Plants Shown to Reduce EMF Radiation Exposure in Office Spaces
Plants have long been used to enhance indoor and outdoor spaces. Plants benefit our health through photosynthesis, the process of converting the carbon dioxide we exhale into pure oxygen. Plants also remove over 90% of toxins from the air we breathe, and scientists have demonstrated that some plants protect us from the radiation emitted by electromagnetic fields (EMF). A study conducted by NASA in 2005 noted a decrease in the overall EMF and air pollutants when plants were added to the environment. Following the Chernobyl incident, sunflowers were planted and found to lower radiation in the surrounding area.
There are several plants that have been shown to provide protection against EMF radiation and Cactus top the list. Good news for those of us living in the Southwest!
Cactus
Cactus is one of the best plants for absorbing EMF radiation and the perfect choice for an office. Cactus absorb ambient radiation inside a room and from nearby cell towers. Cactus may be placed anywhere in the room.
Snake Plant
The Snake plant is known to be very effective in converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. This plant promotes cleaner air and boosts lung health. Place the Snake plant near computers, Wi-Fi devices and other electronics that emit radiation.
Stone Lotus Flower
The Stone Lotus Flower is a low maintenance plant with excellent radiation-absorbing properties. Place it next to computers to eliminate radiation exposure.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a multi-purpose plant that not only offers protection against high levels of harmful radiation, it also has medicinal benefits. It cleans the air of pollutants and converts carbon dioxide into oxygen.
Asparagus Fern
Asparagus fern is a strong plant known for its radiation-absorbing qualities. It is rich in antioxidant properties that enable it to fight against the damage that could result from the emission of radiation.
Mustard Greens
The mustard green plant is one of the best types of plants you can add to your home to fight radiation. They are very useful when used indoors as they protect against oxidative stress resulting from radiation exposure. The plant also promotes cleaner air inside the home.
What is EMF?
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are areas of energy that surround electronic devices. EMFs are categorized into two types: non-ionizing (low-level radiation) and ionizing (high-level radiation). Examples of non-ionizing EMFs include radiofrequency radiation from cell phones and Wi-Fi, and extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation from power lines and electrical appliances. Ionizing radiation, which is more powerful and can pose health risks, includes ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and X-rays from medical imaging. Studies are inconclusive about the health effects of EMF and ELF on humans.
Health Effects of EMF Exposure
Non-Ionizing EMFs:
Low-level EMFs: Generally considered safe, though some studies suggest possible links to health effects.
Cell Phones and Wi-Fi: Concerns primarily revolve around potential effects on brain activity, sleep patterns, and the risk of cancer, particularly brain tumors.
Power Lines: There has been concern about potential links to childhood leukemia, although evidence is inconclusive.
Ionizing EMFs:
High-level EMFs: Known to pose significant health risks, including DNA damage and cancer.
UV Rays: Can lead to skin cancer and other skin-related issues.
X-Rays: Can cause cellular damage and increase cancer risk with high exposure.
Studies and Surveys
Interphone Study:
A large international study investigated the potential link between cell phone use and brain tumors. Results were inconclusive but suggested a possible increased risk of glioma (a type of brain cancer) in heavy cell phone users.
National Toxicology Program (NTP) Study:
Conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this long-term study exposed rats to high levels of radiofrequency radiation and found an increased risk of malignant heart tumors in male rats, but relevance to human health remains uncertain.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Classification:
Part of the World Health Organization (WHO), IARC classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B) based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use.
WHO Factsheet:
WHO maintains that current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields but does acknowledge ongoing research into the potential health effects of long-term exposure.
Survey of Self-Reported Symptoms:
Various surveys have reported that some individuals attribute non-specific health symptoms to EMF exposure, including headaches, fatigue, stress, and sleep disturbances.
These symptoms are often referred to as "electromagnetic hypersensitivity" (EHS), though it is not recognized as a medical diagnosis due to lack of scientific evidence supporting a direct link between EMF exposure and these symptoms.
While high-level EMFs (ionizing radiation) are known to be harmful, the health effects of low-level EMF exposure from common sources like cell phones and Wi-Fi remain a topic of ongoing research and debate. Large-scale studies and reviews by major health organizations have generally found no conclusive evidence of significant health risks at typical exposure levels, though caution and further research are advised, particularly regarding long-term exposure.
References
National Toxicology Program (NTP) Study
WHO Factsheet on Electromagnetic Fields
Survey on Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity