Based on a wide range of scientific evidence, there is no confirmed health effect from radiofrequency radiation at levels that do not cause measurable heating of tissues. The current exposure limits set by ICNIRP guard against such effects.
To reduce your RF exposure, avoid holding cell phones to your head and body. Also, use speaker mode and an air tube wired headset when talking on the phone.
1. Cell Phones
Cellphones have revolutionized the way we communicate. Now, more than 8.3 billion people have a cellular phone subscription—more than the entire world population! However, this popular technology also emits radiofrequency energy (RF), which is a form of non-ionizing radiation. The tissues nearest to the antenna absorb this RF energy, which can cause health concerns.
In the US, mobile phones must meet safety limits set by the FCC for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)—a measure of how much RF energy is absorbed by 10 grams of human tissue. Similar standards are in place in most countries, though they use different metrics.
While the SAR of a hand-held mobile phone may seem high, there is no evidence that long-term exposure to this RF energy causes harmful effects in humans. Even under worst-case conditions, where a phone is held to the head and operating at full power, the SAR of a mobile phone is thousands of times below the levels set by the ICNIRP guidelines. Nevertheless, users can reduce their exposure by using hands-free kits for mobile phones that allow them to maintain greater separation distance between the phone and body.
2. Wi-Fi Routers
A router is the gatekeeper to your Internet connection. It takes the wired signal from your cable or fiber Internet service provider and translates it into a wireless signal that can connect devices to your network.
The RF radiation from your router, cordless phones and other household items will be strongest near the source, but the strength of this electromagnetic field will fall off quickly with distance. However, some people may experience a negative physical reaction to this energy even at long-range distances.
Wi-Fi routers are usually powered by Linux, a free and open operating system that also runs on Android smartphones, video game consoles, smart home devices and automobiles. Other operating systems used in RF-emitting devices include VxWorks, which has been deployed on Mars spacecrafts and telescopes as well as in aircraft and cars. Various governments have established exposure standards for RF energy to protect their citizens and workers, including the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). These guidelines suggest safe levels of RF exposure separately for the general public and workers.
3. Bluetooth Devices
RF radiation is a form of electromagnetic energy that travels on radio waves. Cell phones use RF energy to transmit signals carrying voice information from one phone to another over long distances, while cordless phones communicate with local base stations. Other domestic sources of RF radiation include WiFi routers, microwave ovens and Bluetooth devices.
While research hasn’t established a clear link between RF radiation and cancer or other health issues, some people still worry about the possibility. Some people recommend using products like EMF and RF shielding to block unwanted RF energy from entering your home and added Emf Protection.
The good news is that most modern devices emit much lower levels of RF radiation than they did in the past. This is because most wireless devices have a built-in RF filter that helps to reduce the amount of radiation they produce. If you are concerned about using a device with Bluetooth technology then try to choose models that fall into the class 3 category, which uses less power than other classes. You can also find a ferrite bead to add to the end of electrical cords, which will help to reduce the amount of RF radiation that runs up the wire.
4. Smart Meters
RF radiation from smart meters can be an issue for some people. These digital meters use AC sensors to log your power usage and transmit this information back to the company in a wireless fashion. Some power companies have started rolling back their smart meter programs and others are allowing customers to opt-out for a fee, but this is still at the discretion of each company.
Utilities are rushing to install smart meters for many reasons, but they also require a lot more frequent transmissions of RF radiation than older analog meters. Some customers claim that they suffer from symptoms and illnesses like headaches and dizziness after the smart meter is installed.
Most utilities publish low RF exposure numbers for their devices that are calculated through time-averaging. However, the strong millisecond pulses from smart meters are similar to that of a strobe light and can cause neurological issues in some people including headaches, dizziness and even epileptic seizures. Fortunately, most of this RF can be blocked by covering the back of the smart meter with a metal shield or box (like this one). However, some of this RF will still leak out through the bottom of the meter.
5. Wireless Security Systems
Radiation from wireless security systems is generated by transmitters, receivers and other hardware components. The transmitters emit RF energy that can be picked up by antennae on the device or by an individual person. Generally, RF energy is not strong enough to cause any biological effects. However, it can heat parts of the body and cause symptoms such as skin irritation or fatigue.
RF EMR is nonionizing radiation, which means it does not carry enough energy to break chemical bonds or remove electrons (ionization). While the results of some cellular phone studies in test tubes and animals have been mixed, most research has found no link between cell phone use and cancer or other health issues.
RF and microwave radiation can be avoided by using a variety of controls, including shielding and grounding. In addition, administrative controls such as warnings, fencing and restricted access can limit exposure where it may exceed applicable exposure limits.
6. Baby Monitors
A baby monitor transmits audio and video signals from a nursery to an area outside the room, where parents or caregivers can view and listen to their infant. Baby monitors use analog or digital 2.4 GHz WiFi, DECT, or FHSS technology to transmit their signals.
RF radiation is electromagnetic waves that can be transmitted from many common wireless communication devices, including cell phones, cordless DECT phones, Wi-Fi computer networks, and smart meters. It is also present in household appliances like televisions and microwave ovens. Although there have been concerns about health effects associated with RF radiation, there is no scientific evidence of harm from long-term exposure to low levels.
When selecting a baby monitor, look for one with strong security settings. Look for features like dual data encryption and two-factor authentication. Check the retailer’s return policy before adding a monitor to your registry or purchasing one online. Many parents prefer plug-in monitors over battery operated ones. Look for a monitor with a built-in night vision feature to see your baby in a dark room. Some monitors are even Wifi-enabled and connect to your smartphone, letting you watch your baby from anywhere, especially when leaving home for work or giving them to a sitter.
7. Cordless Phones
RF radiation is electromagnetic energy that travels through the air. It is generated by the acceleration of charge in circuits and can also be produced naturally by things like lightning strikes. This type of energy can be transferred from one object to another by antennas. It can cause heating and distortion of materials when it comes into contact with them.
Cordless phones are a common example of a source of RF radiation. These devices use radio frequencies to communicate with a base station that connects to the telephone network. The handset can move around your home or office with limited range (typically a few meters), but it must be close to the base station to function properly.
The amount of RF radiation a handheld phone emits is measured by its Specific Absorption Rate, which is the ratio of the power density of a handset to the total time-averaged power level of the phone’s base station in milliwatts per square centimeter. This is a measurement used to establish safety limits in the US.
8. Smart Speakers
Smart Speakers have become a hot item in households and are used as music players, virtual assistants (like Alexa), to control other devices, and more. But these chatty devices aren’t toys and treating them as such can have a harmful effect on children.
Like cell phones, smart speakers emit RF EME radiation. Unlike the ionizing radiation from X-rays, CT scans and MRIs, RF EME emissions do not break down DNA or cause cancer but may have other, more subtle effects on the body.
Whether it’s an Amazon Alexa, Google Home or another smart speaker, they all use Wi-Fi to communicate with their base stations and emit constant RF EME. While this type of EMF exposure has not been found to be dangerous by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), reducing exposure is still recommended.
To reduce your family’s RF EMF exposure, keep Smart Speakers away from kids, avoid talking on the phone with it to your head and only use speaker mode, power off wireless devices when not in use, and only use cordless phone bases in the home.
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