Principles of electrohygiene
Below are principles of electrohygiene. By following these principles, you can significantly reduce your exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). This list is continuously updated based on the new methods and findings in my research.
Electrohygiene means a collection of choices that make up your exposure budget. Choices are those both made by you and collectively, within a family, work team or other collective. Following a proper electrohygiene is especially recommended for those considered EMF risk groups in the European Union – adolescents, pregnant women, as well as people with medical implants. I would also add here chronically ill people. Studies have shown, that from the point of view of reproductive functionality, it is worth to pay attention to how close you place a radiation source to your reproductive organs. For the sake of your intellectual abilities, especially for minors, it is worth to monitor the contact of electromagnetic fields with the head.
My principal advice is – the less electromagnetic fields, the better. There are’s a multitude of these fields around us, so it is wise to avoid them when and where possible. There are fields that are under your control, and you can stop these. There are fields outside of your control and often there’s little you can do to remove these. Usually, it comes down to the question, who is the owner or the user of the equipment, that creates EMFs and transmits these into the environment.
Principles for mitigating electromagnetic fields (EMFs)
Reducing electromagnetic fields should be done in the following order:
1) remove the source of EMFs or, if this is not possible,
2) move far enough away from the EMF source, or if this is not possible, then
3) shield/attenuate this EMF.
How to start?
First, find out the sources that give you chronic exposure –
more attention must be paid to permanent sources of electromagnetic fields, which are in your vicinity for a longer period of time (exposre for at least an hour per day). Electromagnetic field sources in places where you do not stay for a long time, do not have such a significant effect on people.
Secondly, find out which areas are affected by significant radiation intensity. The source of the electromagnetic field resides somewhere, but depending on it’s power and other characteristics, not all places are affected the same. Often the area impacted by the increased field is quite limited and mitigation measures are not necessary.
Precautionary guidelines for personal and collective electrohygiene
Mobile phones (microwaves)
Holding a mobile phone against the body results in high radiation exposure
Tests in French and Canadian laboratories show that mobile phones cause high levels of radiation to the user when used as they are normally used – held against the body. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) found that the radiation generated by mobile phones exceeded the maximum allowed by the government when using mobile phones held against the body: 👎in a pocket, 👎between a bra or 👎on a lap. Namely, mobile phone manufacturers test their products using scenarios where they are kept away from the body. In this way, radiation indicators are achieved that match the required limit values. If the mobile phone is placed against the body, the radiation hitting the human body multiplies and exceeds safety limits. Mobile phone manufacturers are aware of this, and in most cases the corresponding safety instructions are given only in “fine print” in the user manuals.
The problem is that most people are not aware that mobile phones should be kept away from the body. Many users carry their mobile phone in their trousers’ pocket, for example. Women can also put the mobile phone between the bra or wear it against the body between some other clothing items. It should also be taken into account that, tablets and laptops can use the same strong radiation emission, as the mobile phones, to communicate with a base station. Holding these devices in your lap will therefore exposre person’s lower body to elevated RF radiation. Genitals are particularly vulnerable to radio frequency electromagnetic fields.
Keep the mobile phone away from the body
A Bluetooth hands-free piece or the phone’s built-in hands-free function results in less exposure, than holding the phone next to your body. A regular wired hands-free might not be suitable because its cord can act as an antenna, further increasing the exposure. The closer the phone is to the body, the stronger the exposure. Mobile phone should not be carried in a pocket, but in a bag or at other place that does not have long-term contact with the body. It is especially important avoiding carrying a mobile phone in 👎trousers’ pocket (reproductive functionality). The mobile phone is at least 1m away from me; this applies even if the phone is in standby mode. At night, the distance should be at least 4m.
Keep cell phone calls short
Keep cell phone calls short – less than 3 minutes. Avoid 👎long calls and empty talk. The science suggests that the effects from radiofrequency radiation may accumulate over the years.
Turn off wireless data connections on your smartphone (MOBILDE DATA – OFF)
Mobile data includes regular data connection between the smartphone and the base station (cell tower). Apps that are constantly synchronizing data, are also constantly generating data traffic, hence create RF radiation. Every time a smartphone sends data, it emits radiation. Use mobile data only for short periods when really needed.
Avoid using mobile phones in weak signal reception areas
When in weak signal reception areas, meaning when the cell phone base station is far away, the phone needs to “shout” louder to be heard at the base station. This also means that the output radition from the phone will be orders of magnitudes higher. The further away the base station is, the stronger the radiation from the smartphone. When living or working in such areas and the use of phone, either for calling or data is needed, the following will lower the exposure.
1) Connect the phone to an external antenna that is installed outside. The external antenna connects to phone by a coaxial cable. When purchasing such an antenna, make sure to cover the frequencies that your phone is using. Also, see that your phone has a coaxial connector for external antenna. Often these connectors are visible when back cover is removed, located somewhere next to the battery. See connector example here. You may search for specific phones by keywords “cell phones with external antenna port”.
2) Use Bluetooth handsfree and stay away from active phone. Although Bluetooth handsfree also gives off microwaves, it is somewhat less in power.
3) When using smartphone to connect a computer to the Internet: Use at least 5m USB extension cable when connecting phone to a computer. This distances you from the active microwave radiation source.
Choose 4G over 2G or 3G
Newer mobile phone protocols, such as 4G are much smarter in establishing a connection between the phone and the base station. Newer protocols can therefore establish a good voice or data connection even at low power output levels, which makes the phone to output less radiation. This is why 👎2G (also called GSM) and 👎3G protocols (also called UMTS, HDSPA) make the phone to transmit much stronger RF EMFs than 4G and possibly 5G. 5G output levels are yet to be determined by proper studies. This is why using a newer phone is also a better than having an older model, which needs to “shout louder” for the base station to hear it.
WiFi (microwaves)
Prefer a wired network connection instead of wireless one
On the WIFI router, you can turn off the 👎WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) and hence switch off the radifrequencies emitted by the router. Connect your computer to the network via a wired connection i.e. with a LAN cable. The WLAN mode should also be turned off on laptop, as otherwise it will continue to radiate. The WIFI antenna on the computer is one of the most prominent sources of exposure nowadays, because the Internet is constantly in use and the computer is close to your body. Also, an external 4G/5G internet adapter, is like a constantly working mobile phone. Printers usually come with WiFi module active even when USB cable is used.
External WiFi adapter on an USB extension cable
In exceptional cases, such as when travelling, the use of WiFi is inevitable. A solution for these circuimstances might be an external WiFi adapter which is connected to the computer over an USB extension cable (three or more meters). This allows to locate the radiation source away from the body and reduce the exposure. The resulting exposure is still higher than using wired connection, but several orders of magnitude less than using computer’s built-in WiFi adapter.
Minimize your body’s contact with the laptop computer
The laptop computer should be on the table, and not 👎on the lap where it is close to the genitals and internal organs. A laptop generates a multitude of electromagnetic fields of different frequencies and strengths. To reduce your exposure even further, use a an external keyboard connected to your laptop by USB cable – in this way, the radiation source (laptop PC) is not constantly under your palms. An external keyboard is therefore much safer in terms of electromagnetic fields. Especially for pregnant women, it is recommended to avoid using a laptop/tablet on your lap to avoid risk to the development of the fetus.
Other wireless (microwaves)
Prefer Wired Technology over Wireless Technology
Devices can operate wirelessly by emitting radiowaves for radio communication between two or more devices. For example, wireless 👎computer keyboards, 👎mouse, 👎DECT phones etc. are using radiowaves to operate. Radio communication is also the source of electromagnetic field. This is an unnecessary exposure that could be easily avoided. However, some wireless devices use infrared link instead of radiowaves; such infrared emissions do not involve known risks.
Switch off wireless in smart devices
Nowadays many household appliences have a 👎WiFi or 👎Bluetooth modems built-in. Common housefold “smart” electronics include TVs, fridges, thermostat valves, speakers, light bulbs, plugs, door locks, security cameras, security system and its sensors, robotic vacuum cleaners, water leak detectors, air conditiong units, heating systems, ovens, coffe makers, cookers, weight scales. The exposure may take place even when wireless function is not used and users are unaware of the device emitting wireless signals. Sometimes these wireless connections can be turned off, but sometimes these can’t be turned off. It is advised to use wired connections only and to turn off the wireless links. When buying hosehold electronics, choose a model which allows turning off the wireless.
Bluetooth also emits RF radiation
It is worth considering that 👎Bluetooth handsfrees also emit radio frequency radiation, but its power is about 20 times lower than that of a mobile phone. Bluetooth devices also send out a beacon signal, when in standby mode. That is why charged and switched on Bluetooth devices, either connected to the phone or not, create continuous exposure. The same applies to the Bluetooth handsfree of the car. If you want to use Bluetooth handsfree, know that the handsfree placed in your ear does emit less radiation, but it’s still an exposure. Nowadays Bluetooth is used in 👎wireless headsets/headphones, 👎 wireless computer keyboards, mouse etc.
Prefer a landline phone to a mobile phone
A regular landline (wired) phone does not generate radiofrequency electromagnetic fields like 👎a mobile phone. That’s why you can talk on it longer, without worring about depleting battery. Of course, such landline phone, that doesn’t create radiowaves, needs to be with a wired handpiece and not 👎a wireless phone (DECT phone). A DECT phone base station (cradle) and hand piece both emit rafiofrequencies, that could be even higher than those of a mobile phone. DECT phone’s base station emits a noteable RF field even when noone is talking – the RF radiation is constantly on.
Other microwaves
Minimize the use of the microwave ovens
If the 👎microwave oven is in use, stay at least 4m away from it, or better yet, leave the room; the radiation can reach to 10m. Even a properly functioning microwave oven can generate a strong radiofrequency electromagnetic field; However, “leaking” microwave ovens are even more dangerous. According to some researchers, there is no such microwave oven that does not leak microwaves.
Faraday gage
Living or sleeping in a Faraday gage should be the last resort. Electromagnetic hygiene should always first focus on fixing the problem at the source. However, in cases where this is not possible, Faraday gage may screen the incoming microwaves and millimeter waves. Faraday gage means an enclosure that is covered with conductive material. The enclosure may be a house, an apartment, a room or even a bed (canopy). The conductive covering may be a conductive paint, metal sheets or a conductive fabric. Faraday gage is not a recommended option at all, because it takes skill to build it effectively. Often, a Faraday gage may make things worse, because when poorly built, it is ineffective in screening out incoming microwaves and when ungrounded, it will start to amplify electric fields, hence increasing the exposure. Also, microwaves generated within Faraday gage will remain inside the gage potentially amplifying humans’ exposure many orders of magnitude.
Grounding to the mains ground wire technically connects to the utility neutral wire, because the ground and neutral are bonded in the switchbox. Even grounding directly into the earth can result in getting more current due to the AC ground currents flowing in the earth.
Power frequency electric fields
Distance from electric wires and electrical appliances
Set your workplace, resting place (sofa), sleeping place, etc., as far away from 👎electrical wires as possible. Although the strength of the magnetic field generated by each electric wire and device depends on the consumed load, in most cases 2m is enough. It is worth pointing out that the wires should be as far away from the human body as possible, this includes all electric wires, including those inside the wall and on the floor. When renovating a house or building a new one, you can choose not to bring electric wires to the above-mentioned places and avoid excessive exposure. It is definitely worth while avoiding wires in the wall or in the floor close to beds.
Choose a laptop model that emits low levels of electric fields
Many laptop and tablet PC models have really 👎poor electrical design, as the manufacturer has skipped some important electronic parts, to save costs. Such laptop PCs generate significant amounts of electric fields, and should be avoided. This elevated electric field can also extend to and radiate from the external wired mouse, external wired keyboard and other peripheral devices connected to the computer by wire. Other laptop PC models that are with proper electrical design, do not emit these electric fields, since the laptop’s casing is properly grounded. Often, a giveaway is the plug: – a power adapter with a 👎two-prong mains plug newer grounds the computer, hence exposing the user to elevated electric fields; – three-prong plugs sometimes indicate that the computer casing is shielded and there are no elevated electric fields. Sometimes, a three-prong plug still does not shield the computer from electric fields as the manufacturer decided to go with a cheaper electrical design.
Prefer electrical equipment with shielded housing
Electrical equipment that has a metal housing and when this housing is properly connected to a agrounded earth connector (standard three prong plug) emits less electric fields than, for example, equipment with a plastic housing. For example, instead of a standard extension cord, use a special extension cord with a shielded housing. The afore mentioned is important when this equipment is close to humans (<3m),
Unplug electronics that is not in use
Modern devices mostly work through a power adapter that generates EMFs. The adapter can be inside or outside the device case. By unplugging the device from power socket, the adapters will no longer emit EMFs. It is advisable also to check the emissions of all household adapters / power supplies, because outdated or broken adapters can generate a significant electromagnetic field. It is worth avoiding cheap, 👎low-quality (often Chinese) adapters, because these often do not have EMI (electromagnetic interference) filters.
Tidy up loose electrical wires
The fewer wires on the floor and elsewhere, the better. The wider the area covered by electric wires, the wider the effect on the electric and magnetic fields these create.
Table and floor lamps can be significant sources of electric fields
Table lamps and floor lamps with an 👎ungrounded metal body are electric field emitters. All ungorunded metal around electric wires will retransmit electrid fields, making these effectivelt sources of power frequency electric field. Choose a lamp with a grounded metal body/housing. This means that the lamp has a three prong plug, where the manufacturer has connected the metal body to the grounding connector.
Unplug electrical equipment in the bedrooms (atleast for night)
A human being is most affected by electromagnetic fields while sleeping. Even when in stand-by mode, an electrical device produces EMFs. A device that is turned OFF, produces much less EMFs. However, EMF is not produced at all by the device when the power cord is unplugged. 👎Alarm clocks that are powered by mains power, are constant sources of EMFs.
Greater attention to toddler beds
The younger the child, the greater the influence of the environment on the development of the organism. A strong electromagnetic field can cause deviations in the development of the organism. Pay attention that the toddler’s bed is not against a wall that has 👎electric cables running through it close to the bed (min distance should be 0.7m). All electric wiring should be accounted for, as these create both electric and magnetic fields. Electric cables with greater load generate even stronger magnetic fields. Also, make sure that there are no devices that generate a strong magnetic field or microwaves on the other side of the wall.
Electrical appliance may radiate electric fields even when turned off
When the 👎switch is on neutral cable (N) and not on line cable (L), the appliance and the power cable will still radiate electric fields as the cables and circuitry are energized (under voltage). These devices are with simple electric circuits (with a mechanical ON/OFF switch), e.g. a table lamp. Make sure you plug in the device into the socket in the correct way – so that the switch is on the line wire (L), not on the neutral wire (N). In the latter case, even if the device is not switched on, the circuitry is still live, and the entire circuit is energized, emitting electric fields. To check out, which way is the correct way of plugging, a non-contact voltage indicator is needed, which shows whether the device and wires are live or not.
Instead of metal framed bed choose wooden frame, instead of metal spring mattress choose foam mattress
Everything made of metal attracts electric fields, hence increasing the exposure of humans. As 👎the metal frame of the bed and 👎metal springs of mattress are very close to human body, the higher is also the exposure to electric fields. Besides 1) power frequency electric fields, metal in bed also increases exposure to 2) power frequency magnetic fields and 3) Earth’s magnetic fields. Sleeping places should have no exessive electromagnetic fields, because this is where humans rest, recover and where the body heals itself. This is only possible if the environment is free of pollutants, including EMFs. Prefer non-metalic bed, such as wood-framed bed. Instead of metal spring mattress use foam matress. When travelling, as a temporary measure, one can use conductive cloth, that put under the sheet and on top of the mattress, and when grounded, can eliminate the elevated electric fields from the mattress. This solutions does nothing however against the power frequency magnetic field and Earth’s magnetic field microanomalies.
Dirty electricity (intermediate frequency electromagnetic fields)
Use classical table lamps instead of table lamps which have power adapters
A classic table lamp is one that works directly from mains power (120/230V), and has a simple ON/OFF switch and does not have a voltage converter (adapter). The same principle can be applied to all lamps, including floor and wall lamps. But, as the table lamp is usually closer to the person, so the impact of the generated electromagnetic field is also greater. Avoid all kinds of switches with 👎adjustable brightness (dimmer switches), 👎touch-sensitive switches, low-current (for example 12V) bulbs require a 👎voltage converter/power adapter, which may generate generate excessive dirty electricity.
Fewer power adapters in the household
👎Power adapters for electrical devices (those boxes that rectify the 120/230V mains AC voltage to a lower voltage direct current, e.g. 12V) generate a intermediate frequency electromagnetic fields. In the case of cheaper/more powerful pulsed adapters, this field is quite far-reaching, spreading along the electrical wiring to the entire household. It is worth knowing that adapters that generate this dirty electricity can also be found in most home appliances, e.g. DVD players. Unplug all the devices that are not currently operated.
Energy-saving light bulbs emit dirty electricity
👎 Energy-saving light bulb contains a cheap current rectifier that generates a intermediate frequency electromagnetic field (dirty electricity). It is recommended not to use them in rooms where you stay for a long time. Energy-saving light bulbs that are closer to the body (especially to the brain), such as in a table lamp, can have the greatest impact. At the same time, it must be noted that using these in corridors, technical rooms and outdoor lighting is justified for the purpose of energy saving. Energy saving light bulbs include 👎compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and 👎light emitting diode light bulbs (LEDs), although some LEDs are with good electrical design and do not emit significant amounts of dirty electricity.
LED bulbs can also produce dirty electricity
Some 👎LED lamps produce almost no EMF, while others, produce significant amount of dirty electricity due to the poor circuitry design and bad quality components of the built-in voltage converter. You can tell the difference between the good and bad LEDs only by measuring. It is also noteworthy that the blue light component of LED lamps has been shown to disrupt circadian rhytms. This is why a safe bet is to go with incandescent or halogen lamps that have no electronic circuitry.
Power frequency magnetic fields
Distance from power cables
Determine the routes of 👎power cables that carry high load (current). This includes 1) where the mains power cable comes into your household, 2) where is the switchbox and 3) where are the high power consumption devices are like air conditiong, heating systems etc. Appliances that require lots of power, generate elevated magnetic fields which also extends to the entire length of incoming mains cables. People should not stay close to these cables for a long time. This means paying attention to beds, sofas, workstations etc. where people spend most of their time – so that these are away from high load power cables.
Stay away from powerful household appliances
Many household appliances, including most kitchen appliances generate a strong magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field is determined by the amount of current consumed by the device, but also by the electrotechnical design of the device. Very strong magnetic field is generated by vacuum cleaners, electric stoves and microwave ovens. The heating plates of modern induction stoves generate a stronger magnetic field, as compared to conventional electric stoves. Induction stoves/ovens create such a strong magnetic fields, that even reach floors up and down. Also, electric kettles and several devices with electric motors, such as hair dryers, generate strong magnetic fields. When these devices are in operation, it is worth staying away from them. Pregnant women are advised to avoid using devices that generate strong electromagnetic fields.
LED TVs emits less than tube or plasma TVs
Old type tube TVs create fields that reach 2m. This EMF also goes through the walls. A LED TV produces significantly less electromagnetic fields than a tube TV. Avoid plasma TVs, which produce electromagnetic fields even more than tube TVs. A 👎plasma TV can generate an elevated magnetic field even at a distance of 4m.
Other
EMFs in car
Modern cars come with devices that emit radio frequency electromagnetic fields: RFID for opening the door and starting the car, radar technology in the form of parking sensors and adaptive cruise control, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth for connecting to a mobile phone.
In addition, car electrical systems create intermediate frequency pulsating fields, which are mainly generated by the ignition system and the computer, but this current also passes through the fuse box. In addition, it is worth mentioning that weak, especially low-frequency magnetic fields are generated by moving parts, including mainly tires, where the rotating iron reinforcement acts as an electrical generator. The faster the wheels turn, the higher the frequency. Static magnetic fields are caused by the ferromagnetic metal, mainly the car’s body. The amplitude of static magnetic fields is also dependent on the car’s angle with respect to the Earth’s magnetic field. By using heated seats, the occupant can be exposed to both significant static and intermediate frequency magnetic fields. While it may be possible to turn off car’s radiofrequency devices, other types of electromagnetic fields are not possible to turn off.
Studies and working places should have low exposure
Choose a place for your studies or working where the electromagnetic radiation is lowest. This recommendation applies to both low-frequency (mains) and radiofrequency (WIFI) electromagnetic fields. Sometimes, when moving the workplace by just half a meter can reduce EMF exposure a great deal, in case it happened to be in a so-called hot spot.
Electromagnetic field detector is helpful
A detector device helps to find those electromagnetically “hot spots” in the home or at work. Once found, these can be dealt with. You can often remove most sources of EMF pollution in your home, but if your neighbor uses such technology, it can reach your home as well. It must be taken into account that when measuring by yourself, some risk areas may go unnoticed, as the meter would not be a proffesional one and you probably lack of professional expertise. Also, different equipment may be needed to measure low, intermediate and radio frequency fields, including both electrical and magnetic fields. Pay attention, a detector is not a measurement device – at best, a detector device will get the order of magnitude right. I have tried out many detector devices and meters, as a rule of dhumb, don’t buy anything costing less than $100. These are usually worthless and may show “0” even if there is an elevated field. I myself have always a GQ Electronics EMF-390 detector device with me, which roughly gets it right for power frequency electric field and magnetic field. It also measures microwaves, but these may be off by orders of magnitudes, depending on the frequency.
DISCLAIMER
Some of the above mentioned changes may require consulting with a qualified specialist. If you don’t fully understand the recommendations above and are not qualified, conslut with a lisenced expert. Inadequate application of said recommendations may not produce the desired results and in certain cases may even be dangerous. The information presented in this website is for scientific research purposes, and only reflects the findings of author’s research.