EMF Exposure – Understanding How You Can Reduce Your Exposure
EMF is a sneaky thing – because you can’t see or smell it, it is often not considered.
When people are exposed to EMF, they can get a variety of symptoms. With regards to radio frequency electromagnetic energy (RF EME), the officials that set the exposure standards only recognise “thermal effects” – so set the standards to below the level at which tissues are heated.
EMF Exposure Standards Are Too High
I firmly believe that there are many health/biological effects that occur well before this level. I believe that the exposure standards are way too high, especially when IARC (the International Agency for Research on Cancer) recognise radio frequency EME & ELF AC magnetic fields as “Category 2B” (this means that they recognise that these types of EMF are possibly carcinogenic to humans).
There is a growing body of research from scientists (including retired ones!) that not only shows that certain types of EMF result in the body reacting in a certain way, but also are becoming more able to explain how and why these reactions occur.
Symptoms from EMF Exposure
Common symptoms from EMF exposure, based on my observation and interaction with hundreds of clients over the years:
headaches and migraines (especially unexplained)
poor sleep, including vivid dreaming
waking feeling unrefreshed
low energy
pain, including sciatica
grinding teeth (bruxism)
ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
poor concentration
Reducing your EMF exposure is important – not through gadgets and stickers, but through turning things off, switching to safer options, and making choices about when and how you use technology.
This is one of my favourite areas to work with people on. Why? Because often, simple changes to behaviour can significantly reduce your exposure.
At Eco Health Solutions, my team and I assess radio frequency electromagnetic energy (RF EME), ELF AC magnetic fields, ELF AC electric fields and dirty electricity.
EMF Exposure in the Home
Here are the top 5 sources of EMF that my team and I commonly see in homes:
1 The meter (smart or otherwise) and the fuse box on the bedroom wall
2 Power boards under the bed
3 Mobile phones and devices (sometimes even found under pillows!)
4 Cordless phones
5 Wi-fi
Reducing your exposure is important – and since our homes are our castles, they are also our safe havens.
Workplaces can expose staff members to extremely high levels of EMF – without realising it!
EMF Exposure in the Workplace
Here are the top 5 sources of EMF that my team and I commonly see in workplace:
1 Cordless headsets
2 Wi-fi
3 Mobile phones and devices
4 The “IT hub”
5 A “spaghetti” pile power cords under the desk
Given most people spend a good 8 hours at work, it is important to reduce your personal exposure as much as possible.
When I first began assessing buildings for health hazards, I was dumbfounded to discover leadlighting (aka stained glass in the US) still used lead. Yes, despite the known risks, lead is still used for leadlighting!
My concerns:
Anyone creating leadlight glass products would have a higher than usual exposure to lead
Many houses have leadlighting throughout, especially the “Golden Age” homes – so these doors and windows are quite accessible to children and pets
As well, older leadlighting can begin to break down, so lead levels in house dust can be elevated
Lead tastes sweet (so I am told!) – which is why so many children suck on paint chips.
Recently I created three images for the Volcano Art Prize – run by LeadSafeWorld.
“Test Your Soil”
Lead can easily contaminate our soil – from traffic dust, breaking down paints, and even through the water (lead-based solders, or water collected from a roof that has lead flashing).
Message: if you are planning a veggie garden or a chook run, it is recommended that you have the soil tested first.
“Distressed”
A very fashionable paint look at the moment is the “distressed look.” More often than not, this is deliberately done. However, peeling paint on older buildings very likely contains lead – and then sanding is definitely not recommended.
Message: if you have an older building, either test the paint for lead OR encapsulate it by adding layers of paint and be sure never to sand it.
“Look Up!”
This image was designed to help people remember that lead dust, amongst many other contaminants may be found in the roof/ceiling void.
Message: Before any renovation, even the installation of downlights, have a member of the Australian Dust Removalists Association (ADRA) remove the dust from your ceiling void safely.
Prevention is better than cure!
Please help create awareness. Lead poisoning is not as uncommon as it should be.
If you have any concerns – please feel free to get in touch.
I wanted to share with you some handy essential oils that you can use with ease.
I don’t like conventional pesticides they are neurotoxins, many of which were developed for use in warfare!
Instead, I like to think about “pests” as a critter in the wrong place. Thus my approach is aversion. I would rather they chose not to be there, than be killed.
All you need to do to keep them out of cupboards is to put a few drops on a cotton ball and place this in your cupboard.
Essential Oils and Smells
Smells around the home can be unpleasant – but less so than “air fresheners” that add to the particulate matter in the air, and coat everything with a synthetic fragrance.
Whilst my favourite strategies are to:
Remove the source of the odour, and
Open doors and windows and exchange the air.
But sometimes there is a need to help “manage” the smells.
In this instance, I am referring to the bathroom/powder room/toilet. You know what I am getting at… 😉
And for Bathroom Smells?
An essential oil that works wonders for this is tea tree essential oil.
You can make up a small spray bottle with water and a few drops of tea tree and use this as needed.
Obviously, opening doors and windows is always a good option. 🙂
Essential Oils and Sleep
Many people recommend lavender essential oil to assist with sleep.
I don’t.
Ever.
I have heard from many people over the decades which I have used essential oils find that lavender “hypes them up.”
To help get a good nights’ sleep, a good routine is important.
Here’s what I suggest:
No later than 7pm each evening, turn off wi-fi and all devices (including phones and tablets)
After your evening meal, go for a short stroll. In Chinese medicine, it is often recommended to walk 100 steps after dinner
Avoid phone calls and conversations
If you have a lot on your mind, “dump” it onto paper to clear it from your mind
Journal or make your days’ gratitude list
Meditate or pray
What to Use for Sleep?
I think we need to keep our bedrooms as free from anything that the body needs to deal with – and for many of us, we have already had enormous toxicant-exposures through the day.
For this reason, I think it best not to use essential oils.
However, if you are keen to do so, I recommend sweet marjoram and sweet orange.
There is a lot of marketing around products for mould… and a lot of hype now that the effects of mould on health are gaining awareness in the community. In this video, I share with you information about mould & essential oils.
I want to shed light and science onto this, making things simple for you!
More Information on Mould & Essential Oils
Oregano and Thyme Essential Oils are the best anti-fungals of the essential oils – this has been demonstrated by numerous studies (see below).
Because so many of our homes contain asbestos-related products – everything from walls, soffits, pipes, cladding, roof tiles, carpet backings, and more.
Asbestos was only banned in 2003.
It was widely used in the 1950s through to the 1970s.
When it is intact – there is no risk. But when it is damaged, there is an enormous risk to health – and often the associated diseases take decades to manifest.
If you are in any doubt, treat it as though it IS asbestos and be careful. A licensed asbestos inspector can attend your property to determine if it is or not.
Please spare a moment to think of all those who are or have suffered as a result of this building material. Sending love and support to them and their families. #protectourbuildingindustry
What did I notice when I first started assessing homes? I discovered something that surprised me – and still does. A vast number of people don’t ventilate their homes.
This means, that in many cases they rarely (or never) open windows and doors to air the place out.
Why is this a problem?
Put simply, it means that everything builds up. Statistics have shown that the indoor air can be anywhere from 5-10 times MORE polluted that the outdoor air!
The indoor air is not diluted, which can result in dangerous levels of indoor air contaminants, including the deadly carbon monoxide.
If you use pesticides, including plug-ins, the levels of neurotoxins will build up.
It means that levels of volatile organic compounds build up – this is obviously made worse with the use of “air fresheners,” scented reeds and the like.
It means that moisture builds up – from bathing and cooking, but also breathing and perspiring. This can create the right environment for mould to flourish.
*Every day* open your windows and doors to exchange the air.
Connecting to the Ethernet has many benefits, no matter who you are or what your reason is.
If you are looking for a safer way to use the internet than wifi – this if for you.
If you want to have a good connection for video calls or games – this is for you.
If you want to stream movies, etc more smoothly – this is for you.
How To Connect to the Ethernet – Simply, Cheaply and For Your Health
Here are the simple step-by-step instructions to connect to the Ethernet.
I am going to assume zero knowledge and explain things as simply as possible. Let’s start with some definitions.
Definitions
What is “Ethernet”?
Simply put, the Ethernet is your cabled internet connection.
It is the same as LAN (local area network).
The connection is an RJ-45 – seen here. (Please bear in mind that the cable and plug is often blue or yellow, but may be different colours. Do look at the plug part of it – this is the important bit.)
To the right here, is an image of an Ethernet cable with a close up of the plug.
EMF Basics
EMF
EMF is the abbreviation for electromagnetic fields. There are many different types of EMF.
Wireless
Wireless technology depends on radio frequency electromagnetic energy (RF EME). We do sometimes use more complicated terms. But everything wireless is either HF or RF.
Wired
Wired technology can create a variety of different types of EMF.
If it is wiring or appliances connected to the mains it is “ELF AC” EMF. This is extremely low frequency alternating current EMF. This is man-made. Because it goes back and forth (thus “alternating”) it creates magnetic fields and electric fields that are often high, and problematic for many people.
If it is something that runs on battery, it is not alternating, and generally the fields are lower.
Something You May Need – Your “Charging Cable”
To simplify this post, I wanted to explain what I mean here by a “charging cable.”
All devices and phones come with a cable to charge them when the battery gets low. Most of them are made up of a cable that is inserted into a plug that you put into a powerpoint.
When you separate them out, you will have two parts – the plug and the charging cable. The charging cable will have a USB plug on the end.
Goal
The goal is to reduce exposure to wireless EMF and also the AC EMF.
As such, we are looking to work from batteries, and reduce exposure to other EMF to levels as low as possible.
Another good reason is to have a steady connection which aids smooth streaming.
EXPERT TIPS
Once you are connected, please make sure you turn off Bluetooth, 3G/4G/5G and wifi.
Your phone, tablet or device will be connected to the internet and can be used in FLIGHT MODE. This is recommended.
Be aware that when your phone is in FLIGHT MODE you cannot make or receive calls. You can send and receive text messages.
Here’s How to Use the Internet via Ethernet
Modem or Router
Firstly, your modem/router needs to be one that doesn’t emit HF/RF. Depending on where you are and if you are connected to the NBN yet or not, the type of modem will vary.
Generally, you can get a modem/router that cannot be used wirelessly from online stores.
When looking to purchase one, you need to ask a key question – which is actually the opposite of what you want.
Can I use this wirelessly?
By asking this, you find out if it emits HF/RF. If the answer is, “No” – then this is GREAT. If the answer is “Yes” – you need to keep looking.
(The reason to ask this way around is that any modem/router can be used via cable/ethernet – so you won’t find out if it emits HF/RF EMF.)
Computer
Simply plug your ethernet cable into your modem/router and into the socket (plug hole) on your computer.
** be sure to turn off wifi, bluetooth, etc on your computer as well
(The reason to switch these off is that even if you are not using them, if they are on, they are searching for a signal.)
Tablets, Phones and Other Devices
This is a tiny bit more complex, but very very easy.
You need to determine if you have an Apple product or an Android product. Once you have that figured out, you can follow these simple steps.
Apple (iOS)
The more recent Apple phones and tablets have a “lightning” connection. I will walk you through both options – so let’s do one at a time.
Lightning to Ethernet
This is quite a small plug and on your device, it will look like this:
Lead Poisoning Prevention is Better than Cure
