Is it Safe to Live Next to a Satellite Dish?
Electromagnetic radiation is a big concern for a lot of people, especially today when everyone is constantly surrounded by technology. Cell phones, GPS signals, WiFi, TV, radio, and other technology are each putting out different levels of electromagnetic radiation at all times. Does a satellite dish contribute to this? And is it safe to live under one?
What is electromagnetic radiation?
Electromagnetic radiation is all around us. It is defined as a type of visible or invisible light rays, gamma rays, X-rays, and radio waves that may vary depending on the electric or magnetic fields around you.
It is understandable that people want to try and minimize that exposure. However, for the most part, most technology has such a small amount of electromagnetic radiation that it doesn’t make a big impact on your health.
The truly hazardous signals come from high-power objects such as:
- Microwaves. These send heavy electromagnetic waves into your food to cook it. However, as long as the door closes properly and the microwave is well maintained, any waves remain within the oven.
- X-rays. They cause cancer at excessive levels. However, they are hard to come across outside medical facilities.
- Gamma rays. These are electromagnetic waves that cause radiation poisoning within a matter of seconds and may be fatal. However, it’s pretty hard to come by them!
Whether the radiation is dangerous or not depends on the wavelength of the rays as well as the levels of energy it carries. Any devices that may emit or utilize such rays are carefully and commonly regulated by government agencies and health and environmental groups.
What kinds of health concerns are there regarding electromagnetic radiation?
Almost all technology emits some form of electromagnetic radiation, though it is intensely regulated by various agencies.
According to the World Health Organization, there is no link between the electromagnetic radiation of everyday objects with weak electromagnetic fields and any negative effects on your health.
While stronger rays such as x-rays, microwaves, and gamma rays all have proven negative health effects, the weaker ones are safe for most people. However, research is ongoing to explore any effects of weaker radiation for certain people, including:
- General Health: Regular citizens have reported dizziness, headaches, anxiety, fatigue, and nausea after being in an area with possible exposure to electromagnetic fields. However, the evidence is anecdotal and researchers have failed to replicate any adverse effects.
- Pregnancy: There are some concerns about the effect electromagnetic fields may have on pregnancy. The level of the field’s energy seems to be crucial. Prematurity and low birth weight have been observed, but only in patients in the electronics industry or who have previously had high levels of exposure. Any other issues have not been linked through scientific evidence.
- Cancer: The evidence linking cancer and electromagnetic radiation is highly controversial. While strong electromagnetic fields seem to have an effect on cancer, studies have failed to demonstrate any link between everyday ones and an increase in cancer risk.
Satellite TV Dishes and Electromagnetic Radiation
Satellite TV does not emit any electromagnetic radiation on its own. That makes it one of the safest technologies available.
This is because of the way satellite dishes work. They collect and focus signals from satellites in space. These satellites broadcast signals which cover a massive area (pretty much the entire technologically developed world). Because of the massive area, these satellite mechanisms cover, radiation fields are fairly dispersed.
Satellite TVs are passive receivers of these signals.
This means a satellite dish does not create any radioactive signals on its own and the dish itself cannot do any harm. The levels of radiation-related signals your television dish collects as a whole is no different than the amount found in a single room of your home.
So, if you’re worried about electromagnetic radiation in your house, consider switching to satellite TV, one of the least polluting technologies currently available!