Effects:
1. The issue of extremely low frequency (ELF) biological effects is very controversial. Research has focused on possible carcinogenic, reproductive, and neurological effects. Other suggested health effects include cardiovascular, brain and behavior, hormonal and immune system changes.
2. RF radiation has lower energy than some other types of non-ionizing radiation, like visible light and infrared, but it has higher energy than extremely low-frequency (ELF) radiation. If RF radiation is absorbed by the body in large enough amounts, it can produce heat. This can lead to burns and body tissue damage.
3. A large number of studies have shown that microwave radiation can cause a series of adverse reactions in the central nervous system, including sleep disorders in addition to learning and memory impairments. Microwaves are widely used in broadcasting, communications, and many industrial fields.
4. Effects can range from mild skin burns to irreversible injury to the skin and eye. The biological damage caused by lasers is produced through thermal, acoustical, and photochemical processes.
5. It causes unusual growth and migration of skin cells and changes structural proteins in the skin, and this adds to premature skin aging. The earth's surface and the clouds above it absorb radiation from the sun's rays and re-emit it as infrared radiation back out into the atmosphere.
6. Visible light radiation can exert various biologic effects such as erythema, pigmentation, thermal damage, and free radical production. Additionally, visible light exposure can cause or exacerbate photodermatoses such as solar urticaria, chronic actinic dermatosis (CAD), and cutaneous porphyrias.
7. UV-B radiation has been shown to be harmful to living organisms, damaging DNA, proteins, lipids, and membranes. Plants, which use sunlight for photosynthesis and are unable to avoid exposure to enhanced levels of UV-B radiation, are at risk.
Solutions:
1. Take notice of high emitting EMF from RF emitting devices in the proximity of the workspace. The highest levels inside the house would be from Wi-Fi routers or router extenders, and cordless phone base stations. Move these devices, or the workspace, until the device is a minimum of 15–20 feet away.
2. Stay away from high-power radio transmitters and their antennas and you’ll be fine. General rule: when you come upon a fence around a transmitter site, don’t go past the fence unless you’re authorized to be there and know what you’re doing. Oh, and don’t stand under the tower when someone’s up there working. A friend of mine nearly got creamed once by a large bolt dropped from 700 feet over his head.
3. Keep a distance, if possible from cell phone towers - the further you are away, the less radiation you will get. Add microwave shielding to your home and use a microwave radiation protection device.
4. Purchase laser safety eyewear appropriate for your laser. Ensure that your laser area has appropriate signs in and around it to prevent unwary intruders from being injured by entering unprotected. Procure and/or install laser safety equipment as is necessary for your laser.
5. Typical control measures are the provision of enclosures and shielding around the source to prevent exposure, the use of protective clothing to prevent skin exposure, and the use of IR-opaque eye protection to prevent eye exposure.
6. You can protect your eyes from harmful sunlight and minimize the effects of glare by using a brimmed hat or visor in combination with absorptive lenses. Absorptive lenses are sunglasses that filter out ultraviolet and infrared light, reduce glare, and increase contrast.
7. Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours. Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs. Consider options to protect your children. Wear a wide brim hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck. Wear wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
