Hybrid & Electric Cars may put your family at risk. Protect Yourself from EMF & Bluetooth while Driving

Is there a hidden dark side that comes with electric and hybrid cars? Much has been touted about the energy savings that go with electric and hybrid cars. Little attention has been given to possible health issues from EMF and Bluetooth technology in our new “smart cars”. Environmental protection agencies from countries outside the USA are studying the overall impact these cars can have on the health of the driver!

EMF Research Compares Diesel, Gasoline, and Hybrid Cars

Six researchers from Israel measured the amount of EMF (Electromagnetic Radiation) in three diesel, four gasoline, and three hybrid vehicles. The lowest EMF was found in diesel vehicles, followed by gasoline and peaking in the hybrids. Hybrids also showed the widest variation, with radiation higher in the back seats in hybrids (particularly the back right seat) and higher in the front seats for non-hybrids. Your amount of exposure depends on your position in the vehicle. (See the study).

In 2014, SINTEF, the largest independent research organization in Scandinavia, proposed manufacturing guidelines that could reduce the electromagnetic radiation in electric vehicles. (See recommendations) To date, there is no evidence that any of these recommendations have been followed by manufacturers.

Some hybrid cars are safer than others

IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) has stated that any electromagnetic fields stronger than 2mG could be a possible cause of cancer. The Ministry of Health in Israel recommends a maximum of 4mB. See the BioInititiative Report

In 2010, The automotive website, Wall! conducted a series of tests on Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, and Honda Civic Hybrids and recorded radiation figures of up to 100mg during acceleration. Normal driving in the Prius recorded 14-30mG, depending on where a person was seated. They concluded that of all the hybrids, the Prius is the safest of the three. (See article)

Consumer Reports Finds EMF Issues with Gasoline Vehicles Too

In a casual study conducted by Consumer Reports, the Chevrolet Cobalt and the Toyota Highlander had higher EMF ratings than any of the electric hybrids that were tested. Their conclusion was that the EMF ratings were no higher than in conventional gasoline-powered cars.

If you go to the study, you’ll see that Consumer Reports bought a hand-held ELF/Magnetic reader to take their measurements. With all due respect, these meters are designed for the average consumer to check around their home for EMF issues, not for conducting valid research. They measured ambient fields in the cars and never addressed what happens during acceleration. We also have to keep in mind that Consumer Report’s main function is to help the consumer buy products, not to protect the consumer from unhealthy products. (See their article)

Protect Yourself and Your Family

Many studies point to higher EMF in hybrid cars over conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. However, all vehicles (even in the Consumer Reports article) showed moderate to high levels of EMF.

Our recommendation is to put EMF protection in your vehicle, regardless of its make and model! New cars come with Bluetooth capability, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that your EMF will increase while you are using your phone in the car. Talking on the phone or using it for music or audiobooks via Bluetooth both have an impact. Why worry about EMF when it’s simple to take care of the issue? Simply hang one of our Room Shields from your rearview mirror, and it becomes your Auto EMF Shield!

Our recommendations come from actually talking to customers who were experiencing issues

We’re not just relying on studies on this. We started getting calls from customers when the first smart cars came out, and those calls increased dramatically when people started driving a hybrid car or all-electric car. They reported headaches, difficulty thinking, anxiety, and even heart palpitations when in their new cars. Most were helped by wearing a Level 3 or 4 BioShield, plus adding a room Shield hanging from the mirror. In a couple of extreme cases, they also got an EMF protection blanket and put it over their seats. I don’t think anyone ended up having to get rid of their cars.

Drive Safely and Alertly

Not only will you protect the health of yourself and your family, but you might also find that you are more alert. Why? EMF and WiFi (Bluetooth) can have an effect on your brain and reaction time. Many people report that they have much less difficulty staying awake, even on long trips. An extra bonus is that the Shields also “smooth” out emotional energy. That long family trip might just be a lot more pleasant.

By Virginia Brown, Occupational Therapist, President, BioElectric Shield Co.