by Dr. Gordie
Electromagnetic (EM) Pollution
Nature is a tough environment. Survival of the fittest has provided species with a process of selecting the strongest and most adaptable to continue propagating. Man, from a biological perspective, is no exception to this. From an “intelligent” perspective we have technologically manipulated our environment to hopefully reduce these survival threats and allow us free time to think. Time and space to explore the great questions like those asked in “The Bleep”.
With the development of science and technology we have improved our lifestyles and lifespan considerably. One only needs to look back to the Industrial Revolution to see how quickly things can change. Beginning in mid 1700’s, life went from basically from agriculture to cities based on manufacturing. The rapid changes also brought unseen difficulties. As lifestyles changed so did the demand for energy, and with it increased use of coal and oil as power sources.
We are all aware of the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels, both to our bodies and the environment. Many people have died as a result of exposures to chemicals whose effects were not known at that time. Today, we are supposed to be protected by laws against improper usage of many chemicals by agencies like the EPA. The companies that use the chemicals are supposed to be held responsible for their proper removal. But that doesn’t mean we are not exposed to high levels of pollutants every day.
What chemicals are safe and in what levels of exposure? This is a point that is constantly debated between health proponents and big business. The EPA is supposed to set standards from the known information about the health risks of various chemicals and substances. However, I find it interesting that when it comes to environmental exposure of potentially deadly substances, history shows that it is only after significant disease outbreaks or deaths occur that action is taken.
Which brings me to my real point about an invisible source of pollution: Electromagnetic radiation. We have a lot of knowledge about ionizing radiation. This is the kind of radiation that knocks electrons out of orbit and causes cancer, genetic malformations, and deaths. Nuclear bombs release that kind of radiation. X-rays are strong ionizing rays that can have a deleterious effect, and yet with current technical knowledge we have the ability to take x-ray pictures to help diagnose health conditions. X-ray machines and their use are under strict regulated control by people with adequate training. And then there are the high microwave frequencies that can have thermal effects, such as a microwave cooking food.
In the lower frequency range like ELF(0-1000 hertz), Next > 1 2
