With 85% of the population (yes, that’s 6.8 billion!) using smartphones, many of us can’t imagine our lives without technology. However, the increasing use of these devices has raised eyebrows in terms of the potential health risks associated with exposure to electromagnetic radiation. In recent years, several studies have explored the link between electromagnetic radiation and cognitive function, and the results are concerning – this particular one demonstrated how radiation can damage our behavioral and cognitive functions.
Electromagnetic radiation is a type of energy that is emitted from electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers. When the body absorbs this radiation, it can disrupt the natural functioning of cells and tissues, including those in the brain. For instance, this study demonstrated how prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation resulted in effects such as headaches, insomnia, and fatigue.
One of the most concerning effects of electromagnetic radiation is its impact on cognitive function. But what is a cognitive function in humans? Cognitive function refers to the mental processes involved in thinking, learning, and understanding information. It includes various processes such as attention, memory, perception, problem-solving, reasoning, decision-making, and language – which are essential for our day-to-day functioning. This study conducted an experiment on a cohort of adolescents revealing that exposure to electromagnetic radiation can actually impair memory, attention, and learning. In a study conducted by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, researchers found that exposure to electromagnetic radiation from cell phones for just one hour led to a significant decrease in cognitive function in healthy young adults.
The effects of electromagnetic radiation on cognitive function are particularly concerning for children and adolescents. This comprehensive review of studies provided evidence that children exposed to electromagnetic radiation regularly may experience delays in cognitive development, including language and social skills. In addition, exposure to electromagnetic radiation has been linked to an increased risk of behavioral problems, including hyperactivity and aggression (demonstrated in several studies on rats, such as this one).
In the face of potential health risks associated with electromagnetic radiation, many people continue to use electronic devices without taking the right steps to protect themselves – possibly because the majority of effects are intangible and virtually you can’t pinpoint any symptoms solely to the effects of EMFs. There is also a lack of awareness of the possible effects of radiation as the pace of rolling out new technology outpaces that of new and relevant research.
Despite this, it’s essential you recognize that prolonged exposure over time increases the permanence of the effects – you’re also more prone to diseases that occur later on. To reduce the risk of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, you should limit the use of electronic devices and try to maintain as much distance from the body as much as possible. This can be done by using hands-free devices, such as headphones, and by keeping cell phones and other electronic devices away from the body when not in use. This is especially significant since proximity is a key factor that affects how much your body reacts to EMF exposure. Therefore although we recognize that the link between electromagnetic radiation and cognitive function is a concerning issue that requires further research – the current studies paint a concerning picture, and by taking the right precautions today, you can protect yourself before it’s too late.
