When it comes to identifying the major sources of radiation in our communities, there is more than meets the eye. The world is being restructured with wireless technology whether we are ready or not. From smart devices and smart homes, to smart roads and smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT) is here, and it’s expanding rapidly. New applications are becoming more and more popular across many different industries, and with it comes risks. Generally, when a wireless communication company wants to expand their network and coverage area they will construct a new tower, or lease a spot on an existing tower. But with the crowded nature of today’s urban environments, this is not always the easiest solution. The available real estate for cell sites has shifted from standalone towers with at least 300 square feet of unoccupied land around it, to a booming industry where rooftop cell sites are leased and wireless concealment installations are a part of a building’s blueprints. If coverage is the only concern, rooftops are naturally an ideal location for a cell site as they are at the desirable height, they are typically flat or stable, and they are generally free from interference that would cause attenuation or signal deterioration. But even with rooftop cell sites being the hot commodity that they are, with them still comes the eyesore to the community.  The tactics used to blend and disguise these antenna systems into our communities has grown and evolved right along side this technology, and many companies now are moving into the world of wireless concealment for their needs.  After all, even if the biological risks are not well understood, people generally dislike looking at large antenna systems littered across their city, and what’s out of sight is often out of mind. With wireless concealment, companies can discreetly hide or camouflage their antennas in new ways that not only provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, but do not sacrifice signal deterioration. Without an awareness to how this technology can be hidden, many people don’t even know it’s there. So in what types of locations can we find wireless technology being hidden? Restaurants, hotels, airports, casinos, hospitals, churches, schools, libraries, theme parks, cruise ships, retail stores, stadiums… really anywhere that has a steady flow of people commuting or seeking entertainment, goods, and services. Some examples of popular wireless concealments include: Poles; utility poles, traffic light poles, street light poles, stadium light poles, and flagpoles. Fake trees, bushes, rocks or boulders. Business signs, street signs, archways, chimneys, church steeples, scoreboards, and even directly into the walls or ceilings of commercial and residential buildings. Freeways, bridges, streets and sidewalks are being transformed and lined with this technology from the interstates right down to the communities and neighborhoods we live in. Understanding how to identify and avoid high radiation zones will be an asset in our lives as we navigate the cities of the future. Pairing this knowledge along with an EMF meter may be one of the wisest investments any of us can make. To learn more, take a look at the following companies portfolios and read up on how concealment technology functions. There is some valuable and detailed information that can be found on many of these websites and this list only scratches the surface. Raycap Stealth Concealment ConcealFab International Treescapes Steelhead Metals Sources: https://www.stealthconcealment.com/ https://treescapes.com/wireless-concealment/ https://concealfab.com/ http://steelheadmetals.com/concealment.php http://www.valmontstructures.com/products-solutions/communications-structures/ https://www.aglmediagroup.com/tag/stealth-concealment/ https://www.landmarkdividend.com/rooftop-cell-site-leases-2/

With the cases of teen depression rising every year, we must take a step back and reflect on what societal changes might be contributing to this mental health disorder surge. One area of our lives which has increased dramatically over the past two decades is the use of technology. In particular, social media platforms with their prevalence and commonality in everyday living, have seen a massive explosion. While technology and social media undoubtedly provide many advantages for our society, such as better connections and solutions to everyday problems, the adverse effects of these two areas cannot be ignored. The Rise in Teenage Depression A 2016 study found that there has been a 37% increase in reported mood disorders among adolescents and young adults over a nine-year period, which is a concerningly sharp increase. Depression in teenagers presents with the typical symptoms of depression, including: feelings of sadness, anxiousness, worriedness, and emptiness loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed easily irritable, frustrated, or angry declining school grades withdrawing from friends and family changes in eating or sleeping habits thoughts of harming oneself or suicide The problem, however, lies in the fact that the teenage years are also a time of intense hormone changes and peer relationship problems, which can sometimes manifest as symptoms of depression. Because of this, the symptoms of depression are often brushed off as typical “teenager” behavior, which can be detrimental to the health of someone struggling with depression. How Technology May Contribute to Teenage Depression One area that has grown increasingly popular over the past decade and which is a prominent component of a teenager’s life is technology. Unfortunately, this might just be contributing to the higher rate of teen depression. There are multiple areas to consider, including the technology itself, the amount it is used, and what it is used for.  Screen Time The amount of time teenagers spend in front of a screen can be concerning for parents, and rightfully so in some cases. A study investigated how four factors of screen time, social media, television, computer use, and video gaming, impacted depression. Of these four areas, all but video gaming were associated with depression. The study also found that increased social media and television use is associated with lower self-esteem over time, which can also lead to depression.  EMF Radiation Electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation is something that is produced by technology such as our cell phones, computers, and tablets. In essence, EMF radiation is produced by the things we use frequently. Unfortunately, multiple studies link EMF radiation exposure to negative psychiatric symptoms, depression being one of them. The reason for this reaction has to do with the voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) in the brain. VGCCs have important roles in the release of neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine hormones, and these channels are also activated by EMF radiation. This can result in excessive neurotransmitter/neuroendocrine hormone release in addition to oxidative stress. Studies have found that these effects of EMF radiation may then result in the symptoms of depression, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, memory changes, and irritability.  Blue Light The connection between systems of our body and light has long been observed. For example, you are much more like to feel happy on a sunny day than a rainy day, and that is because the light from the sun affects your emotions. However, there are also indirect connections between light and specific systems, which are the likely contributors to mood disorders.  The effect of blue light on the body has everything to do with our circadian rhythm, which is the natural and cyclical changes in our physical, mental, and behavioral states. The primary cues for circadian rhythm include light and darkness, and some processes regulated by circadian rhythm include sleep-wake times, cellular function, hormone secretion, and gene expression. Blue light inhibits the production of melanin, which is a hormone produced by the body to promote sleepiness. The sun produces blue light at its strongest during the day, which helps to sync circadian rhythm with the rise and fall of the sun. However, electronics also emit blue light, and they are becoming much more popular during the night hours. Any light can disrupt sleep, but blue light, in particular, is the most powerful, with one study finding that it suppressed melatonin for twice as long as other forms of light. By using screens before bed, melanin production is inhibited, which leads to difficulty falling and staying asleep. These sleep disturbances can greatly contribute to depression, as sleep disturbance is a significant factor in the onset and maintenance of mood disorders.  Social Media While there is undoubtedly evidence that both teen depression and social media use has increased over the past decade, it is harder to say with absolute certainty that social media causes depression. However, there is still an impact of social media on kids. Research has shown that teenagers who spend more time on social media also feel more lonely and isolated, suggesting that connecting with peers through social media is not as emotionally fulfilling as in-person interactions. Social media may also lead to poor self-esteem in teenagers because they find themselves constantly comparing their bodies and lives to those they see on social media. This can lead to negative perceptions of oneself, which can result in depression. Reflecting on Technology There is no doubt that technology has proven to be an immense advantage and one that we will have a hard time parting with, especially as it continues to evolve. However, it is still important to recognize that not all aspects are good, and some are causing severe mental health problems to teenagers. Technology affects teenagers not only in what they see while on their devices, such as social media posts that cause poor self-image, but they also emit EMF radiation and blue light, which can disrupt sleep and increase the risk of depression. While it is impossible to expect teenagers to forego their devices entirely, it is crucial to encourage limiting their

Technology is slowly becoming more and more prominent in all aspects of our life, and while there are numerous benefits offered by technology, there are also risks that need to be considered. One area which has been increasing in popularity, primarily due to a worldwide goal of reaching “10,000 steps” a day, is wearable technology—specifically smartwatches such as Fitbit and Apple Watches. What Do Wearables Do? Wearable technology, especially those marketed toward the general public, is intended to be worn 24 hours a day, even when sleeping or showering. The goal of this long-term wearing is to monitor movements and specific physiological data for the user, allowing them to obtain a more comprehensive overview of their health. Some metrics measured by wearable technology include: daily step count sleep quality blood oxygen level estimations heart rate While the data obtained by these technologies is great, their “wow factor” and a general trust in the companies producing the products has led to a lack of investigation into the potentially harmful effects of wearing this technology 24/7. Even more than that, the very first models only acted as movement trackers, whereas newer models perform certain physiological measurements while also serving as a secondary cell phone, allowing users to read and send text messages and make phone calls all from their wrist. While the convenience offered by this is obvious, adding all this functionality also adds additional risky components. Of course, any device intended for medical purposes must be proven to cause no immediate harm in order to be approved by the FDA, but this only applies to certain wearables, such as those giving an ECG reading. Most wearables are not overseen by the FDA, and many forms of wearable technology have not been evaluated for long-term health effects, so little exists regarding how damaging this consistent contact with a device can be to our health. The Dangers of Wearable Technology EMF Radiation Many devices, such as your cell phone, release a form of radiation called electromagnetic frequency (EMF), something which has been cited as a type of carcinogen. Wearables still emit this type of radiation, but the difference is that with wearables, the radiation exposure is much closer to the body. One study on mice found that those exposed to EMF radiation were much more susceptible to cancer, further proving the dangerous effect EMF radiation can have on our cells. Children, in particular, are at an increased risk of EMF radiation, despite some wearables being marketed to them. A significant area of concern with EMF-radiating devices, wearables included, is their close proximity to the brain or reproductive organs, as it can cause considerable problems. Because of this, wearing these devices at night, a factor that they are marketed for, can be concerning since when sleeping, the device may be near the head. Some symptoms which EMF radiation can cause include: chronic headaches tingling skin sensation ringing ears a static feeling in the brain weakened immunity excessive fatigue unexplained hives body pain Skin Irritation or Rash There have been multiple documented cases of skin irritation or rashes from wearable technology, in some cases resulting in a complete recall of a specific model. Some of these rashes are due to the material of the device, particularly if it contains nickel, a common allergen in contact dermatitis. However, in other cases, these companies explain away cases of irritation by stating that it only occurs if the device sits on wet or sweaty skin. The problem, though, is that these are two conditions that are common, and so they should be considered when creating these products if they are truly meant to be worn 24/7. Not only that, but some wearable devices are purposefully marketed as fitness watches, further increasing their need to handle interactions with sweat without causing a skin reaction. The good thing about rashes, though, is that in most cases, discontinuing wearing the wearable technology, thus removing the source of irritation, is often enough to let the rash clear on its own. Compared to the other effects of wearables, this is one that is unlikely to cause long-term damage, so long as the use of the wearable is discontinued. Wi-Fi Proximity Wi-Fi has become a constant in our lives, with a need to stay connected for work, social activity, and relaxing. However, there have been multiple cases of adverse health effects resulting from close Wi-Fi proximity. In 2011 wireless Wi-Fi radiation was categorized as a Group 2B Possible Carcinogen, and in 2012 researchers found that exposure to sources of Wi-Fi radiation disrupts the Blood-Brain Barrier and causes it to leak. This means that the device you wear directly on your body at all times of the day could create long-lasting health problems. What Should You Do? When it comes to devices that can emit EMF radiation (i.e., most smart devices), the best practice is to utilize protective, silver-lined accessories that help limit your exposure to the radiation. Unfortunately, for wearables to work as directed, they typically need to maintain contact with the skin, meaning using accessories to minimize contact makes them essentially ineffective. Because of the health risks posed by wearables, both immediately with potential skin irritation and long-term with exposure to EMF radiation and Wi-Fi radiation, it is not advised to use wearable devices 24/7, and especially not when sleeping, working out, or swimming. Until more studies on the long-term health effects of wearables have been completed, it is wisest to avoid these devices. This is especially true since most current studies examining longer-term effects list EMF- and Wi-Fi- radiation as a carcinogen, which can have drastic health effects that don’t appear until years down the line. So, what you wear now in the hope of better managing your health may be altering your cells and causing problems that will be significant in a few years. The best way to protect yourself from these devices is to avoid wearing them, no matter how tempting their features may be. And to fully protect yourself from the hidden dangers of technology, be sure to

As parents, you want nothing but the best for your baby. Many times, this innate desire to control as much as we can for our children leads us to buy the latest and greatest technology on the market. However, some of this technology actually has an adverse effect on your baby, putting them at risk of EMF radiation. What is EMF Radiation? Electromagnetic frequency (EMF) is a form of radiation given off by many devices, including your cell phone and the baby monitor you use for your baby. These electromagnetic fields are produced by many things, such as power lines, Wi-Fi, household appliances, computers, and cell phones. In essence, they are all around us. While generic baby monitors with a camera can be set up a distance from the baby to limit any EMF radiation, current advances on the market create a much closer problem. Wearable baby monitors exist that can be wrapped around a baby’s foot and ankle to monitor their activity during the night. They provide valuable information for parents, including heart rate, oxygen levels, wakings, movement, and current sleep state. However, they are placed directly against the baby’s skin, which puts your baby in direct contact with an EMF-radiating device. Baby monitors all emit EMF radiation, even the analog monitors. But some of the WiFi-enabled monitors emit far more EMF radiation.If you choose to use a baby monitor, we highly recommend researching low EMF baby monitors as well as investing in an EMF meter to be aware of the levels of EMF your baby may be exposed to.  The Risk of EMF Radiation in Babies Our bodies are used to a certain level of naturally occurring EMF radiation. However, long-term unprotected exposure can have adverse effects on our bodies, impacting our vital organs and increasing inflammation. Some of the consequences of long-term EMF radiation exposure include: higher risk of heart problems increased stress greater fatigue reproductive & fertility issues poor sleep quality lower immunity Of course, some of these do not seem to be an imminent problem for babies, such as fertility issues, but it is something that can impact them significantly when they are older. Additionally, consequences such as poor sleep and low immunity can drastically affect a baby’s growth. Babies and young children are also at an increased risk of EMF radiation because they are smaller, meaning the EMF radiation from a single device can affect a greater range of their body. Additionally, their bodies are growing, so there is more for EMF radiation to disrupt. How to Protect Your Baby from EMF Radiation To some extent, it isn’t possible to get rid of all devices emitting EMF radiation. The simple fact is that technology has become ingrained in our society, and offers numerous benefits that many people do not want to give up. With this in mind, there are actions you can take to protect your baby from EMF radiation, allowing you to use these devices and still keep your baby safe. Turn Off the Baby Monitor We’re not saying go without a baby monitor; they’re extremely valuable tools. However, don’t keep your baby monitor on 24/7. These devices use the same electromagnetic frequencies as Wi-Fi routers, emitting strong bursts of radiation when turned on. So, turn off the monitor when you aren’t using it. Additionally, you will want to avoid monitors attached to the cot or worn by your baby, as these encourage close-contact EMF radiation. Use Phones and Laptops Carefully Your phone and laptop also give off EMF radiation, so be mindful when using them around your baby. The closer you are to the source of EMF radiation, the stronger the radiation, so every inch of distance you can put between your baby and the device helps. Many moms may go on their phones when breastfeeding, but this places the phone very close to their baby. Try to avoid using your phone when within two feet of your baby or put your phone on airplane mode around your infants to prevent any harmful damage. Use EMF Protective Baby Gear It’s impossible to remove all sources of EMF radiation, so the next best thing you can do is utilize baby EMF protection from Spero Gear. Spero Gear has an EMF Protective Baby Blanket which can help protect your baby from EMF radiation from the baby monitor that runs when they sleep.  There is also an EMF Protective Baby Beanie which offers protection to the most important growing organ in your baby, their brain. Not only does it offer EMF protection, but it also keeps your baby warm! EMF Protection for Babies Devices that give off EMF radiation are becoming more and more popular in today’s society, especially within products for babies. They claim to make things easier and provide valuable information, but this comes at the expense of EMF radiation to your baby that can impact their growth and cause health problems further along in life.  Besides distancing your baby from technology emitting EMF radiation, it is also beneficial to use EMF protective gear to further protect your baby from this unseen danger. Try out Spero Gear’s baby protective products and have some peace of mind in knowing you are doing the best for your baby.     References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7305646/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6701402/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7642138/  

In today’s technology-driven world, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) surround us everywhere — from WiFi signals to cell towers and smart devices. To protect ourselves, many are turning to silver clothing designed for EMF shieldingas a practical and comfortable solution. What Is EMF Shielding Clothing? EMF shielding clothing is made from special fabrics woven with conductive fibers, often silver, that block or reflect harmful electromagnetic radiation. This type of clothing helps reduce your daily exposure to invisible waves emitted by electronic devices. How Silver Fabric Helps Protect You Silver is an excellent conductor, which means it effectively disrupts and absorbs EMF radiation. Garments made with silver fibers create a mesh barrier that acts similarly to a Faraday cage, preventing radiation from penetrating the fabric and reaching your body. Benefits of Wearing Silver-Based EMF Clothing There are several advantages to choosing silver-based EMF protection wear: Who Should Consider EMF Protective Wear? Anyone wanting to reduce their EMF exposure can benefit. This includes: The Future of Wearable EMF Protection With technology evolving rapidly, protective clothing using silver fibers offers a modern, science-backed way to reduce EMF exposure while fitting naturally into your lifestyle. Explore our silver EMF clothing collection for options that combine comfort and protection. For more information about EMFs and health, see this NIH article.