In our modern world, “smart” tech is more common than ever. We’ve got smartphones at our fingertips, smart meters sending our home data to utility companies, and voice-activated speakers ready to do as we ask. There’s no denying that these gadgets have changed the way we live.
But with great convenience come great concerns. These smart gizmos work by constantly sending out electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency waves. And, as we’re paying more attention to living healthy—drinking clean water, breathing clean air, eating organic food, and using natural products—we need to think about how clean our electronic world is, too. Keep reading to discover the hidden truths behind smart meters. Are they as safe as we think, or is there more to the story?
Smart Meters Explained
Smart meters are markedly different from their analog counterparts, even though they might be found in the same location outside your home. These devices symbolize a technological leap, offering efficiency and real-time data transmission, which traditional meters can’t provide.
Smart meters transmit energy consumption data wirelessly to electric companies, eliminating the need for manual reads and providing updates as often as every 15 minutes. This transmission is accomplished through the use of radiofrequency (RF) waves, a form of electromagnetic energy. Depending on the specific design and setup, the communication from the meter might utilize cellular networks, pagers, satellites, radios, power lines, WiFi, or Internet protocols.
Since 2012, there has been a significant rise in the adoption of smart meters. This trend is poised to continue, with the Edison Institute for Electric Innovation forecasting that by the end of 2023, 128 million smart meters will be installed across US households and businesses. This represents an estimated penetration of approximately 80%, a substantial increase from the 114 million smart meters and 73% penetration recorded in 2021.
While the advancements in smart meter technology undoubtedly bring about unprecedented levels of efficiency, they also raise concerns regarding the potential health impacts of prolonged exposure to RF waves. RF waves are a subset of electromagnetic fields, which have sparked debates and research into their safety, particularly in relation to their use in wireless communications. https://www.youtube.com/embed/SLK3iAV-3eQ?si=AfZ2F-HQZpmUpjk0
The Health Risks of Smart Meters
Smart meters generate electromagnetic radiation (EMR) via radiofrequency waves, leading to the emission of radiofrequency radiation. Notably, in 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorized RF radiation as “possibly carcinogenic (cancer-causing) to humans.” As of now, conclusive evidence proving RF radiation’s safety remains absent. More pointedly, dedicated health studies focusing on human inhabitants in smart meter-equipped homes are yet to be undertaken. While the World Health Organization is gearing up to assess RF exposure’s health impacts, their findings are still pending.
Some individuals with smart meters installed in their homes have registered new occurrences of:
- Dizziness
- Ear discomfort
- Cognitive issues
- Heart irregularities
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
History has shown that accidental exposure to high volumes of RF radiation, especially in radar-related incidents, can lead to severe burn injuries. It’s clear that whether in large or moderate quantities, RF radiation can have negative repercussions on our well-being.
The stipulated safety threshold for RF radiation in the U.S. is set at 1,000 micro-watts per meter squared. Alarmingly, certain smart meters have been observed to emit levels up to 60-fold higher than this benchmark. This radiation level is comparable to the combined emission from 160 mobile devices. Moreover, smart meters persistently generate and transmit RF radiation within your living spaces.
The Role of Dirty Electricity
Our modern electronic devices, from smartphones to laptops, typically run on direct current (DC) at roughly 12 volts. In contrast, contemporary electrical circuits operate on alternating current (AC), either at 120 or 240 volts. For our devices to function, they must convert the available AC power into DC. This transition, however, spawns what’s termed as “dirty electricity.” This is essentially erratic electromagnetic interference (EMI), which, like RF, falls under the category of non-ionizing radiation.
This “dirty electricity” doesn’t stay confined. It permeates your home’s electrical system and then spills out, radiating from outlets, power strips, wireless gadgets, and other electronics. The result? An environment saturated with electropollution. Smart meters, unfortunately, amplify this situation. They inject considerable spikes and surges of higher-frequency electricity into every circuit of a house they’re attached to. This electropollution doesn’t just linger; it disseminates at high frequencies, potentially pervading every space in your home.
Yet, it’s not all bleak. Just as we can purify our air, measures exist to filter out electropollution, offering a safeguard against the potential risks posed by smart meters. https://www.youtube.com/embed/_Y_NHUjSxO8?si=e-UzOU9tLK8x2SB2
Is There Evidence of the Health Impact?
An increasing volume of scientific research, far from being mere conjecture, associates dirty electricity with various physical, emotional, and cognitive health challenges. The BioInitiative Working Group cites over 6,000 studies that draw connections between electromagnetic energy and various harmful effects, chronic ailments, and diseases.
Furthermore, data suggest that electropollution can elicit immune responses in the body. The reason? The body perceives these electric fields as alien entities, akin to harmful bacteria and viruses. Experts have noted that prolonged inflammation can give rise to symptoms such as:
- fatigue
- irritability
- brain fog
- cognitive issues
- anxiety
- memory lapses
This inflammation often lies at the heart of autoimmune diseases, with chronic electrical exposure manifesting symptoms similar to many autoimmune disorders. https://www.youtube.com/embed/FfgT6zx4k3Q?si=Pqz9ppslyksK3Uyw
Dr. David O. Carpenter emphasizes that prolonged exposure to radiofrequency at high levels poses risks of cancer, neural damage, and sensitivity. It also negatively impacts reproductive and various other organ systems. One of the notable effects includes elevated levels of peroxynitrite, a toxin produced by our bodies, which has associations with over 60 chronic diseases.
The World Health Organization pinpoints tissue heating as the primary interaction mode between radiofrequency energy and our bodies. Dr. Sam Milham, with nearly three decades dedicated to studying electric and magnetic fields (EMFs), correlates dirty electricity to several ailments such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even suicide. He also identifies its connection with neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Lou Gehrig’s disease.
To date, Austria stands out as the sole country to propose written guidelines on diagnosing and addressing EMF-related health concerns. On a global scale, we have yet to definitively address or extensively research the health implications of smart meters. Nevertheless, individuals can take proactive steps to mitigate electropollution at home.
Protecting Yourself From Smart Meter Dangers
While the conversation surrounding the potential dangers of smart meters is ongoing, it’s prudent to take proactive measures to minimize any possible risks associated with exposure to radiofrequency (RF) waves emitted by these devices. Below are several practical tips that can help safeguard your well-being:
1. Maintain Distance: Place the smart meter as far away as possible from living spaces, particularly bedrooms, to minimize exposure to RF waves during sleep. Avoid areas where you spend a substantial amount of time.
2. Use RF Shielding Products: Consider investing in RF shielding products specifically designed to block or reduce RF radiation. These can include smart meter covers, which can be placed over the meter to mitigate radiation exposure.
3. Regularly Detoxify Your Body: Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants and regularly detoxifying can help combat the potential effects of any radiation exposure. Incorporate foods high in antioxidants like berries, nuts, and leafy green vegetables into your diet and stay hydrated with purified water.
4. Opt for a Wired Connection: If possible, request a wired smart meter from your utility provider as opposed to a wireless one. Wired smart meters can offer the same benefits without the continuous RF wave emissions.
5. Stay Informed and Updated: Regularly update your knowledge on smart meters and RF radiation. Keep abreast of the latest research, findings, and recommendations concerning smart meter safety.
6. Advocate for Your Health: If you have concerns about the installation of a smart meter in your home, communicate these to your utility provider and explore available alternatives. Some providers may offer options to opt out of smart meter installations or recommend safer alternatives.
7. Use Radiation-Blocking Plants: Some plants are known to absorb radiation, such as cacti and succulents. Placing these near smart meters could potentially help in reducing exposure to RF waves. https://www.youtube.com/embed/uneNmAM5vuk?si=mOrXcC0nKhKqAKNS
Taking Control of Your Health
While the debate surrounding smart meter dangers continues, it is essential to empower yourself with knowledge about potential risks and take action to protect your health. By understanding the potential health effects of smart meters and implementing measures to reduce exposure to electromagnetic radiation and dirty electricity, you can foster a healthier living environment for yourself and your family. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and take control of your electronic environment for a safer and healthier future.
Note: This article has focused on the dangers and potential health risks associated with smart meters. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
