Protection From EMFs

Protect Your Family from EMFs at Home

There’s a lot of controversy about electro-magnetic fields (EMF) that electric devices emit.  They may or may not be harmful to our health.

(To keep it simple, I’m using only the term EMF for all of the different types of invisible rays from electric devices).

EMFs can affect human health – that is generally accepted – but is our health affected at our normal exposure rates?  That’s where the controversy lies.

The evidence is strong, but not overwhelmingly conclusive.

It’s quite similar to the old tobacco argument – some studies showed the link between smoking and health, some didn’t, and we weren’t sure for many years.

What’s my view?

I’m not 100% sure that there are real dangers, but I do believe we have considerably more exposure to EMFs than ever before, particularly with Wi-Fi and electronics being so widespread.

I’m happy to make small changes to reduce my exposure and improve my protection from EMFs.   The changes aren’t difficult, they don’t cost money, and I’d rather be “safe than sorry” as the saying goes.

What To Focus On

Many electrical appliances such as microwave ovens, dishwashers, hair dryers and fluorescent lights give off high EMFs – but we don’t normally spend hours right next to them.  In these cases, the problems decrease when you move away form them, so I’m not too worried.

For me, because I work with computers and have wi-fi for my home and home office, that’s where I concentrate my efforts.

If you have long exposure to other electric items, then focus on those.

And if you have young children, you’ll need to be aware of these EMFs which specifically affect children 

Computers

• If you have a computer with an old-fashioned bulky screen, upgrade to a thin LCD screen as the EMF is considerably less.
• Don’t work with a laptop on your lap (yes, I know it’s in the name!).  Keep as far away from the computer as you can, while still being able to use it.  Remember that EMFs radiate from all sides of your computer.
• When you’re not using your computer, keep it away from you and/or switch it off and unplug it.
• Try not to have a pile of cables and plugs and transformers next to you.

Wi-Fi

Luckily, Wi-fi signals aren’t massively strong, and if you are only occasionally exposed (e.g. in a shopping centre, airport or restaurant) then it may be fine.

But if your home and office are set up for wi-fi, you’re exposed 24/7.

Tip:  The EMF from wi-fi is strongest when you’re downloading large files or streaming video.

What I’ve done at home is to say that the last person using the computer, unplugs the wi-fi router before going to bed each night.

We’re more vulnerable at night (EMF may reduce the body’s ability to rid itself of toxins which normally happens while we’re sleeping).

It’s great to use wi-fi when you’re working, but when you’re asleep it makes sense to kill it.

• During the day, switch off your computer’s wi-fi if you don’t need to connect (check your computer’s manual for details if you’re not sure) – it’s quick and easy.
• Remember Bluetooth is probably switched on too – disable it if you don’t connect to other devices.

Tip: Some software updates may re-enable your Wi-Fi, so it is worthwhile checking every now and again to make sure your wireless capacity remains disabled.

Tip: remember, wi-fi travels.  If you have neighbours, their wi-fi may operate in your home too.

Bedrooms

It’s important to reduce EMFs at night, becuase that’s when we’re most vulnerable to them.  Here’s what to do:

• Use battery-powered alarm clocks instead of electrical.  Or move electrical clocks more than 6 feet or 2 metres away from you (I know, that’s not much use if you need to switch off an alarm – but it will get you out of bed!).
• Switch off any wi-fi routers and also digital cordless phones.
• If your bed has an electric heating pad, electric blanket, or waterbed heater, heat it up before you go to bed.  Then unplug it from the wall just before you get into bed.  Don’t sleep with it plugged in.
• For each bedroom in your home look at the wall behind the bedhead.  That wall should not have any device that produces electromagnetic radiation during sleeping hours.  (Think about what’s on the other side of that wall too).  You don’t want items such as an electric panel, electric meter, refrigerator, freezer, television, computer or air conditioning unit, because they work all night long.  Re-arrange your furniture if necessary.
• Remove all electrical wires from under beds.

Plug-in Transformers

A lot of electronic equipment now comes with plug-in transformers or power adapters.  They generate significant levels of EMF.  Keep them at least 2 feet or 60cm away from you.

Look at your answering machine, digital cordless phone, game consoles, computer equipment – you might be surprised at just how many of them have transformers.

General Tips

• If you do use cordless devices, try to recharge them at night and place the charging units away from bedrooms.
• Sit as far away from the TV as possible (at least 2 meters or 7 feet).
• Don’t sit close to a CFL or fluorescent lamp for long periods.
• 
• Unplug electrical items that are not in use.
• Substitute electrically operated devices with manual devices as much as possible, for example pencil sharpeners and can openers.   Use battery operated shavers or a manual razor instead of electric.
• Before you purchase or rent a home have the neighbourhood and building surveyed for high levels of electromagnetic and wireless radiation.
• Place plants, especially ferns, close to electrical appliances. They can help to reduce the EMFs reaching you.
• Try to use mobile phones as little as possible (I know it’s difficult, they’re very convenient).  Mobile phones are especially harmful because you hold them so close to your head (i.e. your brain).
• Place all major electrical appliances against outside walls.

Related:  How to protect children from EMFs (they’re very vulnerable)

How to create a beautiful eco friendly kitchen

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