Depression and violence - What role does EMF play?

The tragedy in Jokela and Kauhajoki has made many people ask: What's wrong with Finland?

As a Finn, I can not totally ignore these terrible incidents :-(

So, where do increased depression, sleep problems and violence come from?

With Ed (Edward) Dutton I have had good thought exchange about the origins of  Finnish violence. We both agreed that there are some "in-born" factors in every society.

BUT, I don't believe that "Bad Genes", "High expectations", "Computer games" or "Historically Depressed Finns" are sufficient explanations.

Please, let me provide you an Alternative Explanation related to EMF (Electromagnetic Fields):

1. Mobile Phone aka Cell phone :

- The use of mobile phones may have an effect on dopamine-opiate system of the brain.

- Exposure to pulse-modulated radio frequency electromagnetic fields most likely affects regional cerebral blood flow

- Especially the pulse-modulated radiation has an effect on concentration, cognition and memory.

Point: Mobile phones should not be pressed against head or body. And most of the time the mobile phone aka 'The Gradual Depressor' should be switched off. Children are in particular risk.

2. Base stations aka Cell towers:

- The 'Microwave syndrome' may explain also depression close to base stations.

- The pulsed and UMTS-modulated radiation may affect melatonin production and immunity system.

- A possible effect on youngsters' suicidal behaviour in a certain area was discussed in the UK.

- In nature heavy exposure to EMF creates aggressive and suicidal behaviour in animals and insects.

- To my understanding, the publications about EMF, basestations and health can not be neglected by decision makers.

Point: The output power is too strong in base stations. The mobile phone needs less than 1 uW/m2 to operate fully. Currently in many European households the radiation power density levels originating from base stations are in hundreds or thousands of uW/m2.

3. Power lines and electrical wiring:

- What has been shown in earlier research, heavy exposure to low-level EMF may cause depression.

- Especially melatonin production is in risk.

- Living too close to a power-line may cause adverse health effects

- Dirty electricity with transients causes unexpected consequences in homes and workplaces

- Update 4th October: Chargers, transformers and other electrical appliances in bedroom may heavily affect sleep and well-being.

- Typical households have many 'spots' that could be improved with simple changes (see the pictures in the Austrian document).

Point: Houses should not be too close to powerlines. Additionally, the electrical wiring and grounding should be installed better in homes and offices.

What I am saying: Exposure to EMF does not fully explain violent behaviour or depression. But, it may play a surprising role in the incidents.

Please, provide a comment to a Finn ;-)

Comments

[donna biven]

I live by a power line in North Central Texas. I think it has caused me severe depression,
and caused my dog to have a seizure and aggression.
I am very depressed. Friends and relatives tell me every day. What is wrong with you.
I contracted Electric Company but they say there is no evidence to prove this.
There was a area in my yard not 14 feet from the house that tested over 3 on the Trifield meter.

[Mikko Ahonen]

Dear Donna,

I really sorry for what has happened to you.

Since you live very close to a powerline, those symptoms of yours and your dog can be linked to strong magnetic fields. If I understand correctly, that Trifield meter reading means 3 mG (milliGauss) = = 0,3 uT (microTesla) is quite high. It is shown in many studies to cause childhood leukemia. In adults symptoms like depression, tiredness, concentration problems are very likely.

It is extremely difficult and expensive to shield your house against magnetic fields. As far as I understand, only the mu-metal works ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mu-metal ) .

Often the only possible solution is to move to another house. It is not an easy decision.

In 1990 came out the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report. This report was titled "Evaluation of the Potential Carcinogenity of Electromagnetic Fields". oaspub.epa.gov/eims/eimscomm.getfile?p_download_id=437194 . All those symptoms you mentioned Donna, are there. Henry Lai points out to those psychological factors of EMF in the BioInitiative chapter, www.bioinitiative.org/report/docs/section_9.pdf . If policy makers would have been wise, read and listened, those safe zones to powerlines would be at least 200 meters, not 30 meters or so.

Little hope: Try having a melatonin pill in the evening. You might also consider antioxidants (like Pycnogenol). (I am not a doctor, just happen to have ... doctors as friends). Good to know: Some anti-depressive medicine do not work (or make the condition worse) when the patient is under heavy EMF-exposure. Please, consult your doctor with any change in your medication. Please, unplug also all electrical devices in your bedroom (all extra EMF exposure is too much in your case).

I wish I could have helped more.

Take care

Mikko