Although we all depend on electricity at home and at work, current research suggests that we are now being bombarded with the equivalent of 200 million times the amount of electromagnetic pollution that our forbearers had to face.

Given that our body itself is an electromagnetic generator, these high levels of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) are bound to affect us. Studies conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency have found associations in the last 20 years between EMR and miscarriages, birth defects and leukemia.

Sources of EMR can range from electricity pylons, which can transmit their effect over a distance of up to a 1/4 mile, down to the bedside electric clock which can project up to six feet away. Other sources of electromagnetic radiation include: electric ovens, blankets, washing machines, hair dryers, computers, televisions, microwaves and mobile phones.

Scientists have been warning of the dangers of mobile phones for years and the medical community is now doing the same. Recently the doctors and nurses at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, Australia were warned not to use mobile phones because of the potential health risks.

Although the EMR generated from mobile phones is transmitted throughout the phone's entire surface and cannot be entirely eliminated, an electromagnetic phone shield called `No Danger', which prevents up to 99 percent of the potentially harmful rays from entering the brain through the ear canal, is on the market. Should you wish to try this device it is available locally through the distributor at Carvel Jewelers or at Nature's Chi and Hamilton Pharmacy.

Mobile phone and other towers such as those used by the Police and Harbour Radio have also created a great deal of concern in the community.

Members of CARE (Community Against Radiation Emission) have been working tirelessly Island wide on this issue. One member of CARE told me that he is concerned that CedarBridge Academy's classrooms are directly lined up with neighbouring towers.

Interestingly the Prospect School which formerly stood on this site is alleged to have had an extremely high incidence of breast cancer among its girls. The member of CARE with whom I spoke says that there are studies to prove the detrimental effects of these towers and that the companies erecting them cannot guarantee their safety and are gambling with our health while they get rich.

CARE has recently objected to a tower being erected in Smith's Parish. If you wish to object or are concerned about towers in your area you can contact CARE by calling Stephen Thompson at 236-2247.

With the use of computers so widespread in this day and age, many are concerned about the effect of sitting at a video display terminal for eight hours a day. Results of research done by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reveal a long list of symptoms associated with VDT users.

Those who work with VDT terminals should be sure to take breaks, rest their eyes, drink lots of water and always use a computer shield.

Continued on page 31 Limit microwave oven use Continued from page 30 The earth and water are also very useful to help balance electromagnetism and electro-pollution after working around electrical devices. You can go to the park at lunch, remove your shoes and ground yourself.

Another form of EMR is emitted by microwave ovens. These work by increasing the vibration of the water and other molecules in the food, which generates heat. In 1989 a Swiss food scientist called Dr. Hans-Ulrich Hertel made some worrying discoveries about microwave ovens and for more than a decade has been fighting to let the world know of his findings.

According to Simon Best, the editor of Electromagnetic Hazard and Therapy, the point that Dr. Hertel has been trying to make public is vital to consumer interest. "Any food eaten that is cooked or defrosted in a microwave oven can cause changes in the blood indicative of a developing pathological process that is also found in cancer.'' Manufacturers of microwave ovens have tried to muzzle him and even threaten him with personal ruin. A gag order against him was finally removed in 1998 by the European Court of Human Rights and the Swiss Government was ordered to pay compensation.

Although radiation in the form of medical and dental x-rays are invaluable diagnostic tools, they too can be damaging.

Do not let doctors and dentists x-ray you without good reason. Radiologists often minimise the hazards and fail to inform patients of them.

Mammograms for early detection of breast cancer are a special case. The benefits probably outweigh the dangers in women at risk for the diseases, especially for women 50 and older; assuming the equipment delivers low-dose radiation (in ranges of one rad, or 1,000 millirads).

Do not submit to mammography unless your doctor or technician can assure you that new, low dose techniques are being used and can tell you how many millirads of radiation you will receive to the centre of your breast.

While Electricity is certainly a valuable part of our lives, be aware of the effect that over-exposure can have on you and do not believe anyone who tells you the amount of radiation coming at you from any source is too small to matter.

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself from EMR in your home: As a general rule, it is wise to turn off all electrical appliances when they are not in use and to remove the plug from the socket.

The first areas to check for EMR are the areas where you spend most of your life -- your desk, bed and favourite arm chair.

Put your alarm clock at least six feet away from your bed -- it will not be as easy to hit the snooze button, but that way you will get more time for yourself in the morning.

It is best to minimise electrical appliances in the bedroom, but if you do have a TV make sure it is not only turned off, but unplugged before you go to sleep and located at least nine feet from your bed.

Cook the old fashioned way. Microwaves are convenient but should be used sparingly if at all.

Include plants in your home. They not only clean the air but protect against EMR.

There is a relatively inexpensive diagnostic tool called the FieldMouse that can help you check for safe levels of EMR in your home.

HEALTH HTH