For some, flying can be a nerve-racking experience. However the threat of danger from terrorism, mechanical failure and mysterious aircraft disappearances pales in comparison to the actuality of the mega-dose of EMF radiation your are exposed to each and every time you board an aeroplane.

What is EMF?

EMF stands for ‘electromagnetic fields’ also known as electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The effects of this unseen danger to your bioelectric and biological bodies is also referred to as ‘electromagnetic stress’, and affects all of us.

Sources of electromagnetic fields in daily life

Electromagnetic fields exist everywhere in our environment including the home, school and work place.  Electromagnetic fields are created by either natural or man-made sources.

Natural sources of electric and magnetic fields include:

• The Earth’s Magnetic Field – the phenomenon that causes a compass point to always swing north
• Lightning will generate electromagnetic fields
• Visible light

Sources of electromagnetic fields created by humans include:

• Everyday household electrical appliances such as hair dryers, vacuum cleaners and refrigerators

• Radio Communications Devices - radio and television - air traffic control - cordless phones - remote controls - mobile phones and tablets - Wi-Fi modems

Air travel, however poses far more risk of negative health effects because from the moment you enter an aeroplane you are bombarded by various sources of highly concentrated EMF’s.

• The jet engine
• Electrical wiring in the cabin
• Cockpit computers
• Radar from the ground
• Electronic sensors
• Communications equipment
• Much static electricity generated in the fuselage
• Wi-Fi signals
• Other passengers cell phones and laptops

Random measurements taken inside planes inflight reveal dangerous radiation, sometimes exceeding 50 milligauss (mG). Consider that the amount that the US Environmental Protection Agency deems safe, is 0.5 to 2.5 mG! An aeroplane journey provides you with 20-100 times the “safe” exposure levels!

Negative physiological effects of EMFs

The physiological effects you might suffer from include jet lag, gut problems, headaches, aches and pains and foggy thinking, as well as increased rates of infection. To assist your body in coping with the effects of excessive EMFs during air travel, make sure you:

• Drink lots of water before and during the flight
• Get enough rest beforehand
• Eat light meals on board
• Consume plenty of probiotic-rich foods or take a probiotic supplement prior to traveling
• Wear EMF protective devices during the flight
• Spend some time breathing deeply and grounding yourself before you get on the plane and once you disembark

For more tips and hints on how to minimise and avoid EMF's during flight 'ask a Naturopath' at Mr Vitamins.