Most of us now know about electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic radiations, or at least have heard about the terms even if we don’t know their exact meanings or impact. However, the sooner we know more about these, the better it is for our health. Did you know, the International Agency for Research on Cancer considers electromagnetic fields created by cell phones as possibly carcinogenic for humans? Even if you do, are you aware of the various electromagnetic radiation sources that exist right inside your house? Although manufacturers use standard electromagnetic interference shielding mechanisms, we cannot afford to stay oblivious of the potentially harmful sources that surround us. Let’s take a look at what these devices are and how you can protect yourself from them:
Smartphones and Cell Phones
Let’s face it – a ‘no cell phone’ policy is virtually impossible to implement in your home However, you should try your best to limit the usage of cell phones indoors. Whenever you are not using the device, switch it off. Whenever possible, look for other alternatives such as calling someone up using the landline instead of your cell phone.
Bluetooth Devices, Wi-Fi Routers, and Wireless Modems
The most common source of RF (radio frequency) in your home is electronic devices using a wireless connection. This is why you need to limit their use as much as possible. Use the Ethernet to connect to the Internet, and also switch the Wi-Fi mode on and off as per your convenience. However, if a wired modem does not suffice your needs, then you should try and switch them on only when required. It is very important that you place the Wi-Fi device outside any living spaces in your home, such as the office and the bedroom. Placing Wi-Fi routers in a secure portion of your house will ensure that you still get full Internet connectivity without causing much harm to your health. Remember, the further away you place them from your family, the better it is for their eventual well-being.
If you wish to measure the amount of electromagnetic interference in your home, you can use an RF meter. This will also give you a better idea about the kind of health threats that they present.
PCs and TVs
If you’re using one of the older monitor models, it’s time for an upgrade. These cathode-ray products produce the greatest amount of EMF, and so it is imperative you switch to a flat screen TV and monitor as soon as possible. These products emit a lot less electromagnetic pollution. It is best if you can keep your TVs and computers switched off, and unplug the devices while they’re not in use. Not only does this help conserve energy, but also limits the level of EMF within your home environment. Your health becomes a lot more vulnerable if you have these products kept in your bedroom. Keep in mind that simply turning off such electronic products has no effect on the AC electric fields. When plugged in, electrical devices still give off EMF even when they are turned off.
Smart Meters
Smart meters are installed by utility companies for measuring the water, electricity, and gas consumption in your home. These meters relay all the relevant information to the utility company with the help of an RF transmitter. Smart meters are said to give off 160 times more EMF than smartphones, which proves just how hazardous these are to your health.
Having one of these in your property is a risk. Replace it by getting in touch with the power company or get an analog meter instead. If these options are not possible to follow through, you need to come up with suitable measures to shield your meter. Following are a few things that you must keep in mind:
- You can use a smart meter guard that effectively blocks out any EMF emissions. This is an easy solution as the guard just slips over your meter. However, complete effectiveness is impossible with this type of shielding and some leakage does occur.
- Always place shielding on the wall behind your home’s smart meter so that the radiation does not penetrate the home. Using shielding paint is one way to do this.
- Faraday canopies are available in the market. These are uniquely designed nets that can be placed over your bed to provide sufficient amount of protection to the sleeping area. One of the most important benefits of this type of product is that it enables you to benefit from near-complete shielding. However, on the flipside, these canopies are quite expensive.
Microwave Ovens
A microwave oven might seem like an indispensable appliance in your kitchen, but it does more harm than good. For starters, when you cook using a microwave, the device releases free radicals that cause a loss of antioxidants from the dishes. Thus, a vital chunk of nutrients is eliminated entirely. That’s not all – microwave ovens release a huge amount of electromagnetic radiation emissions into your home while in use. This is why it’s not only redundant but potentially dangerous to use microwaves.
Cordless Phones and Baby Monitors
When it comes to EMF, cordless phones might be worse than cell phones and Wi-Fi. This is because they keep on releasing electromagnetic radiation non-stop. This is why you should replace your cordless phones with normal corded landlines as soon as you can. However, if a cordless phone is an absolute necessity, make sure you go for a low EMF variety. These models release EMF only when they are in use.
Another dangerous object in your home is baby monitors. In fact, they are the worst of the lot since they produce pulsed electromagnetic radiation directly into your child’s bedroom. Babies are a lot less resistant to EMF, which makes the effects of baby monitors all the more pronounced. As an alternative, you can start using webcams linked to the Ethernet or the analog baby monitors.
Your home contains as many EMF threats as the outside world. To ensure that your health is not affected, proper electromagnetic interference shielding is a must in your home. There are different ways to deal with different devices, and you should adopt as many of these measures as you can to provide the best protection for you and your family.
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