EMF Protection in Toronto, ON
Toronto is one of the cities where EMF exposure is a problem. The electromagnetic field (EMF) generated by our electrical appliances and cellular towers in our neighbourhood has become a major source of radiation, which can cause significant health concerns. Even though the city of Toronto has conducted tests at specific locations, and the majority of them have revealed radiofrequency levels that are less than the Safety Code 6 limit, many residents still claim to suffer from EHS caused by cell phone towers, which is why EMF protection in Toronto is such an essential issue to discuss.
Before we go any further, let’s define EMF
What is EMF?
An electromagnetic field is a field generated by an object with a current flow. That means your phone, TV, microwave, and other electrical equipments emit EMF. EMFs can also be produced naturally, such as from the sun. Based on their frequencies, EMF can be classified as ionizing or non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation has a higher frequency and enough energy to ionize substances, including air, water, and living tissue. When you are exposed to ionizing radiation, it can cause cell damage, organ failure, and abnormal cell mutations. Examples of ionizing radiation include gamma rays and x rays.
Non-ionizing radiations, on the other hand, lack the energy to create an ion, making them less hazardous. However, they still can cause health issues such as stress, insomnia, anxiety, skin rashes, and vision loss. UV, radio frequencies, and visible light are examples of non-ionizing radiation.
Most of us are ignorant of the harmful side effects of using electronic gadgets, but in order to live a healthy and secure life, it is essential to be cautious and use them appropriately.
Common types of EMFs and Examples
Radiofrequency
The type of EMFs found in communication technology is RF or radiofrequency. Microwave ovens are a typical example of a non-communicating RF source. RF can cause tissue heating and cell damage. According to Safety Code 6, RF ranging from 100 kHz to 300 GHz, tissue heating can occur and must be limited.
Examples:
- Cell phone towers, Bluetooth devices, baby monitors, cellphone, radio communications for police and fire departments,
AC electric fields
Electric fields are the most common type of fields, as most of our modern houses are loaded with electrical equipment. AC Electric Fields are created by active electrical wires; however, in some circumstances, these electrical fields are present even when your electrical equipment is turned off.
Examples:
- Electronics, lamps, light fixtures, electrical wiring in walls, floor and ceilings
AC magnetic fields
AC Magnetic fields are present wherever there is moving ac electrical flowing through a coil.
The magnetic fields become stronger as the current flow increases. If your home’s electrical system is damaged, it can create a hot spot for magnetic fields.
Examples:
- Powerlines, transformers, AC/DC adaptors and home wiring issues
Dirty electricity
Dirty electricity is electricity that has been corrupted. It is produced by disturbances in the regular 60-Hz AC (alternating current) power flow. In order to save energy, most energy-saving technologies generate dirty electricity. Dirty electricity can cause more than just electrical equipment to fail. Some people claim to be electromagnetic hypersensitive due to dirty electricity.
Examples:
- Dimmer light switches and compact fluorescent light bulbs
The danger of cellphone towers and 5G in Toronto
Cell phone towers are a major source of EMF in Toronto. Cellphone towers use RF (Radiofrequency) to transport data. Prolonged exposure to RF can cause tissue heating. Even though a Health Canada guideline (safety code 6) restricts EMF exposure levels, many Toronto residents have reported developing EHS or electromagnetic hypersensitivity.
According to the Rogers cellular network coverage map, many areas of Toronto have 4G+ coverage. 4G+ is a faster network variant of 4G. This network operates by merging two bands to provide a faster connection than 4G. On the other hand, Toronto is one of the cities with 5G network coverage. 5G is faster than 4G because it uses higher frequencies to transmit data, ranging from 24.25 GHz to 40 GHz. This network provides faster connection, reduced latency, and greater reliability than the previous generation networks, which has attracted the interest of many customers. This network, however, has its own drawbacks. The 5G network uses a completely different wavelength than the 4G network, which is shorter yet faster. Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional. The higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength. The higher the frequency, the more energy a wave has. 5G contains more energy and a higher frequency than 4G, which is harmful to your health. Furthermore, since the 5G network cannot cover a wider area, several antennas must be installed all around you. There is a cluster of 5G coverage, mostly in densely populated downtown regions of Toronto, York, East York, Vaughn, Richmond Hill, and Etobicoke. As a result, residents will be living near towers, leaving them at greater risk of EMF exposure than ever before.
On the following website, Canadian Cellular Towers Map, you can view cellular towers found in different cities all over Canada.
The danger of powerlines
You are exposed to dangerous electromagnetic fields if you live or work near a power line. The magnetic field grows larger as more power is transmitted via the cables. Even though powerlines emit non-ionizing radiation, several studies have connected powerlines to an increased risk of cancer, and individuals have reported experiencing EHS after being exposed to powerline radiation. The closer you live to a radiation source, the more deadly it becomes. Powerline workers are in more danger than those who live nearby. Despite the fact that the city of Toronto has underground power lines, the city has over 15,000 kilometres of presently overhead power grid. The cost of burying powerlines is expensive. Until a solution is found, you must keep a safe distance from powerlines.
Protection
Fortunately, various EMF shielding devices are available to help you block EMF at home or in the workplace. These EMF shielding devices are available in a number of forms and sizes, making them extremely easy to use. Because it is difficult to completely remove your electronic devices, it is critical to use preventive measures in addition to shielding devices.
Some of the common EMF shielding technologies you can purchase includes:
- EMF shielding paint:- coating conductive metals in your home or workplace protects you against EMFs, radio fields and microwaves from your electrical appliances. Shielding paints are also the best for protecting you from external EMF sources such as cell phone towers because they can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Window EMF/RF shielding: The primary reason that harmful radiation from external sources such as cell phone towers or powerlines enters your home is through your windows. To avoid this, you should invest in window films that can shield you up to 5 GHz frequency radiation. Most cell phone signals work at 2.4 GHz.
- EMF shielding garments: wearable hats, scarves, and sweaters create a blocking effect, so the radiation can’t penetrate your body.
- EMF shielding accessories: Phone, tablet, and computer accessories such as phone cases and stickers, as well as jewellery such as necklaces, can absorb those radiations from areas you are unaware of.
You will notice a significant improvement in your health if you incorporate EMF gadgets into your everyday routine. Before you begin using EMF blocking devices, you must first identify the source of radiation in your area. Using an EMF metre is the most accurate technique to detect radiation sources. Furthermore, keep at least 30 cm away from a radiation source to decrease the risk of being exposed. According to WHO, radiations are 100 times lower if you keep 30cm away from common household appliances. By reducing your EMF exposure, you can create a safe and happy environment for you and your family to thrive in.