How dangerous is electrosmog?

How dangerous are cell phones, plasma televisions and Wi-Fi?

The list of suspected cases is long: Electromagnetic radiation in everyday life should promote brain tumors, lead to headaches, sleep disorders and exhaustion. Although there are numerous studies, clear evidence is missing and the results partially contradict each other.

Proved is: The rays penetrate the human body and generate heat, which is measured as SAR (Specific Absorption Rate). But what exactly does the heating up? Are there any other effects? It will probably be years before we know that. Numerous experts, for example from the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, therefore say: Panic fear of electrosmog is unfounded. But a "risk minimization" makes sense in any case. Meaning: Wherever possible, you should opt for low-radiation devices and use them as short as possible.

The general rule: The radiation decreases very strongly with the distance. You have to be afraid of the mobile phone mast on neighbor's rooftop so much less than in front of the wireless router on your own desk. And: By own (meaningful) behavior, the potential danger can be greatly reduced.

phones

The mobile phones are the strongest source of radiation in everyday life, because they are held directly to the head. The new UMTS phones, which can receive television pictures, differ only slightly from conventional phones.

• When you buy a cell phone: ask about it SAR, Ask the seller for it, look in the manual or on the list, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) has put into the network. There you will also find information about older cell phones that are still on the market, but are no longer produced. A very good SAR value is below 0.6. One third of all mobile phones reach it or are even far below it.
• Actually, the manufacturers could do it for "Blue Angel" but most of them shy away from the costs and hassles or fear any negative impact on the image of the other phones in their product range. Therefore, only one, as "children's phone" declared device carries the environmental angel - it just below the necessary SAR value. Experts see advertising with the "children's label" anyway critical. Actually, children should telephone only in an emergency with the mobile phone. As with the topic of pollutants in food: The child's organism reacts much more sensitive than that of adults.
• A switched on mobile phone constantly searches the contact to the nearest base station. If the reception is bad, send the phone with higher performance. Make as few phone calls as possible in a car without an external antenna, The body shields jets (this protects the occupants from lightning during a thunderstorm), the mobile phone must work at maximum power to overcome the shielding and also keep the connection despite getting around (the same is true for train rides) And: A window to open, brings nothing!
• Use one headset, This increases the distance between the antenna and the ear.
• Carry the phone not directly on the bodynot on your belt or in your pocket, but in your backpack or purse.
• If you like that Mobile as an alarm clock use - turn off before you put it next to the pillow!
• screening devices (for example special backpacks) are useless. If the mobile phone is shielded towards the next base station, the transmission power increases and the radiation increases.
• Of course, it should be: Turn off the phoneIf you do not need it, you can call wherever possible from the landline.

cordless Phones

With cordless telephones according to the DECT standard, a control signal is constantly transmitted by the base station in stand-by mode. When making a call, the maximum power is sent between the station and the phone, regardless of the distance. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection has been calling for a long time to change this. Some manufacturers have met these demands. Under www.bfs.de are "low-radiation" devices to find. Unlike cell phones, manufacturers are not required to provide the SAR value.

Tip: Set up the base station in the hallway, by no means in the bedroom or children's room. The radiation decreases strongly with the distance.

baby monitor

Parents will not like to hear it: A baby monitor works too electromagnetic fields, Use it only when absolutely necessary. Put it at some distance to the cot; Do you prefer devices with the "Blue Angel"?

Internet

Wireless Internet surfing via W-Lan or "hotspot" in the cafe also exposes you to radiation. Compared to cell phones, however, the burden is lower. Nevertheless you should the Router not directly under the desk attach and also keep a distance from the bedroom and children's room. Unplug the power cord when you are not working on the internet. Or use a disconnectable power strip.

Monitors and TV

If possible, replace the old, bulky CRT monitor on your computer with a flat screen. He emits less radiation. The same applies to plasma and LCD TVs. However: These consume much more power than a modern tube TV. Get informed about the energy consumption when buying.

Could Your Phone Hurt You? Electromagnetic Pollution (April 2024).