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Overpowered: The Dangers of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMF) and What You Can Do about It
Keys, wallet, cell phone . . . ready to go! Cell phones have become ubiquitous fixtures of twenty-first-century life—suctioned to our ears and stuck in our pockets. Yet, we’ve all heard whispers that these essential little devices give you brain cancer. Many of us are left wondering, as Maureen Dowd recently asked in the New York Times , “Are cells the new cigarettes?” Overpowered brings readers, in accessible and fascinating prose, through the science, indicating biological effects resulting from low, non-thermal levels of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (levels considered safe by regulatory agencies), coming not only from cell phones, but many other devices we use in our homes and offices every day.
Dr. Blank arms us with the information we need to lobby government and industry to keep ourselves and our families safe.
Dr. Blank arms us with the information we need to lobby government and industry to keep ourselves and our families safe.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
21 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 2, 2016
"The fact that humans cannot see, touch, taste, or smell electromagnetic radiation significantly hampers people's ability to consider the risks of being exposed to it." (Page 239)
For the past 16 years, I have owned a cell phone. Over the years, as it went from being merely a phone to a personal computer, toy, and socializing device, my exposure increased dramatically. While I already limited my exposure since 2011, when the WHO classified cell phone and WiFi radiation as a "possible carcinogen," one day, a post on Instagram by a health care practitioner, alerted me even more to the dangers of radiation from cell phones and WiFi. So I began researching and realized that I have to limit my exposure even more and see the effects. My journey away from wireless devices began about 3 months ago. It has been a liberating experience in ways I never imagined. From improving my quality of sleep, eliminating a strange eczema-like skin condition on my hands, to feeling less stiff and younger again, I've finally realized that my overexposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) was literally weighing me down. For about 6-7 years, I've also been surrounded by WiFi at home and at the office. While I don't carry my phone with me while consulting with patients, I have also been inadvertently exposed to the radiation emitted by the cell phones of my patients. I often wondered why I sometimes felt completely relaxed with some patients and not others. My epiphany came at the end of January this year, when I walked into one of my consulting rooms and suddenly felt completely at ease and relaxed. While examining my patient, I almost subconsciously remarked to him that he doesn't carry a cell phone. He replied that he hasn't had a cell phone in more than 4 years. Somehow, I realized I could sense the absence of the cell phone radiation. Prior to this, that same morning, I saw several other patients and felt noticeably more tense, which seemed to dissolve away the moment I entered the room where no cell phone was present.
So while we cannot see, touch, taste, or smell EMF's, I believe that most people can feel it, but the extent varies from one person to another. This book verified much of what I've experienced and provided the vast scientific knowledge showing the widespread biological effects, as demonstrated in laboratory experiments, as well as epidemiological studies, spanning more than 30 years. He also delves into the reasons why we are not exposed to this information, including a detailed explanation of the flawed studies which the telecommunication industry funded to support their financial welfare. Unfortunately, this is at the expense of the health of not only ourselves, but our wildlife and plants. I believe that we are already seeing the ill effects of our current "electromagnetic age," but the worst is yet to come, as the current generation of babies and children are being exposed to EMF's more than ever in the history of mankind.
I highly encourage everyone to read this extremely well-written, well-referenced, and life-changing book. As a scientist, university professor, and whistle-blower, if you will, Dr. Blank provides an objective view, as he has no ties to industry, and also provides advice on how to reduce your exposure despite the ubiquitous "electrosmog" of modern life. The world needs to hear his message before it's too late.
For the past 16 years, I have owned a cell phone. Over the years, as it went from being merely a phone to a personal computer, toy, and socializing device, my exposure increased dramatically. While I already limited my exposure since 2011, when the WHO classified cell phone and WiFi radiation as a "possible carcinogen," one day, a post on Instagram by a health care practitioner, alerted me even more to the dangers of radiation from cell phones and WiFi. So I began researching and realized that I have to limit my exposure even more and see the effects. My journey away from wireless devices began about 3 months ago. It has been a liberating experience in ways I never imagined. From improving my quality of sleep, eliminating a strange eczema-like skin condition on my hands, to feeling less stiff and younger again, I've finally realized that my overexposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) was literally weighing me down. For about 6-7 years, I've also been surrounded by WiFi at home and at the office. While I don't carry my phone with me while consulting with patients, I have also been inadvertently exposed to the radiation emitted by the cell phones of my patients. I often wondered why I sometimes felt completely relaxed with some patients and not others. My epiphany came at the end of January this year, when I walked into one of my consulting rooms and suddenly felt completely at ease and relaxed. While examining my patient, I almost subconsciously remarked to him that he doesn't carry a cell phone. He replied that he hasn't had a cell phone in more than 4 years. Somehow, I realized I could sense the absence of the cell phone radiation. Prior to this, that same morning, I saw several other patients and felt noticeably more tense, which seemed to dissolve away the moment I entered the room where no cell phone was present.
So while we cannot see, touch, taste, or smell EMF's, I believe that most people can feel it, but the extent varies from one person to another. This book verified much of what I've experienced and provided the vast scientific knowledge showing the widespread biological effects, as demonstrated in laboratory experiments, as well as epidemiological studies, spanning more than 30 years. He also delves into the reasons why we are not exposed to this information, including a detailed explanation of the flawed studies which the telecommunication industry funded to support their financial welfare. Unfortunately, this is at the expense of the health of not only ourselves, but our wildlife and plants. I believe that we are already seeing the ill effects of our current "electromagnetic age," but the worst is yet to come, as the current generation of babies and children are being exposed to EMF's more than ever in the history of mankind.
I highly encourage everyone to read this extremely well-written, well-referenced, and life-changing book. As a scientist, university professor, and whistle-blower, if you will, Dr. Blank provides an objective view, as he has no ties to industry, and also provides advice on how to reduce your exposure despite the ubiquitous "electrosmog" of modern life. The world needs to hear his message before it's too late.
May 14, 2015
This is very important information. Before I continue, I should disclose that I am extremely susceptible to conspiracy theories, and this may affect my feelings about Martin Blank's hypotheses. So, it follows that this book has altered my life completely.
The Bottom Line: all products that run on the power grid, or plug into the wall, emit electromagnetic radiation that can harm DNA in your body, leading to cancers, other diseases, and many effects on the environment. This includes your cell phone, computer, television, radio, wifi networks, power lines, light bulbs, hair dryer, microwave, ad nauseam.
I *know* people will immediately scoff at this. My partner understands everything, though told me not to talk to people about it because I'll seem crazy. I agreed, but still have talked to people about it. I am making changes to my life and I hope others do too!...A rundown on the science of WHY from the book: there are types of electromagnetic fields (EMF) that everyone knows are harmful - x-rays and ultraviolet radiation. However, myriad studies show that non-ionizing EMF (which has much less energy than x-rays and UV), also affect the ability of a cell to stimulate protein synthesis. This leads to cell mutation and cell death - which every body has on a daily basis, but the frequency is increased with exposure to EMF. Excessive DNA mutation is widely believed to lead to cancer. The author references scientific research that links EMF exposure to disease and cancers.
The FDA does not sufficiently regulate these products that emit EMF because companies like those in the wireless industry = big money, who fund biased studies and lobbying. There are concerning case studies/scientific studies noted such as the following: an investigation done on the home of a baby with leukemia finds that the baby's crib is against the wall that backs up to a utility closet with circuit breakers (EMF); the Tower of Doom in England, where a power line is actually on top of an apartment building, and all people on the top floor of the building get cancer or other associated illnesses until the apartment building is eventually disassembled; cell phone proximity to mice for small amounts of time per week causing cancers.
The good news is...there are helpful solutions listed in the book to avoid as much EMF as you can. It is nearly impossible to exclude all EMF from your life, as we live in what the author deems "the Electro-Magnetic Age". You can still be aware though. Personally, I plan to purchase a power-density meter or gaussmeter :]
The Bottom Line: all products that run on the power grid, or plug into the wall, emit electromagnetic radiation that can harm DNA in your body, leading to cancers, other diseases, and many effects on the environment. This includes your cell phone, computer, television, radio, wifi networks, power lines, light bulbs, hair dryer, microwave, ad nauseam.
I *know* people will immediately scoff at this. My partner understands everything, though told me not to talk to people about it because I'll seem crazy. I agreed, but still have talked to people about it. I am making changes to my life and I hope others do too!...A rundown on the science of WHY from the book: there are types of electromagnetic fields (EMF) that everyone knows are harmful - x-rays and ultraviolet radiation. However, myriad studies show that non-ionizing EMF (which has much less energy than x-rays and UV), also affect the ability of a cell to stimulate protein synthesis. This leads to cell mutation and cell death - which every body has on a daily basis, but the frequency is increased with exposure to EMF. Excessive DNA mutation is widely believed to lead to cancer. The author references scientific research that links EMF exposure to disease and cancers.
The FDA does not sufficiently regulate these products that emit EMF because companies like those in the wireless industry = big money, who fund biased studies and lobbying. There are concerning case studies/scientific studies noted such as the following: an investigation done on the home of a baby with leukemia finds that the baby's crib is against the wall that backs up to a utility closet with circuit breakers (EMF); the Tower of Doom in England, where a power line is actually on top of an apartment building, and all people on the top floor of the building get cancer or other associated illnesses until the apartment building is eventually disassembled; cell phone proximity to mice for small amounts of time per week causing cancers.
The good news is...there are helpful solutions listed in the book to avoid as much EMF as you can. It is nearly impossible to exclude all EMF from your life, as we live in what the author deems "the Electro-Magnetic Age". You can still be aware though. Personally, I plan to purchase a power-density meter or gaussmeter :]
May 6, 2018
Martin Blank writes an informative and well researched book about the dangers of EMF exposure. The current safety standards come up short as Kruger portends it focuses mostly on the near term exposure (or SAR rating). According to Blank, the near term exposure does not give the full picture. As he gives parallel to the CFC impact on the environment, the CFC's started to deplete the ozone layer over many decades. Thanks to the US Govt., rather than waiting for the ill effects to take shape, the govt. mandated a ban on CFC's which has greatly benefited our environment.
The same could be done with the cell phone industry to moderate the EMF exposure. The cell phone giants often create doubt by stating there is no conclusive evidence that EMF exposure leads to cancer. However, one must not simply look at causation as the smoking gun. There is certainly a benefit to limiting our exposure, whether or not it directly leads to carcinogenic effects.
Just look at the tobacco industry for parallels on how for many decades they funded false research studies to help protect their profits. Just as the tobacco industry, the CFC ban and now how the automobile industry is clamping down on emissions, it is the responsibility of the device makers of the future to design their products with human safety in mind. Not only consider the short term effects, but be weary of the long term implications. We can take matters into our hands, and limit how often and how near we get to devices that emit wireless signals.
The same could be done with the cell phone industry to moderate the EMF exposure. The cell phone giants often create doubt by stating there is no conclusive evidence that EMF exposure leads to cancer. However, one must not simply look at causation as the smoking gun. There is certainly a benefit to limiting our exposure, whether or not it directly leads to carcinogenic effects.
Just look at the tobacco industry for parallels on how for many decades they funded false research studies to help protect their profits. Just as the tobacco industry, the CFC ban and now how the automobile industry is clamping down on emissions, it is the responsibility of the device makers of the future to design their products with human safety in mind. Not only consider the short term effects, but be weary of the long term implications. We can take matters into our hands, and limit how often and how near we get to devices that emit wireless signals.
April 14, 2014
A university professor and leading researcher into electromagnetic fields (EMF) presents the scientific research on the effects of EMF below visible light (infrared, microwave, radio waves, and extremely low frequency waves) on human health and on living creatures. He advises readers to make a cost/benefit analysis relating to their EMF exposure and then gives suggestions on what people can do to minimize their own exposure within these self-chosen limits. He also explains the basic science of electromagnetism in very understandable terms.
The author wrote the book because so much confusing information on this topic is reaching the public. He explains how the science has been muddied by industry players, particularly the cell phone industry, (1) by the intimidation and vilification of scientists who publish results unfavorable to companies and (2) by paying for research that casts doubt on bona fide independent research and refusing to fund independent researchers. Interestingly, he explains how researchers can set up experiments in valid scientific form that guarantee a neutral or favorable result for the sponsoring industry, a practice that came to public attention with the tobacco industry and is now very widely practiced indeed, what with climate change (energy industry), drugs (pharmaceutical industry), medical procedures (health industries), pesticides and GMO seeds (chemical industry), etc. The capture of regulatory bodies by industry is yet another factor. A somewhat sobering book, particularly for a person like me who lives very close to some very high voltage wires.
The author wrote the book because so much confusing information on this topic is reaching the public. He explains how the science has been muddied by industry players, particularly the cell phone industry, (1) by the intimidation and vilification of scientists who publish results unfavorable to companies and (2) by paying for research that casts doubt on bona fide independent research and refusing to fund independent researchers. Interestingly, he explains how researchers can set up experiments in valid scientific form that guarantee a neutral or favorable result for the sponsoring industry, a practice that came to public attention with the tobacco industry and is now very widely practiced indeed, what with climate change (energy industry), drugs (pharmaceutical industry), medical procedures (health industries), pesticides and GMO seeds (chemical industry), etc. The capture of regulatory bodies by industry is yet another factor. A somewhat sobering book, particularly for a person like me who lives very close to some very high voltage wires.
May 15, 2018
Really important information, not going to be a fun read unless you're super into the topic. Very well researched and he provides all references. Definitely led me to some lifestyle changes and the desire to keep learning more!
March 14, 2016
So this just gives me one more thing to worry about! How on earth in this day and age do we avoid wi-fi signals! Ug.
January 24, 2021
A good introduction to EMFs. Stuff we don't really want to know, but better to be knowledgeable and mitigate some of the risks.
November 20, 2019
I've read several other books related - ( Zapped, by Ann Louise Gittleman was a good starter for me) to EMF dangers. Martin Blank's book takes the organization and details of the topic to the next step and one can only hope that this book gains a wider audience before 5G is shoved down our throats and there is no end to disease, depression, and undefined auto-immune issues.
July 11, 2016
This is a very good book about the current scientific understanding of electromagnetic radiation. As with so many thing in modern life, the official and public understanding of safety is much more lax than the research suggests. There is a significant body of research that suggests electromagnetic radiation is harmful, particularly to children. What I really liked about this book is that the author didn't jump that line into fearmongering. He presents the research that he and many other scientists have done, he suggests some reasons why this research is not well known or why it has not changed public policy, and then he gives many good ideas for protecting yourself from EM radiation if you wish. If you aren't convinced by his arguments you can go on living your life as you wish. One of the final chapters of the book also covers some therapeutic uses of EM radiation and ways we are using it to heal. Overall, I was impressed and found this to be a helpful and rational explanation of current research. I highly recommend everyone reading it and deciding for themselves how cautious they think the should be about EM radiation.
March 14, 2016
Martin Blank has written a short, easy to understand book that explains what non-ionizing radiation is, what effects (negative and/or positive) it has or may have on the human body (especially children), plants and animals. The author discusses the various studies and their limitations as well as the (sometimes dodgy) industry of EMF products. The book also outlines the measures people can take to decrease their exposure to EMF. Pleasantly enough, the author does not advocate returning to the stone age, but does suggest precautionary legislative measures and technological research to produce products that don't emit as much EMF.
August 3, 2015
The author provides his perspective on the effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and electromagnetic frequency (EMF) emitted by electricity, microwave ovens, WiFi, cell towers etc. on human DNA and cells. The industry standards and controls on EMF/EMR are fairly loose. Industry is resisting tighter restrictions, much like cigarettes and cancer of the past; since it will take years to proved the real effect of these new technologies.
December 4, 2014
A little on the preachy side and it takes a little bit of a leap in research meta-analyses to see DNA strand breaks in EMR but overall very well researched and gives great insight in to current research.
May 31, 2014
Important and shocking information. I learned lot.
Power off your cell phones when not in use. And switch off wifi when not in use.
And parents--don't let your children use cell phones **EVER**.
Power off your cell phones when not in use. And switch off wifi when not in use.
And parents--don't let your children use cell phones **EVER**.
Want to read
September 27, 2014This was a hardcover new book purchase for me after hearing community radio interview with author. Set aside for later reading.
December 27, 2014
2.5/5
April 1, 2015
The book was straight forward.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews