adopt habits that will greatly reduce our exposure.

Artificial EMFs is known by different names:

• Electro-smog

• Electro-pollution

• nnEMF (non native EMF)

• Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)

• Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)

There are different types of artificial EMFs, which can be broadly categorised into two types: EMF exposure is divided into two categories: extremely low frequencies (ELFs; 3–3,000 Hz), involving high-voltage transmission lines and in-house wiring; and radio frequencies (RFs; 30 kHz to 300 GHz), involving mobile phones, smart devices, base stations, WiFi, and 5G technologies.

The latter, Radio Frequency (RF) (RF-EMF), can also be called:

• Wireless/WiFi/Bluetooth Radiation

• Microwave Radiation

How much is too much?

There have been no pre-market studies, No long-term studies, No opportunity for an individual to opt-out of this technology, and It's everywhere.

We know children are most vulnerable to its effects.

Wireless radiation and 5G

The increased use of radiofrequency (RF) fields above 6 GHz, particularly for the 5 G mobile phone network, has given rise to public concern about any possible adverse effects to human health

Notably, wireless radiation, or pulsed EMFs, is increasing at an exponential rate as many countries speed towards 5G adoption for an Internet of Things-type society.

Such wireless radiation, are, in most cases, more active than are non-pulsed EMFs.

Artificial EMFs interfere with brain development

90% of the brain development happens in the first five years of a child’s life. Until the age of two, myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds neurons, is produced at an incredible pace . After age two, production slows but continues into adulthood. The uncompleted myelin sheaths, as well as the unprotected axons, can be easily damaged by RF-EMF. This can lead to axonal degeneration and decreased action potential speeds.

Most of the studies are animal studies on prenatal RF exposure. Prenatal exposure to 900 MHz resulted in substantial loss of granule cells [9] or a significant reduction in pyramidal neurons [10]. Mice exposed to in utero RF from cellular telephones were hyperactive and demonstrated memory impairment after birth [11]. EMFs from mobile phones changed the blood-brain barrier’s permeability and damaged neurons in the brains of exposed rats [12-14].

If you expose them to wireless pulsed nnEMF even before their brain has fully formed, this could reduce their cognitive potential. The more RF-EMF that is absorbed by the brain in a child, the more exposed the neurons

can become as demyelination progresses.

Image from: Moon JH. Health effects of electromagnetic fields on children. Clin Exp Pediatr. 2020 Nov;63(11):422-428. doi: 10.3345/cep.2019.01494. Epub 2020 May 26. PMID: 32683815; PMCID: PMC7642138.

Children are more vulnerable to EMFs

The nervous systems of children are more vulnerable to the effects of electromagnetic waves than adults. The developing nervous system is more conductive and absorbs more electromagnetic energies than those of adults [4].

The younger the brain is, the more damage from the nnEMF. Children do not have a fully developed myelin sheath—a layer of fat that protects the brain.

The conductivity of children is higher due to higher moisture and ionic content than adults

Their bodies are more likely to become an antenna for these wireless EMFs.

Children have thinner skulls

The skull thickness of adults is approximately 2 mm. However, the skull thickness of a 5-year-old child is approximately 0.5 mm and 1 mm in 10 years [39]. Therefore, radiation penetration is larger in children than in adults [39,40].

As a child’s head diameter is smaller, the energy-absorbing “hot spots,” the most sensitive parts of RF, are more pronounced [41]. Your child brain absorbs more radio frequencies than yours, whether from Bluetooth, WiFi, Cellphone, Dish TV, Smart meters...

Children will likely have a higher cumulative exposure

EMF effects are often cumulative; and EMFs may impact young people more than adults.[3]

In 2000, the “Stewart report” by the UK Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones declared that children may be more vulnerable to EMF than any other age groups [4,36]. They stated that “children are exposed to electromagnetic waves over a longer life time than adults and their nervous systems are in the process of development. As the conductivity of the children is higher due to higher moisture and ionic content than adults, and more than adults, children’s head absorbs a lot of RF energy” (Fig 3) [4].

Exposed in utero

In today’s world, most children are exposed to various manmade electromagnetic fields. Not only so in the womb, babies are born into environments swimming in electrosmog.

Common home sources are: extremely low-frequency EMFs are generated by electricity, various home appliances, in-house wiring, and outside high-voltage lines. Radio frequency EMFs waves are generated by mobile phones, smart devices, WiFi, base stations, and other devices.

Did you know? More EMFs are absorbed with the use of appliances that are close to the body (e.g., hair dryers, bidets, massagers, and electric blankets). The general recommendation is that electrical appliances should be used at least 30 cm away from the body.

A recognised carcinogen

The WHO maintains that “more evidence” is required to assess if children were more vulnerable to EMF because very few studies assessed this topic [29]. At the same time, the WHO recommends general measures such as reducing personal EMF exposure. They also recommend minimizing EMF exposure in schools, kindergartens, and any locations where children remain for a substantial part of the day.

Use the cautionary principle for our children

Children are more vulnerable to the effects of electromagnetic waves than those of adults.

While debate continues around the effects of EMFs on children’s health, precautionary principles should be followed for children and the exposure to EMFs among children should be minimized.

resources & references

[3] Pall ML. Wi-Fi is an important threat to human health. Environ Res. 2018 Jul;164:405-416. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.035. Epub 2018 Mar 21. PMID: 29573716. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29573716/

4. Stewart W. Mobile phones and health, report of independent expert group on mobile phones. Chilton (UK): IEGMP Secretariat; 2000. [Google Scholar] [Ref list]

Jin-Hwa Moon. Health effects of electromagnetic fields on children. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7642138/#b39-cep-2019-01494

39. Warille AA, Onger ME, Turkmen AP, Deniz ÖG, Altun G, Yurt KK, et al. Controversies on electromagnetic field exposure and the nervous systems of children. Histol Histopathol. 2016;31:461–8.[PubMed] [Google Scholar]

40. Wiart J, Hadjem A, Gadi N, Bloch I, Wong MF, Pradier A, et al. Modeling of RF head exposure in children. Bioelectromagnetics. 2005;Suppl 7:S19–30.[PubMed] [Google Scholar]

39. Warille AA, Onger ME, Turkmen AP, Deniz ÖG, Altun G, Yurt KK, et al. Controversies on electromagnetic field exposure and the nervous systems of children. Histol Histopathol. 2016;31:461–8.[PubMed] [Google Scholar]

40. Wiart J, Hadjem A, Gadi N, Bloch I, Wong MF, Pradier A, et al. Modeling of RF head exposure in children. Bioelectromagnetics. 2005;Suppl 7:S19–30.[PubMed] [Google Scholar]

41. Kritikos HN, Schwan HP. Hot spots generated in conducting spheres by electromagnetic waves and biological implications. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 1972;19:53–8. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Easy ways to enliven a space: Practical ideas from IKEA

Life can be hectic, and your interior space should be a sanctuary providing a calm environment so that you can rest, recharge and be ready to do what you need to do. Whether it is a work space, bedroom, or a play area for children, an indoor space should prioritise elements that can help one renew and recharge, instead of depleting or distracting you. 

Building Biology principles guide how we can make healthy interior spaces. This article highlights principles from Building Biology that you can apply easily to help enliven a space. I also share examples from IKEA that show how this can be in very easy and practical ways.

Being a mother, I love my strolls with the children, and I also love my indoor strolls through IKEA (or any interior-ware store). Their many room ideas are great for inspiration.

Why choose a calm environment? 

Calm isn’t a trend or a style. Any design can be calming, and any design, done badly, can be chaotic instead. 

Common factors of calm spaces may be material and visual. They share these common principles that are important for biological health:

(1) Balanced natural light and illumination

(2) Access to a view and/or perspective free of pollutants, with access to fresh natural elements

(3) Similarly, a connection to Nature, with access to fresh air, sunshine, and nature

(4) Natural and unadulterated furnishings and materials

Part of a calm environment is knowing your items and furniture are working to help you create, instead of taking up space. Another reason why IKEA is popular is how they try to have their products pull double-duty and be highly functional.

IKEA products are usually well-made, so you add a sense of proportion and order to your space, if placed well. Here are some options so easily found at the nearest IKEA for calm, enlivening space.

Plants 

The easiest way to enliven a space to include Nature or parts of it directly, in appropriate areas.

We are a part of Nature, and proximity to friendly plants help improve concentration and creativity. Plants are a natural option to calm and enliven a space as they are living things that offer air exchange, trap dust and toxins, and release oxygen into the air. If you are unsure of a green thumb, try plants that are low maintenance such as snake plants or money plants that do not add too much to an already humid environment (like ours in the tropics). Or cut flowers, stems help add connection to Nature. 

Natural materials, such as seagrass 

Natural materials can seem like a cliche or an obvious choice. But not considering its impact (whether it can be a focal point in a space) is a common mistake, as a lack of natural material, even if only perceived, can be uncomfortable to the body for extended periods.

Elements that are representative of Nature also help breathe a sense of fresh air into a space. Materials such as seagrass, wood, and ceramic add an organic feel. The natural roundness and soft textures in seagrass help balance the hard lines and flat surfaces that often make up indoor spaces. 

Seagrass also evokes the senses of touch and smell, that is calming to our nervous system. 

IKEA has had stunning ranges on seagrass the last few seasons. This is a plant growing naturally in South-East Asian coastal areas, so I’m always excited to see how IKEA re-imagines the simple material in various ways for different functions. 

Lighting 

Calm lighting is also crucial for enjoying a calm space. Ideally, you have full-spectrum natural lightning from the Sun, rather than relying on artificial light even during daylight hours. This ensures basic health, and that your circadian rhythm can be in sync with natural day-night cycles, which is crucial for optimal performance and wellbeing.

Lighting affects our circadian rhythm, which governs every function in our body. LED lighting is probably the most problematic thing indoors in recent years. LEDs are extremely problematic sources of light indoors, as their light is distorted . You want your light indoors to work with your circadian rhythm, not against it.

You want to choose lighting very carefully. IKEA only sells LED lights, so if we do buy those, select its placement and daily use thoughtfully. It pays off in in alertness, jet lag, performance (especially if you are an athlete or a shift worker), twilight, seasonality, skin response, photoreception, and more.

At the least, I would not choose open-style bulbs. Lampshades help diffuse the glare and flicker. The Molnart bulb from IKEA tries to augment this in a warmer LED and double smoke-colored glass. From their website:

This LED light bulb spreads the same warm light as a traditional 14W light bulb – without flickering or emitting any sound. This particular light bulb emits the same warm glow as candlelight (1,800 Kelvin).

Your view of the outdoors

The view you have is another essential consideration for a calm space.

A view of the outdoors offer a perspective to Nature, or the world at large. The broader range and distance are very calming for the eyes, and help avoid myopia.

Window curtains in 100% natural materials allow this light to filter into a room while reducing harsh tropical heat. The all- linen or cotton options from IKEA are a beautiful way to frame your view of the outdoors. 

A last thing...Decluttering (and Organising) 

Finally, good storage is an important component of any calm space.

This is probably what drives many to a store like IKEA in the first place—the relentless search to finally have an organised space. IKEA has chock loads of organisation options. And they don’t have to be plastic boxes! Their options in natural materials help add to a calm space, and dial down the internal clutter (pun intended) that can come through a space. Decluttering and organisation helps us remove items from a space that are past its use or not appropriate anymore. These include things that are degrading.

Decluttering helps clear out potential moldy items and dust collectors. Less discussed but perhaps even more important is that removing excess and worn-out items helps reduces stress and releases energy for other tasks instead.This is especially important for children and their developing brains. Your brain is continually filtering information from its environment. More about tidying in another post...

Research: Review on Water Issues in Malaysia

The water you drink and bathe in in your house affects your health.

The chlorine with which almost all municipal water is treated reacts with naturally occurring organic materials, creating harmful trihalomethanes.

This is in addition to the chlorine itself which is a microbial poison.

Read the research study here: The paper was published August 2021 International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478) 11(8):860-875. DOI: 10.6007/IJARBSS/v11-i8/10783

Is Your Tap Water Safe To Drink In Malaysia?

The paper review focuses on water management and usage practices in Malaysia. But it yields astonishing insights into the quality of water declining tremendously in the nation.

While the beautiful tropical country of Malaysia is blessed with the abundant resource, multiple municipal weakness mean the tap water can often be dangerously polluted.

A basic good practice is to install the best personal water filter you can at home to prevent heavy metal contamination.

Insights from the paper:

• Aluminium contamination is higher recorded more than the standard limit set by the Ministry of Health guidelines for drinking water. Based on a 2011 study , from two housing areas with a total of 100 respondents, the mean value of daily chronic aluminum intake (CDI) in PR drinking water (0.00707 mg / kg / day) is much higher than MPL (0.00164 mg / kg / day)!

• Half (49.5%) of all water supply problems in Malaysia were reported in — a densely populated state that houses the main city and urban areas. That increased in 2017 to 62.4% (Malay Mail, 2019).

  Nowadays, water shortage is no longer considered a natural disaster that must be borne and accepted but instead is a human-made cause that can be dealt with and solved by humans.

• mining, industrial, and agricultural activities also contribute to the contamination of heavy metals in the body of water due to improper management of wastewater and discharge from fertilisers (Karavoltsos, 2008). However, most heavy metals from surface water and groundwater are usually removing during the water treatment process (Kioko & Obiri, 2012). Furthermore, corrosion of water pipes, faucets, and water fixtures can cause contaminated water supply for daily use. Unclean practices at home, such as improper drinking water storage containers and unclean operators, also contribute to this. This exposes consumers to the dangers of excess copper ions in drinking water, which can lead to acute poisoning and lead to diseases and ailments, such as liver damage, heart and kidney failure, and brain disease.

• the cost of treating polluted water is high and reduces the overall water availability. In the year 2019, toxic chemical pollution in the Kim River in Pasir Gudang (Johor), which disrupts the water supply to around 20,000 households, is an example. Furthermore, there were 160 cases of river pollution reported in which enforcement was taken during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period from March 18 to May 4, 2020 (Malay Mail, 2019).

• How polluted are the rivers? The Malaysian Environmental Quality Report 2017 shows that the percentage of clean rivers has decreased since 2015, while the rate of polluted rivers has increased.

  …(out of 89 river basins in Peninsular Malaysia) 25 ‘dead’ rivers in Malaysia. Sixteen rivers were found in Johor, five in Selangor, three in Penang, and one in Melaka. These rivers were categorised under Classes 4 and 5, which are reserved for highly polluted rivers and where aquatic life cannot survive (The Sunday Daily, 2019).

• Many factories operate illegally along the banks of the Semenyih River. This adds to pollution to a source that serves several areas around the country’s capital such as Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat, Sepang and Petaling.

• This fact tells us about the possible integrity of pipes channelling water produced by treatment plants to consumer homes. Water wastage could be due to pipe leaks, inaccuracies of customer meters, and unauthorised use. The amount of water wasted in Malaysia is too high, with a national average of 35%. This rate is equivalent to losing 35 liters from every 100 liters of treated water (The Star, 2020).

The only way to assure the quality of what you drink and cook with is by having your own purification system

You can take steps to ensure that your own water system is carefully and periodically maintained.

Typically, purification systems for large municipal water systems can be standard off the shelf systems.

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How is your water? Do you have questions about how to get the best water quality?

Do you know your water quality parameters and water treatment options? Get in touch to find out more about how you can find suitable carbon filters, types of purification systems, reverse osmosis, sterilization, and water conditioning.