Radiation of unnatural frequencies can rearrange and damage molecules and alter metabolism. A process of a chain-like reaction will firstly alter the organism's electrical stability and affect cell polarisation The resulting disharmony may eventually lead to changes in hormonal activity, affect the synthesis of genetic material, interfere with the flow of substances in and out of cells, and change the behaviour of cancer cells. A specific illness may then be diagnosed.

Creating free radicals:
The basic mechanism for damage involves FREE RADICALS (1,2). These damage proteins, cellular membranes, mutilate genes and DNA, reduce levels of antioxidant hormones, such as melatonin, affect enzymatic and biochemical processes essential to normal function, disrupt patterns of electromagnetic energy in muscles - and so on.

In addition to damaging genetic material, free radicals can destroy the protective lipids in the cell membrane and lead to retention of fluid in the cells. This all accelerates the aging process.

Promoting histamine release
Mast cells (which secrete histamine and other substances) are destabilised by free radicals. When exposed to radiofrequency radiation, studies have shown a doubling of the histamine release.

Upsetting calcium levels
Radio waves and their destructive agents, the free radicals, upset calcium levels in the body, especially in the central nervous system, the brain and the heart (3). It is thought that calcium (and possibly magnesium) levels diminish within the cells. This affects the growth, reproduction and division of cells and the communication of signals between the outside of the cell and the nucleus inside the cell.

Protecting yourself from EMF damage
We need to remember that EMF exposure is cumulative. Our bodies may withstand a certain amount of radiation from wiring and electrical and electronic equipment in the home. An extra geopathic stress, such as from radio-frequencies or high tension power lines or underground running water may tip us over the edge. Indeed, we need to remember that any other toxic source will add to the burden and destabilise the body. Nothing can be separated out. So—we need to do all we can to reduce the overall burden, while improving the body's vitality and its immune health.

Specific ways to protect yourself from the force of EMR

• Sleep on the other side of the house from overhead wires, radio beams, etc.
• Do not have a TV or computer on the other side of a wall from your bed.
• Sit well back from the TV.
  
• Have an anti-radiation screen on your computer.
  
• Avoid equipment which relies on radio beams or emits radiation of any kind.

Janet Holm's protection programme
Janet Holm, another Christchurch resident who has thoroughly researched this topic, says: "At home, I unplug all equipment when not in use, switch off the stove and oven at the wall, wear a wind-up watch, use a battery radio by the bed, have a hotty (not an electric blanket), and use copper coils, zeolite bags and semi-precious stones on top of my fax, computer, TV, video and microwave.

"A demand switch has now been installed in the house which cuts half our electricity at the switchboard, but comes on when an appliance is activated. You can get these from Gary Beck, Elec-Technique, 37 Roslyn Terrace, Devonport, Auckland 1309; ph/fax 09-445-9118. They aren't cheap."

Jan urges anyone who is concerned about EMR to refer to the specific sections of the Resource Management Act and to vote for local body representatives who are aware of the problem. "You can support the Environmental Protection for Children Trust; you can bother your local authorities, and write letters to the paper. We can talk about the problem; tell our neighbours. There are lots of things we can do. Good luck!"

Building the body's defences through nutrition
An anti-oxidant, detoxifying low fat diet is important. High levels of saturated fats increase free radical activity and fried foods should be avoided. Include pectin (found in apples) and kelp, both of which help protect the body by binding with toxins. Eat plenty of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and watercress (preferably organic). Use oils such as sunflower, safflower, olive and canola. Use soured milk products such as yoghurt and buttermilk which contain lactobacillus and other bacteria which protect the gastrointestinal tract.

Extremely important: Supplement the diet with antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, plus calcium and magnesium, the trace elements selenium, germanium and vanadium, and super antioxidant substances such as Maritime Prime Pycnogenol™. The first group inhibits free radical formation; the super-antioxidants also mop up their free electrons.

Improve the stability of cell walls with Omega-3 fatty acids, as in fish and linseed oils. You may need to care for your gut health and digestive ability with digestive enzymes and probiotics.

Stimulate the immune system, eg. with garlic, a powerful immunostimulant , as are many of the Chinese and Ayurvedic products now on the market (Ayurvedic is the ancient medicine of India).

References
(1) Scott, G., Free Radicals provide a mechanism for EMFs to promote cancer, in Electromagnetic News, Dec., 1992. It was then republished in Open Forum on Health (prev. Hauora), Spring 1993. Dr Scott is emeritus chemistry professor, Aston University, U.K.
(2) Packer, L, Traber, MG, Liburdy, R, et al. Electromagnetic field effects on free radicals in biological systems, March 1997. Packer Lab. Life Science Div., Lawrence, Berkeley Natl Lab.
(3) Cherry, N., Cell site restrictions are "A Must", Open Forum on Health, Summer 1997

For further reading in NZine on related topics look at the articles on Electromagnetic Radiation based on an interview with Dr Neil Cherry.

For more information about Dr Neil Cherry and his work, please visit his website.

In addition, if you are looking for comprehensive technical research on the potential effects of radiofrequency and microwave radiation, then you may want to consider downloading Dr Neil Cherry's Thesis.

You may wish to read Part 3 in this series.