EMFs: The Basics
You’ve heard of EMFs and that you need to be aware of you and your family’s exposure to EMFs, buy you’re not totally sure what they are.
No problem, we’ll walk you through it.
Most simply, EMFs, or Electromagnetic fields, are invisible waves of energy or radiation.
EMFs occur naturally and from man-made sources.
Natural sources of EMFs include light from the sun and the earth’s magnetic field.
Examples of man-made EMFs are magnetic fields from overhead power lines, electric fields from a home’s electrical wiring and the radio frequency fields from cell phones, wi-fi routers and cell towers.
Why You Should Be Aware of EMFs: The Possible Health Effects
The health effects of EMFs are a topic of ongoing research and debate, some studies suggest that prolonged exposure to low-level non-ionizing radiation (the types of man-made EMFs discussed above) may cause health issues such as headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
One highly publicized governmental study showed an increased risk of specialized cancer in mice when subjected to high RF exposure.
On the other hand, exposure to ionizing radiation is known to be harmful and can cause tissue damage, DNA mutations, and an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, minimizing exposure to ionizing radiation sources is essential.
Reducing EMF Exposure: Taking the First Step
To minimize potential risks from EMF exposure, there’s a lot of very easy steps you can take to significantly lower your risk. We have more in-depth articles on our website, but below are some examples:
- Maintain a safe distance from high EMF sources (e.g., avoid standing close to operating microwave ovens, power lines, and electrical transformers)
- Use speakerphone or wired headsets when using cell phones to keep the device away from your head
- Turn off Wi-Fi routers and devices when not in use, especially at night
- Opt for wired connections (e.g., Ethernet) over wireless ones whenever possible
- Use EMF shielding products, such as specialized cases and screen protectors for electronic devices, if concerned about exposure
The Next Steps
Reducing your family’s EMF exposure isn’t a remarkably difficult process. Visit our homepage and go over our guides and articles and you’ll be well on your way to a lower EMF home environment.