The Effects of Everyday Frequencies on Humans

The long-term effects of electromagnetic frequencies generated by cell phones, microwave ovens and television sets have been investigated for many years. Unfortunately, little is known about these frequencies on human health. Several studies have pointed out that there exists no set standard to test the effects of frequency exposure; therefore it is difficult to conclude if frequencies actually cause human illness.

Use of Radio Waves in Medical Treatment

• Venous ulcers are caused by the improper functioning of valves, typically in the lower leg, that inhibit the flow of blood and can often lead to the destruction of the tissue around the limb. A study published in the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing" investigated the effects of pulsed radio frequencies to ameliorate such a condition. The author reported on a 76-year-old patient suffering from ulcers of the lower leg, who was scheduled for a second amputation after having the other leg removed three years previously. To treat the ulcers, the medical team used compression therapy, along with pulsed radio frequencies, and found that the two treatments led to the healing of the ulcers, and amputation was no longer necessary.

Exposure to Cell Phone Towers

• The increase in cell phone towers and their associated electromagnetic fields have caused concerns about long-term exposure on human health. A study published in the January 2011 issue of "Environmental Health" investigated the effects of these frequencies. The authors reviewed more than 40 medical reports and found that there is no current method established to rate the potential effects of exposure to these frequencies. The study recommended establishing reliable protocols for the identification of biological effects of electromagnetic fields on behavioral and physical health.

Effects of Exposure Are Uncertain

• The effects of electromagnetic frequencies originating from cell phone towers were explored in an article appearing in the October 2010 issue of the "Indian Journal of Experimental Biology." The author pointed out that neither thermal nor non-thermal exposure caused by cell phones has been adequately addressed. Additionally, the author concluded that the effects of other sources of radiation frequencies, such as exposure to microwave ovens, have yet to be fully explained.

Electromagnetic Frequencies and Childhood Leukemia

• Leukemia is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow, which inhibits the production of white blood cells and can often lead to death. A study published in the April 2000 issue of "Bioelectromagnetics" investigated the effects of frequencies generated from television sets on children. The study found that playing videos games on a television set doubled the exposure of electromagnetic frequencies as compared to watching programs with the same device. Nonetheless, the authors concluded that there was little evidence to link the exposure of these fields to childhood leukemia.