There are many sources of EMF radiation in your home. Some are obvious, and some are hidden. And while there’s naturally-occurring EMF radiation, the EMF radiation given off by the artificial sources at home is stronger and more damaging than natural sources.
The best you can do is to be aware of these EMFs and learn what you can do to live a safer, healthier life alongside them.
That’s why I’m bringing you this list of 10 major sources of EMF radiation you probably have in your house, along with things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from their EMF emissions.
So, let’s begin.
Note: The terms EMF and radiation are used interchangeably in this post to refer to non-ionizing radiation.
Commonly Known Sources of EMF Radiation
To make this easier, we’ve divided these sources of EMF radiation into two distinct categories – obvious and hidden.
Let’s look at the obvious sources first.
Cellphones
Cell phones are one of the major sources of our EMF exposure. This isn’t only because of the strength of EMF radiation they emit. It’s because most people keep a cell phone very close to their bodies for nearly the entire day.
Since you can’t see, touch, smell, or taste EMF, most people simply don’t realize how much harm they’re exposing themselves to through their cellphones.
There is an increasing body of science linking cell phone use to brain tumors and numerous other negative health effects. Even the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies cell phones as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
So, how do you protect yourself from your cell phone? It’s not like you can switch it off and put it in a drawer for good.
Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce your EMF exposure from your cell phone without giving up the convenience it provides. Here are some of them:
- Avoid sleeping with your phone.
- Don’t put your phone in your pocket or bra. In general, keep your cell phone as far away from your body as possible.
- Use the speakerphone feature or wired headphones while taking calls.
- Don’t use your phone in low network areas (they emit more EMF to compensate for the lack of signal strength).
- Keep your phone in flight mode (airplane mode) as much as you can.
Television
Modern-day televisions produce significant levels of EMF radiation, as they’ve now gotten “smarter.”
“Smart TVs,” or TVs capable of connecting to the internet, produce more EMF radiation than regular “dumb” TVs. They have WiFi and other near-field communication technologies running non-stop.
How to protect yourself:
- Avoid purchasing TVs with WiFi functionality.
- If you own a smart TV, limit how often you use it.
- Put as much distance between yourself and the TV as possible.
3. Microwave Ovens
Microwave ovens emit immensely powerful levels of EMF radiation – literally strong enough to cook your food!
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 1997, 90% of American households had a microwave oven. By 2011, that number had grown to a whopping 95%. Almost everyone has one.
A quick walk through the aisles of your supermarket shows just how many products are specifically designed to be cooked in a microwave oven.
Microwave ovens work by emitting microwave EMF radiation. It’s the same type of radiation that your cell phones, except they emit a lot more power than the other gadgets.
Just think, how much power would something generate to literally vibrate the molecules in your food and heat it to a point where it gets cooked. And imagine what it can do to human tissue.
Although most of the radiation stays inside your microwave because of its powerful metallic body and seal, many people don’t realize that microwave ovens actually leak this radiation– in fact, they are legally allowed to.
In the United States, microwave ovens are permitted to leak 5 mW/cm2 — and that’s at the time of purchase. As the seal on your microwave oven door deteriorates over time, the leakage increases (which is one reason why microwave oven manufacturers recommend regular servicing of your oven – though almost no one does that).
So, how do you protect yourself from such a powerful EMF source?
- Use your stove or toaster oven instead.
- If you own a microwave oven, have it serviced annually to ensure the seal is as strong as possible.
- Stay far away from the microwave when it’s on. Go to the next room if possible. Seriously. There’s a reason they tell pregnant women not to use them.
4. Computers
Computers, just like cell phones, produce extensive amounts of EMF radiation. And they’re even more dangerous because, unlike microwave ovens, we spend a lot of time using them.
One of the worst ways you can use your computer is by resting it on your lap as you work. Not only does more of your body come in contact with EMF radiation, but your very sensitive reproductive organs also get exposed.
How to protect yourself:
- Don’t rest your computer on your lap – laptops aren’t for laps.
- Purchase a computer pad to block EMF radiation.
- Turn off your computer when you’re not using it.
5. Wi-Fi Devices
Any device that connects to or generates a WiFi network produces massive amounts of EMF radiation. And, with all the “smart” tech making its way into households, it’s not unusual to have a dozen (or a few dozen!) active wireless devices in your home, running non-stop, 24/7.
According to some sources, the most harmful effects of WiFi devices include neurodevelopmental effects, cancer, and reproductive issues.
How to protect yourself:
- Turn off your WiFi routers when you’re not using them.
- Avoid keeping routers in the bedroom or wherever you hang out the most.
- Consider getting a low-radiation WiFi router.
- Really consider whether you need that new wireless “smart” device.
Hidden Sources of EMF in Your Home
Now that you’re familiar with some of the better-known sources of EMF in your home and how to address them, let’s have a look at some that are largely hidden. These sources also emit significant levels of EMF radiation. And you can’t turn them off in most cases.
Electrical Wiring
The electrical wiring in your home produces electric fields that occupy around 5-8 feet of space around the wires. That’s also true for power lines and electric appliances.
Besides that, the electrical wiring in your home can also be a source of dirty electricity.
In fact, poorly designed electrical wiring can produce even higher levels of radiation than usual. You can check the EMF levels of different areas in your home using an EMF meter.
To do this, you’ll need a gauss meter that detects ELF-EMF or extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields.
Alert your electrician during his next visit to be on the lookout for high EMF levels.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Keep furniture away from your outlets. This is important because, according to the inverse square law of physics, the power of EMF weakens with distance. So, the further you are, the safer you’ll be.
- Stay away from obvious EMF hotspots, like fuse boxes.
- Turn off your lights and appliances when you’re not using them. And no leaving things like your phone chargers dangling on the switched-on outlet. Turn off the switch as soon as you’re done charging.
- And finally, ensure any extension cords you have don’t loop across each other.
Dimmer Switches
Dimmer switches, more than regular light switches, are EMF hotspots. Why?
When you’re dimming light with a dimmer switch, the part of the electrical current that isn’t being used is transmitted as EMF radiation.
That means dimmer switches in your home constantly emit unnecessary amounts of EMF radiation.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Avoid installing dimmer switches.
- Replace dimmer switches with regular on/off switches. If you like low lighting in the evening, get a low-powered bulb, also commonly known as a zero-power bulb.
Plumbing
Not many people know that plumbing gives off EMF radiation, too.
See, most homes are built with metal water pipes that lie underground. If a source of EMF is nearby, such as a power line, the metal pipes can conduct the electricity given off by that source.
Because of that, metal pipes can become sources of EMF radiation themselves.
How to protect yourself:
- Ensure power lines around your home aren’t poorly grounded. Refer any electrical complaints such as these to your local government.
- Consult a certified electrician to check your electrical grounding and ensure they’re up to the NEC (National Electrical Code).
Radiant Electrical Heating
Radiant electrical heating — like the kind you install underneath your bathroom or kitchen floor — is a major source of EMF radiation.
First, an electrical heating mat is laid on the subfloor, then a heat-resistant plastic is placed over it before the tiles are installed. Electrical current powers the heating process while it gives off EMF radiation.
Some sources speculate whether radiant electrical heating can be related to cancer rates. Not only is it costly, but radiant electrical heating is also harmful to your health.
How to protect yourself:
- Avoid installing radiant electrical heating. And if you already have it installed, just turn it off.
Your Neighbor
This one may come as a surprise, but it makes complete sense when you think about it. If you live in close proximity with other people, chances are their EMF radiation enters your home, too. Their WiFi networks, their smart tech, their power meters… EMF travels, so your neighbors’ EMF emissions surround you.
People living in apartments have a greater chance of being affected by the radiation produced by others nearby.
Unless you live in an EMF-free zone, you’re probably exposed to your neighbor’s EMF.
How to protect yourself:
- This one is harder to address. While you can control your home environment, you can’t control your neighbor’s. You can try to find neighborhoods to live in with houses spread far apart. And if that doesn’t work, you should take some EMF measurements to see how significant a problem it might be before determining a plan of action.
EMF Shielding Products
Besides following the tips mentioned above, you can also utilize EMF shielding products to shield EMFs from some of these sources.
The powerful EMF shielding products at SYB, designed with SaferBody™ technology, shield and deflects 95-99% of EMFs away from your body.
Visit the SYB store and browse from our extensive catalog to get EMF shielding products that best fit your needs.
Final Thoughts
EMF isn’t a bad thing. Yes, you read that right. Though it has adverse health effects, the solution isn’t to condemn it. It’s only because of EMF and EMF-emitting technology that we’re able to enjoy the level of convenience we have today.
So, what should you do? Build a healthier relationship with technology.
This way, you can enjoy the convenience of modern technology and protect yourself and your loved ones from its effects.
And how do you do that?
Well, let the experts tell you. The Healthier Tech Podcast features a range of experts from different industries sharing tips on how we can live safer, healthier lives alongside modern technology.
It’s available on all major platforms, so give it a listen.
