EMF 101: Everything You Need to Know About EMF Radiation
We are more digitally connected in today’s world than ever before. We use devices and apps to stay up to date and productive throughout the day, but at what cost?
Not only are we becoming more dependent and addicted to technology as a society. But we are also causing harm to our bodies and others around us from the exposure to EMF radiation.
Let’s talk about the basics of EMF’s, what they are, how they cause harm, and how to protect yourself and your family from their negative effects.
What are EMFs?
What are EMFs? EMF stands for “electromagnetic field”. EMFs are invisible ranges of radiation that come from Wi-Fi towers, power lines, and electronic devices (just to name a few).
Types of EMF Exposure
There are two levels of EMF exposure, Low-level radiation, and High-level radiation and then there are four ways EMFs are categorized, Electric Feild, Radio Frequency, Magnetic Feild, and Dirty Electricity.
Low-level radiation, also called non-ionizing radiation, is milder than high-level radiation however it can still cause significant harm to humans. Appliances like cellphones, Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, as well as power lines and MRIs, send out low-level radiation.
High-level radiation, also called ionizing radiation is sent out in the form of ultraviolet rays. Examples of High-level radiation are X-ray machines, and believe it or not the Sun.
EMF Categories
Electric Feild
Electric field is created by differences in voltage. The higher the voltage, the stronger will be the resultant field. This will exist even when there is no current flowing.
Some sources of the electric field are power strips, extension cords, electrical appliances, household electrical wiring, cords and charging stations.
Radio Frequency
Radio frequency, also known as the RF fields are made up of electromagnetic waves, or radiation, which is the radio signal.
Some sources of radio frequency are smartphones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth devices, electric vehicles, baby monitors, microwave ovens, cordless phones, and LTE/3G/4G/5G cell networks.
Magnetic Feild
Magnetic field is created when electric current flows, the greater the current, the stronger the magnetic field.
Some sources of the magnetic field are cell towers, electric clock radios, power meters, electrical panels, high voltage power lines, and electric vehicles.
Dirty Electricity
Dirty electricity is leftover electricity that was not utilized due to the fact that modern electronics alter the electricity they receive from the wiring in a home. The electricity then sits in your wiring, emitting large amounts of EMF radiation.
Sources include electrical wiring, smart appliances, household dimmer switches, fluorescent lightbulbs, and solar panels.
What are the Dangers of EMFs?
There are some pretty serious health concerns that are directly linked with EMF exposure.
- Negative reproductive effects such as reduced sperm count, motility, and infertility
- DNA damage
- Brain cancer (* hint *phone and Bluetooth headphones directly next to your head).
- Cognitive problems
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Malaise
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Brain Fog
- Headaches/ Migraines
- Tachycardia
- Digestive problems
- Asthma
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Cataracts
- Inflammation
- Joint pain
- Liver failure
- Nausea
- Stress
- Weakened immune system
What Can I Do to Protect Against EMFs?
1. Reduce Exposure to EMFs
Simple yet most effective, the best way to protect yourself against EMF radiation is to reduce exposure. Try not to use, or lower the use of devices that expose you to EMF radiation.
A few devices to use less frequently when possible:
- Cell phones
- Laptop
- Tablets
- Bluetooth in vehicles
- Wifi
- Microwave
- Bluetooth headphones
2. Invest in a Good EMF Reader
Having a quality EMF reader will not only let you know what devices in your home are emitting radiation but also how much they are emitting. They are simple to use and fairly inexpensive depending on what kind you purchase.
If you want more information about EMF readers, how to use them, which ones we recommend check out our post ranking the Best EMF readers of 2020 here.
3. Purchase EMF Protective Gear
There are many different kinds of EMF protection gear available. Here are a few that will greatly reduce your EMF exposure.
Make sure you do a little research before purchasing EMF protection gear as unfortunately there are definitely a few brands that are a scam and will not protect you from EMF radiation. Better yet purchase an EMF reader and then check the product’s effectiveness yourself.
-EMF Protection Blanket
EMF protection blankets are a great, versatile way to protect yourself against EMF radiation. Our favorite EMF protection blanket is from DefenderSheild, check it out here.
EMF protection blankets are a personal favorite product of mine. When I was pregnant I would place the blanket on my belly while flying or using my handheld devices to protect my baby from unecsseary exposure.
-Airtube Headphones
Airtube Headphones are the perfect purchase for those who are on their phones frequently. They help reduce EMF exposure while you are listening to your device or making a phone call.
Our favorite air tube headphones can be found here
Looking for more details on Airtube headphones? Check out our post here for the top 10 air tube headphones of 2019.
-EMF Protection Cell phone Case
In addition to your air tube headphones, an EMF protection cell phone case is a must. If you want to lower your exposure but still want to use a cell phone purchasing a case will help you out greatly.
One of our favorite EMF protection cell phone cases can be found here.
-EMF Protection Laptop Case
Although an EMF protection blanket can easily be used instead of a laptop case, some sort of protection while using a laptop is necessary.
We love the Safe Sleeve laptop case that can be found here.
-EMF Protection Tablet Case
When using your tablet device often times it is resting on your lap which is allowing EMF radiation to have direct contact with your body.
Our favorite tablet (also works for Ipad) case is this one here by DefednerSheild.
-EMF Protection Jewelry
A fun way to protect yourself from EMF radiation daily is through wearing EMF protection jewelry.
Check out this beautiful EMF protection necklace from Ayuna Wellness here.
Or, take a look at our full article on the best EMF protection necklaces.
-EMF Protection Paint
We love that there are amazing options like EMF protection paint. We recommend this protection paint on walls that are facing smart meters, or other outdoor radiation sources.
Try EMR Shielding Solutions EMF Shielding Paint here.
-EMF Protection Clothing
There are many great EMF protection clothing available today. If you are someone who has constant exposure to EMF radiation this is a great protection method for you.
One of our favorite EMF protection clothing options is this tank top simply wear it underneath any of your other clothing to protect your upper body.
There are also hats, sweatshirts, underwear, and more.
-EMF Protection Stickers
Another great and inexpensive protection route is to use EMF protection stickers.
Simply place the stickers on any device that emits EMF radiation to help lower your exposure. One of our favorite stickers can be found here.
4. Add Distance Between you and EMFs
As we double the distance from a source of radiation, we are quartering our exposure. Although this isn’t always possible, adding distance is one of the best ways to reduce EMF radiation exposure.
One helpful tip is to relocate devices like Wifi router to lower traffic parts of your home.
5. Turn Off EMF Emitting Devices When Not in Use
Another simple way to protect you and your family from EMF radiation is by turning off your devices when they are not in use.
Simply turn your phone, computer, and wifi off at night to help lower your unnecessary EMF radiation exposure.
You can also turn these devices to airplane mode if you do not want to shut it all the way off.
Another idea is to download movies or shows you may want to watch on your phone or tablet so it can be watched offline. Then turn your device on airplane mode and watch, this will lower the amount of EMF radiation from your device by a lot!
6. Add More Plants to Your Living Space
Add more plants to your home, like spider plants, cactus, snake plants, aloe vera, and peace lilies. These are all great plants to help absorb radiation.
Want more details on how plants can help purify your air? We have talked about this more in our Low EMF Air-Purifiers post you can check out here.
7. Opt-out of Unneccary X-rays
We get it, sometimes you have to get scans done for medical purposed but, whenever possible opt-out of x-rays and various other kinds of radiation producing scans.
-While traveling via airplane there are other options besides getting x-rayed such as a pat-down. All you have to do is say you are opting out and they will take care of the rest.
-Instead of that yearly x-ray at the dentist request that you do them every other year, or if you don’t have a history of cavities simply opt-out altogether.
-Request ultrasound instead of a mammogram when looking for breast cancer.
EMF 101 Final Thoughts
We hope you now have a better understanding of what EMFs are and how you can protect yourself and others.
EMF radiation is impossible to avoid but there are many great options to limit and lower your exposure. Interested in a specific topic? Comment below and browse the rest of our education section for more articles on EMFs.
