There has always been a debate on the association of electric blanket and cancer. It is said that use of electric blankets increases the chances of developing cancer. In children, it is said to cause leukemia, whereas in women, it supposedly causes breast cancer and womb cancer. Several studies have been conducted by many researchers, but, till now, no study has by far been able to confirm that electric blankets do lead to breast and womb cancer in women.

Why did the thought of electric blankets causing such health related problems come in the minds of researchers? Let’s try to figure out.

Electric Blankets and Electromagnetic Field

Like all other electric devices and wiring, electric blankets are also surrounded by a zone of energy known as the electromagnetic field (EMF). It comprises two types of fields namely, electric field and magnetic field. Electric field is formed due to voltage, and magnetic field is formed due to the current flowing through the device. Out of the two fields, magnetic field is dangerous for human health, as it cannot be contained within barriers like walls, outer covering of electrical devices, etc. It can cross most of the barriers and travel long distances. A magnetic field can also penetrate deep into various tissues of the body. That is why, researchers have long been concerned about the effect of this field on humans. Read the rest of this entry »