Editor's Note: Today we welcome Julie Reitz to the writing team. Julie writes out of San Francisco, where she is working towards a masters in holistic nutrition. We look forward to more posts from Julie!

Ever since I went to look at an apartment that could have been my dream apartment had it not been for the power lines and transformer outside what would have been my bedroom window, I've wondered just what kind of effect they could have had on my health. While I knew it wasn't good, I didn't know if it could give me cancer, leukemia, the sniffles or a bad hair day.

A slight delving in has painted a clearer picture and I've come to find that some of the most hazardous health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) indeed may include cancer and leukemia among other maladies. Of course, these claims are controversial and study results tend to differ. Most claims share the theory that the effects are cumulative and increase with consistent exposure. So, as far as our day to day life is concerned, what's the hoopla all about?

Electric fields exist when a charge is present, therefore we're exposed just by sitting next to a lamp that's plugged into an outlet. Even when you unplug the lamp, the field still exists behind the wall. Magnetic fields are born when the electric current flows, therefore there is no magnetic field from a device that is plugged into an outlet but whose power if off.

There are 2 types of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). One occurs naturally -- think electric fields in the atmosphere that are associated with thunderstorms and the magnetic field of the earth that provides a navigation tool for fish, birds and humans as well when translated by a compass. Our bodies also encompass these natural fields, which allow all those brain to body signals to dictate our voluntary and involuntary activities (from immune and hormone function to deciding to throw a tennis ball to your pooch). Our electromagnetic systems pulse directly in accord with that of the earth, each at a frequency of about 8 hertz.

The other type of EMF is the man-made type, composed of electrical power generating systems which do not pulse with our bodies. Our electricity has a frequency of about 60 hertz, and thus this is what we're commonly exposed to from household appliances. This falls in the extremely low frequency (ELF) range which includes frequencies up to 300 Hz. Then there are intermediate frequency (IF) fields that include frequencies up to 10 MHz -- desktop computer screens and security systems fall in this category. Lastly, there are radio frequency (RF) fields which include televisions, cell phones and microwave ovens. Simply put, these man-made fields may interact with the cells in our bodies, initiating changes that can lead to some of the aforementioned problems.

The effect is strongest closest to the source, so literally stepping back from major in-home sources like the computer, TV, microwave and fridge can help minimize exposure. Even better is to unplug these appliances when not in use and to arrange your furniture so you don't sleep or work in direct proximity to these things. Minimizing metal in the home can also reduce exposure as it tends to act as a conductor. It's particularly important to implement changes or to take heed in your bedroom since this is where our most rejuvenating practice occurs. I've discovered that my metal bedside lamp is acting as an antenna for my surrounding field -- which may explain some frenetic dreams and sleep patterns. In this respect, it's been suggested that all metal hangers be ousted from the home, which your clothes are likely to appreciate as well.

I know, as I write this I have all major infractions staring me in the face and I'm even getting a little sick -- likely more by the thought than by the current since the sickness just happened upon me. Saving energy and money are reason enough to adapt the unplugged habit as well as minimizing use of electricity in general, but I'm no longer able to overlook the statements of concern over EMFs and our health. Is it really too hard to move the bed, unplug a power strip and buy a new lamp if it means reducing our chances of illness while likely improving sleep, productivity and general well-being?

Check out these sites for more info:

• nsc.org
• wave-guide.org