Is there any proof EMF exposure is bad for you? And if it is, what are the most practical EMF protection devices for the home?
The problem with answering these questions definitively is that the EMF debate is a complex, hotly debated one.
On one side you’ve got pro technology ‘experts’ arguing there’s no evidence increased levels of EMFs from wireless devices are harmful.
On the other end of the debate, it’s easy to panic & feel you need to build a nuclear bunker in your garden or install multiple EMF protection devices at great expense.
So what’s the truth?
It’s actually pretty hard to say for sure. Research & conclusive scientific data is somewhat lacking.
Some research, however, does exist. For example:
- Research was published in 2016, which adds more conclusive weight to the possible risks of EMF exposure.
- The World Health Organization (WHO)/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ (Class 2B), which shows science itself seems ‘unsure’ of the risks.
- and Dr Mercola cites some pretty convincing examples here.
Also, if you look back to the 50’s, cigarette adverts were blatantly promoting the ‘health benefits‘ of smoking. Seems hard to believe today, but sometimes the real safety (or not!) of something only becomes clear with time. And since we’re living through the EMF ‘explosion’ right now, we don’t yet have the benefit of that time to help inform the debate.
Blue Light & EMFS From Gadgets Interfere With Sleep
But it doesn’t end there.
It’s also been scientifically proven that blue light emitted by devices such as cell phones, laptops and TVs interferes with the sleep inducing hormone melatonin.
Melatonin is the natural chemical that gets our brains ready for sleep, as the sun starts to go down. Research suggests EMFs suppress the production of melatonin in a similar way.
According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), these factors are contributing to increased levels of sleeping disorders, including children sleeping less and less.
So what’s the answer?
Rather than immediately relocate your entire family to a remote cave in Patagonia, the key is to stay informed and make simple adjustments that make sense to you.
The good news is that there are a number of simple solutions and affordable EMF protection devices that can help you reduce EMF and blue light exposure within your home.
Here are 10 recommendations:
EMF Protection Devices & Tips: 10 Simple Solutions
1 – TURN OFF TVS, TABLETS, GAMES & CELL PHONES ONE HOUR BEFORE BED
The body naturally produces melatonin after sunset. This is nature’s way of making us sleepy.
The blue light & EMFs from TVs, tablets, laptops and cell phones, however, tells our brains its still daytime.
This keeps them active, which makes it much more difficult to get to sleep.
Since our brains are incredibly active at night, processing things in our short term memory and hard wiring them into our brain for future use, a lack of quality, deep, sleep means your brain won’t be able to process things in the same way.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, this can affect our ability to learn, listen, concentrate and solve problems.
So aim to give the kids a break from technology at least an hour before bed.
If this slips on movie night at the weekend, don’t fret – just aim to make this a regular habit where you can.
2 – SWITCH OFF YOUR WIFI CONNECTION AT NIGHT
If you use WIFI at home, switch it off manually at night or put it on a timer. You can often set a timer via the advanced settings on your wireless router.
Another alternative to consider during the day, is to bypass the WIFI completely (if your router allows it) and hardwire your connection via an Ethernet cable.
I use a Mac and also needed an Ethernet adaptor for a Mac, so check the ports on your laptop or desktop to see if there is a dedicated Ethernet port or whether you’ll need an adaptor.
Another option is a Router guard, which is a handy EMF protection device that will reduce EMF emissions.
3 – USE A BLUE LIGHT FILTERS OR BLUE LIGHT REDUCING GLASSES
Toddlers and young kids have a potentially greater susceptibility to EMFs ‘because of their developing nervous systems’.
Even wireless technology, such as iPads, should be limited for kids up to 3, according to Psychology Today, because the digital stimuli is too intense for their developing brains and nervous systems.
For older kids a blue light filter app for cell phones or blue light reducing glasses for laptops and tablets can be a great help with evening screen use.
Consensus on whether blue light apps for cell phones filter out the blue light or just reduce it seems mixed.
However, apps such as Twilight for Android, get good reviews from consumers and should reduce eye strain by adjusting contrast and brightness.
If you have a recent iPhone, you can turn on the Night Shift mode.
5 – INVEST IN EMF REDUCTION OR BLOCKING DEVICES
To reduce or block EMF radiation from cell phones and laptops, consider investing in an EMF blocking device:
Air tube headsets
For cell phones, investing in an air tube headset can be a safer alternative to wired headsets or in-ear Bluetooth headsets. Air tube headsets deliver sound through an air-filled wireless tube that reduces this emission of radiation.
Laptop EMF radiation and heat shields
Dr Mercola cites research that suggests over use of a wireless laptop may be harmful. One solution is a radiation and heat shield.
The DefenderShield radiation and heat shield comes highly rated as one of the most effective ways to protect you from laptop radiation and claims to block virtually 100% of laptop EMF radiation.
The deal with cell phone radiation covers
With all the controversy around cell phone radiation, phone radiation covers are big business. According to the Federal Trade Commission, however, it’s questionable whether they work.
Worse, some could actually increase EMF exposure by blocking the antennae, which forces the phone to work even harder. This opinion is backed up by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
There may be legitimate ones out there, but as a consumer it’s quite a minefield, so EWG suggest following these simple guidelines instead:
- use a headset or speaker
- text more and talk less
- keep your phone away from your body
- call when your signal is strong.
6 – AVOID WIRELESS BABY MONITORS AND CORDLESS PHONES
According to Dr Mercola and other sources, DECT (Digital Electronic Cordless Telephones) wireless phones and baby monitors both emit high levels of electromagnetic energy and are best avoided.
And according to Earthcalm:
‘DECT cordless phones broadcast microwave radiation 24 hours/day at an extremely high power.’
One alternative, in Europe, to a wireless baby monitor is the NUK ECO Control Monitor. This has an ‘eco-mode’, which NUK claim on their website reduces transmissions by up to 90%.
Another option that claims to reduce radiation by up to 97, compared to a DECT baby monitor, is the SmartNOVA Baby Monitor.
7 – SAY NO TO SMART METERS
Smart Meters are the latest big thing, with utility companies busily promoting their many benefits (which seem to benefit them more than us).
But are they safe?
If you read this Huffington Post article, it’s easy to come away thinking they are, but according to Cancer.org, Smart meters havnen’t actually been studied to see if they cause health problems.
Plus, stories such as these suggest people have been affected by them.
According to Ofcom, Smart Meters aren’t compulsory in the UK, so if you don’t want one, say so.
Another alternative is to agree to one being installed and ask for the ‘smart’ functionality to be switched off.
If opting out of a Smart Meter isn’t an option though, a solution is to invest in an EMF protection device such as the Smart Meter Guard RF Radiation Shield Cover.
8 – SEND YOUR CHILD TO SLEEP WITH A REAL BOOK!
Some say books with paper pages and ink are making a triumphant comeback! Whether this is true or not, many of us have (and regularly use) a kindle or e-reader.
These devices still emit the blue light that affects the levels of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.
So if your child likes to snuggle up with a Kindle at bedtime, try and get them back onto the old fashioned paperback for a better nights sleep.
I love a good recommendation, so here are some popular books by age range on Amazon.
9 – TURN OFF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES IN THE BEDROOM AT NIGHT
Even EMFS from general electrical devices can disturb sleep. So switch off and unplug appliances at night in your child’s bedroom (and your own).
Never let your child sleep with their phone under their pillow, next to their head on charging in a socket whilst they sleep.
Agree with them that they will switch their phone OFF at night or at the very least put in on Aeroplane Mode. If a Facebook alert comes in, it can wait until the morning.
10 – ACT BY EXAMPLE, EDUCATE AND COMMUNICATE
Children mimic and learn from our behaviour, especially young ones.
So if your cell phone is like an extra limb, you can’t reasonably expect your teenager to stop using theirs.
Look to involve your kids in discussions around wireless technology, cell phones and the importance of good quality sleep, so they feel involved in the decision making process, rather than criticised or nagged.
Here are some tips to minimise cell phone EMF exposure to discuss with your child:
- Text instead of talking
- Use the speakerphone when talking to limit ‘heat effect’ cell phone radiation exposure.
- Don’t keep a cell phone in your jean pocket. Keep it away from your body—in a bag or backpack. Even when they’re not in use, phones can emit ‘non-iodizing’ cell phone radiation.
- Never sleep near your active cell phone. Turn it off or at least put it on aeroplane mode.
- Charge phones away from your body. Charging phones produce even higher levels of EMF radiation.
- Consider using this Android app, which alerts the user when a phone is too close to their head.
EMF Protection Devices: In Summary
You do wonder if in 20 years time, we’ll look back on wireless devices a bit like we do cigarettes. People once said smoking wasn’t bad for us, after all, and look where that ended up!
Whilst it’s a hotly debated topic, some research does seems to suggest long term EMF exposure may have possible health risks.
Whatever your view, it’s important to stay balanced – unless we move to Mars or a remote village in Peru, man made EMF exposure is a reality we have to face.
So look to make actionable changes that make sense to you and stay informed with the latest research.
Even if you only implement one or two of the EMF protection devices and tips on this page, it’ll be a great start.
Testing EMF levels in your home can also be helpful. The Cornet ED88T EMF Meter comes highly recommended, if budget allows.
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Have you implemented any of these changes? Do you have any further suggestions of your own?
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