An EMF protection guide explains how to identify, measure, and minimize exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from electronic devices. While scientific research on the health effects of everyday EMF exposure is ongoing, many people use EMF protection as a precautionary measure.
Detecting EMFs
Since EMFs are invisible, you must use a device to measure them. Different types of detectors are designed to measure different kinds of EMF.
Types of EMFs
- Electric fields (EF): Caused by voltage, these fields exist around a wire even when a device is turned off. They are found near electrical wiring, outlets, and light fixtures.
- Magnetic fields (MF): Created by the flow of current (when a device is on). Sources include power lines, appliances, and smart meters.
- Radiofrequency (RF) radiation: Generated by wireless technology. This includes devices like Wi-Fi routers, cell phones, smart devices, and Bluetooth accessories.
How to use an EMF detector
- Establish a baseline: Walk around your home or office to find the background level of EMFs.
- Measure and locate sources: Slowly move the meter around electronic devices and electrical wiring to identify “hot spots.” Remember to hold the meter away from your body, as your body can concentrate the fields.
- Investigate spikes: Note any significant spikes in readings. If the levels are high, try to rule out common electronic items as the cause before concluding it is from a less obvious source.
Methods for protection and reduction.
- Once you have identified the sources of EMFs, you can use several strategies to reduce exposure.
- Increase your distance
- The intensity of EMF exposure rapidly decreases as your distance from the source increases. This is one of the most effective methods of protection.
- Cell phones: Use speakerphone or wired earbuds to keep the device away from your head during calls.
- Laptops: Work with your laptop on a table, not on your lap.
- Wi-Fi routers: Place the router in a low-traffic area, far from living spaces like bedrooms.
Limit your usage
- Time on devices: Reduce the amount of time you spend using electronics, especially close to your body.
- “Airplane” mode: Put devices like phones and tablets in airplane mode when not using wireless functions.
- Sleep hygiene: Turn off or unplug your Wi-Fi router at night. Remove electronics from the bedroom to create an EMF-free sleeping zone.
Replace wireless devices with wired alternatives.
- Internet: Use an Ethernet cable for a wired internet connection instead of relying on Wi-Fi.
- Accessories: Swap Bluetooth headphones, wireless keyboards, and mice for corded versions.
- Cordless phones: Replace cordless landline phones with traditional corded models.
Use EMF shielding. Shielding involves creating a physical barrier to block or reduce EMFs.
- Protective cases and pads: Products like EMF-blocking phone cases and laptop pads are designed to reduce emissions from specific devices.
- Router guards: Special enclosures made of metal mesh can be placed over a wireless router to significantly attenuate the signal.
- Shielding fabrics and paint: Highly conductive materials like silver, copper, or nickel can be incorporated into fabrics or paints to block EMFs from entering a room.
- Faraday cages: A Faraday cage is a conductive enclosure used to block electrostatic and electromagnetic fields. While shielding a whole house is complex, many products utilize this principle on a smaller scale.
Source: ScienceDirect.com
Energy Protection Guide 