For several years now, our health has been facing a new problem: electromagnetic pollution. What can we do to reduce its effects? The digital break is a good idea. We tell you more.

As our technological way of life evolves, our overall health is losing quality, as we are excessively exposed to electromagnetic emissions generated by different elements, such as telephone antennas, transformers or high-voltage power lines. Electromagnetic waves are part of what we call environmental pollution. and the most remarkable aspect of this situation is that the main causes of these radiations are ourselves, human beings.

Types of electromagnetic radiation and their consequences for our well-being

Electromagnetic radiation can be ionising or non-ionising. Depending on the type they are, they can have different consequences.

Ionising or radioactive radiation

They may be present in particle form (alpha and beta radiation or neutrons), or in high-energy form (X-rays and gamma rays).

These radiations come from building materials, nuclear tests, medical tests or radon gas and are capable of damaging molecules and causing effects such as skin burns, hair loss or various diseases.

Non-ionising radiation

It is found in a lower frequency range than ionising radiation and can be caused by elements such as infrared rays, visible light or radio frequencies. The effects may be thermal or non-thermal.

- The eThermal effectsAccording to science, they occur when the body temperature rises by at least one degree. This also increases blood pressure and could lead to nausea, headache or cataracts.

- The non-thermal effects are linked to male infertility, Alzheimer's, sleep disruption, cardiac arrhythmias or autoimmune diseases.

They can be caused by high frequencies (mobile phone antennas, microwaves, ovens, computers, mobile phones or WiFi routers), or low frequencies (electrical transformers and substations or high, medium and low voltage power lines). This type of radiation is what we are constantly exposed to.

Is electromagnetic pollution an imminent danger?

It is a fact that the technological boom and development of recent times has completely changed the natural electromagnetic environment around us. Urban areas are where this situation is most intensified but, to tell the truth, it is very difficult to find a place in the world that is 100 % free of artificial radiation.

Every time we go online, send a message, check our social networks, make a phone call or simply enjoy a song on the radio, a wave of electromagnetic fields circulates around us, and indeed, the way our bodies absorb these radiations is a real danger.

To date, numerous studies have been published linking long-term exposure to electromagnetic waves, although there are no epidemiological studies that allow the determination of chronic exposure limits. However, the World Health Organisation recognises that there are gaps in knowledge that need to be investigated in order to improve health risk assessments.

Can we avoid exposure to this contamination?

Guaranteeing our wellbeing in this aspect depends, to a large extent, on our lifestyle and the incorporation of the guidelines offered by integrative medicine into our daily lives, since its objective is to promote health. On the other hand, the environmental medicine is responsible for working on all environmental toxics. that are also found in the environment, such as chemicals or heavy metals.

With his more than 30 years of experience, our medical director, the Dr. Mariano Bueno, observes an increased incidence of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. and points out that lifestyle and environment play a decisive role in this increase in chronic diseases.

The best way to prevent the possible adverse effects of such contamination is the limitation of exposurefor example with a reduction in the use of mobile technology. All analyses carried out so far, as well as statistics, show that the cooperation of different electromagnetic fields at the same time can seriously damage our health, especially that of children and young people.

The responsibility, in this case, lies with society. Small gestures such as turning off the WiFi router when it is not in use, putting the handsfree on the mobile phone whenever possible or simply moving away from telephone antennas can help us to avoid the concurrence of different electromagnetic fields. 

As you can see, these are insignificant gestures that do not involve any extra effort in our daily lives, but they do benefit several vital environmental factors and, above all, our health.