Electromagnetic fields (EMFs): Tips for a healthier home
Did you know?
Are electromagnetic fields dangerous and harmful to human health?
This topic has become more of a concern as we become reliant on and surrounded by electrical devices in our daily lives.
Let’s dig in and learn some more about EMFs so you can make the best decisions for yourself, your family and your home.
What are EMF’s?
EMFs, Electromagnetic Fields, are invisible energy waves produced in all areas where electrical energy is required and live.
You might already be familiar with this term concerning larger sale systems, like mobile telephone towers and wi-fi masts/antennas, but our homes have become a hotbed for EMFs.
From your heating systems to your bedside lamp, everything that uses electricity to function creates its own EMF.
Where do EMFs come from in the home?
Up until the last few decades, our homes were at little risk for damaging levels of electromagnetic fields but, with the rise in our reliance on technology, this has changed.
Here are some sources of EMFs in your home.
- Microwave ovens
- Baby monitors
- Induction cooking hobs
- Laptops
- Smart devices
- Smart meters
- Ungrounded electronics – TVs, mobile phones, and electronic devices used close to the body
- Cordless house phone
- Electrical wiring
- Under-floor heating
- Electric blankets
- Bedside lamp
- Infra-red heaters and saunas
- Hair dryers
- Games consoles
- Wireless headphones
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Printers
- Electric panels, power boxes and outlets
This is just a selection of the items in your home that will be emitting EMFs. It is important to know that not all EMF levels are damaging but they might not be helpful either.
It is interesting exercise to count the number of items in your home that contribute to the EMF exposure you and your family experience.
What Are The Different Types of EMFs?
Although all electromagnetic fields produce some level of radiation, they are divided into two main groups. One is believed to be less harmful to human health and the other can potentially cause serious cellular and DNA damage. They are called non-ionising EMFs and ionising EMFs.
Non-Ionising EMFs
Non-ionising EMFs have long wavelengths but low frequencies. Some believe these EMFs are harmless to the human body but others disagree. Many studies have been conducted, specifically trying to discover any connection between cancer and the presence of non-ionising EMFs. Questions have been raised about who funds many of these studies and what information can be trusted. In the broader community, it would seem the majority of people are unconcerned but a growing group of people believe daily EMF overexposure is a concern.
Here are some examples of non-ionising EMFs:
- Microwaves
- Power lines
- Electrical wiring
- Radio & television signals
- WiFi
- MRI Devices
- Portable wireless devices – mobile phones, laptops, televisions etc
It is important to note that electromagnetic fields can be found in natural and man-made forms, such as the Earth’s natural magnetic field (the phenomenon that guides your compass).
Ionising EMFs
Fields of ionising EMFs, or radiation, are considered very harmful to human health, negatively affecting us on a biological level.
These electromagnetic fields can remove electrons from atoms, including those that contain water or living tissue, breaking chemical bonds and causing unstable atoms to become present. You may be more familiar with the term free radicals, this is a more common term for unstable atoms that cause oxidative damage in the body.
Here are some examples of ionising EMFs:
- Gamma rays
- X-rays
Electromagnetic fields and health: How EMFs may affect the human body
Despite the majority of EMFs you come into contact with being non-ionising electromagnetic fields, there’s rising concern that, as we rely more and more on electronics and radiation-emitting devices in our daily lives, these previously thought of as harmless EMFs may begin to harm our health.
It’s no secret that high levels of ionising radiation (EMFs) can have serious health consequences like cancer, impaired organ function, fertility issues, brain damage, and even death.
However, there is study data that indicates that lower-level non-ionising EMFs may be the cause of acute health issues that many of us may be putting down to bad diet, lack of sleep, or just getting older.
Studies have shown that radiofrequency radiation (RF) may be a possible human carcinogen with evidence suggesting that exposure could increase the risk of glioma and acoustic neuroma but whether electromagnetic waves can cause cancer is still a matter for debate.
While the scientific evidence surrounding the health effects of EMF exposure on the human body may not be conclusive, there are suggestions that they may produce symptoms such as:
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia)
- Headaches
- Depression
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Lack of concentration
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Nausea
- Skin burning
- Loss of appetite
Choosing to reduce your exposure to EMFs may alleviate some of these symptoms and it’s never a bad thing to pre-emptively protect yourself as new evidence may appear over time. They say it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS)
Although most people will move through our technological world with few known issues related to EMF exposure, there are a few who seem to experience symptoms that range from acute to life-debilitating.
These diverse and non-specific symptoms are often referred to as electromagnetic hypersensitivity.
Some are convinced about EHS and others are sceptical. This ‘allergy’ to electricity can feel very real to sufferers and more research needs to be done. There isn’t much scientific evidence to currently back up EHS, which is the reason it is yet to be recognised as a medical diagnosis but more research and study is needed.
8 tips to reduce EMFs in the home
Reducing your EMF exposure in your home is relatively easy. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend purchasing an EMF meter to discover what electronics in your home may be producing more disruptive fields.
1. Switch off and unplug
Not only will this tip help reduce your electricity bill, it will have a significant impact on your EMF exposure.
Any devices or items that are powered by electricity, and aren’t in use, switch them off and unplug them from your outlets. A good example would be to unplug chargers for electronic devices like laptops and smartphones when they are not actively charging.
2. Turn your Wi-Fi off
If you aren’t using your Wi-Fi system switch your Wi-Fi box off. Especially at night time when you are sleeping, your Wi-Fi emits a fairly strong EMF and there is no point in having it ticking live when it’s not in use.
Not only will this dramatically cut your EMF exposure but, during the night, this simple act of switching off can give your parasympathetic nervous system a well-deserved break.
3. Rethink your mobile phone usage
The only device you will have in your hands longer than a book, your phone is constantly emitting EMFs. If you want to reduce your exposure, this is an excellent place to start.
Not only should you reduce the amount of time your phone is in your hands and used every day (great for your mental health too), but you can choose to use your speaker for calls instead of raising it to your ear every time.
Hands-free listening devices, like earbuds, may help protect you but we recommend choosing corded earphones over Bluetooth devices if using your speaker isn’t reasonable.
4. Keep a distance from devices and power sources
Maintain a safe distance away from electronic devices and power sources especially when your sleeping. Keep laptops and tablets away from the body.
5. Bring nature indoors
Although spending time in nature is a great way to ground yourself and undo any possible EMF exposure symptoms, you can also bring nature into your home too.
Plants not only help to purify the air in your home, but they may help to absorb EMF radiation too.
Some plants are better than others with cactus, aloe, peace lily, succulents, snake plant, spider plant, and the stone lotus flower being popular in the homes of people trying to reduce their EMF exposure.
6. Choose low-EMF appliances
When purchasing new appliances, consider ones with lower EMF emissions. The more energy-efficient appliances tend to generate fewer EMFs.
7. Minimise the use of smart home devices
Limit the use of smart home devices that continuously emit wireless signals. If using this type of technology it’s better to choose devices that can be wired or have low-power options.
8. Professional EMF assessment
Get an EMF test conducted at your home by a qualified building biologist.
EMF testing for your home is available
Thankfully it has become easier than ever to understand the level of EMF exposure you experience in your home.
Professionals, like building biologists and EMF technicians, are experts at uncovering how electromagnetic fields may be running in your home, if they could potentially be causing any health issues and make suggestions on how to make improvements.
If you would like guidance from one of these experts, the Australasian Society of Building Biologists has a list of certified specialists they recommend.