Common Sense Approaches To Electromagnetic Field Radiation Effects At Home

You might not think much about the invisible forces surrounding you, but electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation is a constant presence in your home. Every time you use your smartphone, turn on your Wi-Fi, or switch on a microwave, you’re interacting with electromagnetic fields.

Increasingly, those of us in the home environmental health field recognize the ways this radiation impacts your health. Let’s see what is known about EMF radiation, and determine what you can do to reduce potential risks.

Understanding EMF Radiation

Electromagnetic fields are generated by “live” electrical wires, wireless communicating devices, and electric motors. They fall into two categories: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation, like X-rays, has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms. This can damage DNA and increase cancer risk. Fortunately, EMF from household devices is non-ionizing, meaning it doesn’t have enough energy to ionize atoms or directly damage DNA.

However, this doesn’t mean EMF radiation is without effects in our everyday lives. Research on non-ionizing radiation, particularly from sources like cell phones and Wi-Fi routers, suggests these also have health implications. Some studies indicate that prolonged exposure could be linked to sleep disturbances, headaches, and even an increased risk of certain cancers. Though some of the evidence is not extensive enough to be considered conclusive, there’s enough to suggest that taking simple, preventative measures can be wise.

EMF Health Impacts in Your Home

These days, EMF radiation screening is a standard part of every healthy home exam my team and I conduct. It’s one of the ways we exceed the federal standards for home healthiness. Why? Because even if the science is spotty, our training and experience tell us that EMF impacts your health in your home.

Here are some of the health impacts we most often hear from AHH clients about EMFs.

Sleep Quality: Many families report that EMF radiation from Wi-Fi routers and smartphones can interfere with their sleep.

One of our environmental home health technicians, Bridget Miller, learned about EMF at an event conducted by the Building Biology Institute.

“I began sleeping with my cellphone off and away from my nightstand,” she says. “Within two weeks, I noticed that I wasn’t waking up with a dull headache anymore.”

Some experts believe that constant exposure to these fields disrupts melatonin production, a hormone crucial for sleep.

One AHH exam revealed that “white noise machines” were the source of high magnetic fields in several children’s rooms due to being placed near the bed. These readings were high when the device was about three feet away from where they lay their heads.

“Moving these 6-10 feet away from the bed reduced the fields to an acceptable level,” says Miller.

You might notice that you sleep more soundly with the added distance between your body and such devices while you sleep. Better yet, totally power them down for the night.

Headaches and Fatigue: If you often experience unexplained headaches or feel tired, EMF exposure could be a contributing factor. Reduce your exposure by keeping devices at a distance and using speaker mode during calls. Simple changes like these may help alleviate symptoms.

Long-Term Risks: The long-term health risks associated with EMF radiation are still being studied. Current evidence suggests links between EMF exposure and neurological, behavioral, gastrointestinal, circulatory, and immune system disorders.

For example, one of our clients experienced an increase in his multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms after moving into his home. Upon inspection, we noted very high magnetic fields in half of the home– the half that he spent most of his time in. Ultimately, we found that old wiring was causing the issues.

Experiences like these mean that we suggest taking simple precautions anyway – especially if you’re concerned about potential risks to your health.

Four Simple Ways To Reduce EMF Exposure

Distance: One of the simplest ways to reduce your EMF exposure is to keep devices away from your body. For instance, use speakerphone or headphones when talking on your cell phone, and keep your phone away from your bed at night.
Turn Off Devices: When not in use, consider turning off Wi-Fi routers and other electronic devices to minimize unnecessary EMF exposure. This can also be beneficial for your overall health and sleep quality.
Use an EMF Monitor: Several types are available. Using an EMF monitor is as easy as using a digital thermometer. “Seeing” EMF levels that emanate from your devices empowers you to make easy, effective adjustments and greatly reduce your exposure to EMF pollution.

In some homes, electronic baby monitors or smart cameras are the greatest source of EMRs.

While the full extent of EMF radiation’s impact on health is still being researched, being mindful of your exposure is a practical, common sense approach. By understanding how EMF radiation affects you, and taking simple steps to reduce it, you can create a healthier home environment. If you’re interested in learning more, get in touch. We can do virtual consults too.