You’ve most likely heard or seen concerns about the poor air quality outside, and the importance of wearing a mask to protect yourself. It’s actually predicted that about 92% of the global population breathes in poor quality air. But how about Indoor air quality (IAQ)? It’s also an important consideration for ensuring the health and well-being of individuals in indoor spaces – especially since the majority of our day is spent inside. One factor that may impact IAQ is exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from electronic devices and wireless networks. EMF exposure has been linked to respiratory health issues, which may be exacerbated by poor IAQ.
EMF radiation is emitted by electronic devices such as cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, and computers. Wireless networks such as Wi-Fi also emit EMF radiation, which can contribute to overall exposure levels in indoor spaces. While EMF radiation is generally considered safe at low levels, there has been research as previously mentioned that has provided evidence on how it can affect our long-term well-being and contribute to the onset of diseases down the road such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and even Parkinsons’.
Read here about what kind of factors can affect your exposure, here about how it can affect your brain health, here about its effect on your fertility and here about what other experts in the field are saying.
Exposure to EMF radiation from electronic devices and wireless networks can affect IAQ in a number of ways. For example, EMF radiation can interfere with the functioning of air filters and ventilation systems, which can lead to a buildup of indoor air pollutants such as dust, allergens, and chemicals.
In addition, EMF radiation can also impact the chemical composition of indoor air. Some studies such as this one have suggested that EMF radiation can cause the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials, furniture, and other sources. VOCs can have negative impacts on respiratory health, as they can irritate the lungs and contribute to the development of respiratory diseases such as asthma.
Furthermore, EMF radiation can also impact the functioning of the human respiratory system itself. Some studies such as this one suggested that exposure to high levels of EMF radiation can lead to inflammation of the airways and other respiratory health issues.
Not convinced? Read more about how EMFs can affect your heart health here, what influencers like Tim Ferris recommend here and some tips to protect yourself here.
To address this issue, it is important to take steps to reduce exposure to EMF radiation in indoor spaces. This can be done by using wired connections instead of Wi-Fi whenever possible, turning off electronic devices when not in use, and using shielding materials to reduce EMF radiation from electronic devices. Not only this but improving IAQ can also help to reduce the negative impacts of EMF radiation on respiratory health. This can be done by ensuring that buildings are well-ventilated, using air filters to remove indoor air pollutants, and using building materials and furniture that emit low levels of VOCs.
So the next time you think about air quality – make sure you take indoor air quality (where you most likely spend the majority of your time) into consideration!
