In today’s world, most youths and adults daily expose themselves to Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) produced by electrical appliances, power lines, wiring in buildings, and a lot of other technologies that are part of modern life.
The exposure starts with the dishwasher and microwave oven in the kitchen, to the clock radio on the bedside, and the cell phone in the hand or ear, sometimes, for hours each day.
According to some researchers and medical experts, exposure to EMR is growing and becoming a serious health threat.
They are worried that a huge public health crisis is looming from one particular threat, EMR from cell phones.
Studies have shown that radiation from phones and tower-based antennas carrying signals have been linked to development of brain tumors, genetic damage and other conditions such as sleeping disorders and headaches.
Researchers warn that there are more than five billion cell phone users being exposed to the dangers of EMR.
According to researchers, the amount of time spent on the phone is irrelevant, as the danger mechanism is triggered within seconds.
Some other stakeholders in the science and wellness industry are also of the opinion that Wi-Fi, cell towers and phones are of serious danger to humans because of the radiation they emit.
The Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, says exposure to Wi-Fi and other electromagnetic frequencies could cause DNA defragmentation in sperm cells and slow sperm motility.
Adebayo spoke at a workshop organised recently in Lagos by QNET, a wellness and lifestyle company.
According to the vice-chancellor, heat emitted from laptops can kill sperm cells outrightly.
He expresses concerns that the human body is being put under severe pressure from constant exposure to EMR from electronic devices which have become indispensable in today’s digital world.
The professor of biochemistry says studies have shown that Wi-Fi causes oxidative stress, sperm and testicular damage.
He explains that oxidative stress is an imbalance of antioxidants in the body, which can lead to cell and tissue damage.
“Most of us, especially men, are fond of putting phones in our pockets, not knowing the excessive damage it causes in the area of male fertility.
“Some of us also sleep with our phones on the bed, not knowing the amount of radiation that these devices generate and how dangerous they are to our health,” he warns.
The biochemistry professor urges maintenance of distance from Wi-Fi for the safety of humans although mobile phones and wireless technology have become an integral part of modern communication.
“It is not surprising that a greater percentage of adults experience stress, headaches, tiredness and sleeping problems due to exposure to EMR,” the vice-chancellor says.
QNET’s Product Specialist, Dr Shafi Shaik, is also of the opinion that exposure to radiation from cell phones can lead to depleted and inconsistent energy levels and cause anxiety, depression and low immunity.
He says one in every four workers suffers burnout due to exposure to wireless radiation from cell phones, 5G masts and wireless routers, among others.
While noting that humans have become increasingly dependent on wireless technologies to assist in their everyday lives, he notes that 10 years ago, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a part of World Health Organization, designated cell phones as a possible human carcinogen.
He adds that research has shown evidence of increase in glioma and acoustic neuroma brain cancer as a result of radiation from mobile phone.
“We are energy beings. We are sensitive to energy from other living beings, the earth, the sun and from our technology.
“Research conducted by the American Psychological Association in 2019 showed that 75 per cent of adults’ report symptoms of stress, including headaches, tiredness and sleeping problems.
“Chronic stress is a silent killer because it lowers resistance to diseases, causes anxiety and depression, eating disorders, decreased mood, reduced mental and physical performance, fatigue, accelerated aging, development of unhealthy lifestyle habits and reduced sex drive,” Shaik says.
For the President of the Institute for Frontier Science, U.S., Prof. BeverlyRubik, in the early 80s people lived healthier lives free from many toxicity caused by wireless technologies, smart devices and gas emissions, among others.
“I am shocked at how the younger generation are sicker than the older generation.
“Now, you find young people having diseases that are typical of old people because they have been exposed to a large amount of EMR as a result of the smart devices they keep around them,” Rubik says.
The Director of Panoramic Synergy Enterprises Ltd., Nihinlola Adeyemi, emphasises that research has shown that these technologies pose long-term medical issues to human beings.
She adds that studies have highlighted public concerns about childhood and adult cancers.
According to Adeyemi, there is possibility that some individuals experience hypersensitivity or other symptoms in response to the technologies.
Adeyemi, like the other experts, recommends that people should minimise overall cell phone usage and distance themselves from wireless technologies to reduce exposure.
They also advise use of phone speaker or a plug-in earpiece to keep phone away from the brain and the body.They urge that cell phones should not be kept in pockets or brassiere because they emit radiations constantly even when not in active use.
By Funmilola Gboteku
