Dr. Andrew Weil On Electromagnetic Sensitivity: Ask Dr. Weil: Is Wi-Fi Harmful To My Health?

Dr. Andrew Weil On Electromagnetic Sensitivity

Ask Dr. Weil: Is Wi-Fi Harmful To My Health?

By Andrew Weil, MD  

Q: Should I be worried about having Wi-Fi on at home 24/7?
–Anna Singer, New York NY

A: An increasing number of people claim to have health issues as a result of being in the presence of cell phones or Wi-Fi. Electromagnetic sensitivity has been associated with a wide range of symptoms, including insomnia, headaches, fatigue, poor concentration, irregular heartbeat, and dizziness. Although research has yet to establish that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) cause these symptoms, I invoke the precautionary principle: Keep cell phones, routers, and electrical appliances at a distance to reduce exposure. For instance, when talking on your cell phone, use an earpiece and hold the phone away from your body; keep routers out of the bedroom, because you spend the most hours there; place appliances at least a foot away from your bed; and avoid electric blankets and heating pads.

Findings from a recent Danish study underscore health concerns: A group of intrepid ninth graders took 400 cress seeds (a rapidly growing herb), divided them evenly between two rooms, and gave all the seeds similar care, save for one difference: In one room, the seeds were placed next to two Wi-Fi routers. After 12 days, the seeds exposed to Wi-Fi had not grown, while the other seeds grew normally. Scientists intend to replicate the study to further investigate the effect of EMFs on normal cellular activity. (Read more on how you can minimize your exposure to electricity, here.)

ANDREW WEIL, MD, is founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and clinical professor of medicine at the University of Arizona. For more information, go to DrWeil.com.

Send your questions for Dr. Weil to askdrweil@prevention.com.

Published September 2013, Prevention


http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/dr-andrew-weil-electromagnetic-sensitivity