Transient exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) cause symptoms in as much as 8% of the population, and prolonged exposure is linked to a variety of neurological, heart, and immune system disorders. To learn more about EMFs and how they impact health, please read “Are you sensitive to electromagnetic fields?“. For ways to easily reduce your exposure, review our EMF exposure checklist, below.

• My number one recommendation for reducing EMF exposure: turn your internet router off every night. You can do this manually by unplugging it or by installing a simple plug-in timer. Some routers also have a feature that allows you to login and set a schedule.
• Where possible, hardwire all computers in your home so that you can access internet with your WiFi turned off. If you choose this route, remember to disable the “Bluetooth” function on computers and devices too.
• Avoid setting a laptop computer on your lap. Use battery power over AC power (electrical outlet) and/or use a metal sheet (e.g. copper or Mu-Metal) under the laptop on the table.
• Use a wired mouse, keyboard, printer, etc. (and remember to disable Bluetooth).
• Keep your distance from the computer tower, surge protector, cables and wires (1 metre or more).
• The “Internet of Things”… Not an option if you’re sensitive to EMFs.

• Your cell phone emits EMF almost continuously. Keep it away from your body (especially at night) or, if you must keep it near your bed, use a deflecting barrier such as this one.
• When using your cell phone, keep it as far away from your body as possible. Opt for speaker phone, text messaging, wired headphones, or air tube ear buds. 
• Avoid Bluetooth attachments and Bluetooth in your car. (Some new cell phones don’t have a jack for headphones. You don’t need to use Bluetooth though! You can usually buy an adapter for these phones that allow you to continue using your headphones or ear buds.)
• If you must carry your cell phone on your body, use a single-sided EMF-blocking sleeve. This maintains your cell signal on one side, and protects your body on the other side.
• Do not replace your cell phone with a cordless phone landline. These phone bases emit radiation constantly, much like WiFi routers. Use a corded-telephone on landline if possible.
• Use airplane mode often (i.e. block signals to and from cell towers), and avoid using your phone when reception is poor (because cell phone output and EMF exposure increases, to compensate for poor reception).

• Other items at home that could emit high amounts of EMFs include cordless baby monitors, Smart Metres, wireless watches, and ipads.
• Stand back 1 metre when using electronic devices (e.g. kettle) and opt for non-electric options (e.g. toothbrush).
• Unplug electronics in the bedroom and stay at least 4 feet away from essential ones, such as alarm clocks.
• Sleep on a mattress that doesn’t contain metal (e.g. natural rubber latex).
• Avoid sleeping near sites of elevated EMF, such as against walls, floors or ceilings adjacent to power boxes, Smart Meters, laundry machines, computers, etc.
• RF (radiofrequency) meters may be used to assess EMFs in areas of your home. Readings higher than 50 uW/m² should be blocked if entering a sleeping area.
• Appliances turned off but still plugged in continue to emit some level of radiation.
• Avoid fluorescent lighting, CFL bulbs, and dimmer switches. Opt for newer LED lights instead.
• Keep your distance from high voltage power lines (1.25 km) and cell phone towers (5 km). This distances appear somewhat arbitrary in the literature, but they’re the best we have at the moment.