EMF radiation is invisible energy which is produced by electrical products such as the cell phone…
How To Avoid Radiation From Cell Phones?
*We may earn a commission for purchases made using our links. Please see our disclosure to learn more.
I am often asked about the dangers of cell phone radiation and how to avoid it. With the increasing use of cell phones and their potential harmful effects, it is essential to take proactive measures to reduce exposure to radiation. In this guide, I will explain what cell phone radiation is, its potential dangers, and provide practical ways to minimize exposure.
Cell phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, and we rely on them for communication, entertainment, and information. However, cell phones emit radiation that can be harmful to our health. It is essential to understand the dangers of cell phone radiation and how to avoid it to protect ourselves from potential harm.
What is Cell Phone Radiation?
Cell phone radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by cell phones. There are two types of radiation that cell phones emit, namely ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation has high energy and can damage DNA, leading to cancer, while non-ionizing radiation has lower energy and is less harmful. The sources of radiation from cell phones include the antenna, battery, and circuitry.
Potential Dangers of Cell Phone Radiation
Studies have shown that long-term exposure to cell phone radiation can have harmful effects on human health. The effects of radiation on human health include headaches, sleep disorders, and even cancer. Research on the long-term effects of cell phone radiation is ongoing, and the results are yet to be determined. It is, therefore, essential to take precautions to minimize exposure to radiation.
Ways to Reduce Cell Phone Radiation Exposure
Locate Nearby Towers
If I want to reduce my exposure to cell phone radiation, I need to consider the cell towers in my area as well. These towers use radio frequencies to communicate with my phone, which may contribute to the cumulative EMF levels in my home. Moving may not be a feasible option, but I can take steps to lower the radiation levels in my home by learning about nearby towers.
There are various websites available, such as CellMapper.net and Ookla, that allow me to check for the location of 4G and 5G cell towers in my area. I can also find more information on how to locate these towers in our guides. Since 5G is rapidly spreading, even if it’s not currently in my area, there’s a good chance it will be soon. So, it’s a good idea to check for updates periodically.
Test Your Levels
If you’re interested in measuring the RF-EMF radiation produced by your cell phone, it’s a good idea to invest in an EMF meter that can detect radio frequencies. I’ve found the TriField TF2 to be a great option for beginners, but there are several other models worth considering that we cover in our guide to the Best EMF Meters For Any Budget.
Once you have your meter, set it to measure RF radiation and start taking readings around your home. Pay special attention to high traffic areas, such as the living room and kitchen, as well as any bedrooms that you use regularly. It’s also interesting to measure the radiation emitted by your phone in different states and at different distances. Try taking a reading while your phone is in airplane mode, making a call, receiving a call, downloading a file, connected to WiFi, connected to Bluetooth, and so on. And don’t forget to move the meter around to see how the levels change at different distances.
This exercise can be really helpful in determining how far away you need to keep your phone from your body to avoid unsafe levels of exposure. So grab your EMF meter and start measuring!
Switch To A Wired Landline
If you’re looking to reduce your exposure to cell phone radiation as much as possible, one option is to get rid of your cell phone altogether. While it may seem drastic, it’s not impossible to live without a smartphone. In fact, many people still use corded phones in their offices and homes.
Of course, a corded landline phone won’t have all the features of a smartphone, and it’s not as convenient to use. You’ll also need to be at home to take calls. However, you might be surprised at how liberating it feels to not be reachable all the time.
If you’re interested in a wired phone option, I recommend checking out AT&T’s Trimline corded phone with caller ID. It’s a basic phone that doesn’t require AC power to function, making it an affordable option. All you need to do is plug in your phone cord and you’re good to go. Keep in mind that you’ll need a separate subscription from your local telecommunications company for a landline, but this is often much cheaper than a cell phone plan.
Go Into Airplane Mode
Perhaps giving up my cell phone isn’t a realistic option for me. There are many reasons why someone might need to stay connected outside of their home or office. In these cases, I can still take steps to minimize the amount of radiation my phone emits by using airplane mode whenever possible.
When my phone is in airplane mode, it essentially turns off all communication with the outside world. No data is sent or received, and WiFi and Bluetooth are disabled. As a result, my phone produces significantly less RF-EMF radiation. The downside to using airplane mode is that I won’t be able to make or receive phone calls or use data or internet services. However, I can use airplane mode during times when I don’t need to be connected, such as when I’m driving or spending time with family and friends. By taking advantage of these moments, I can reduce my overall exposure to cell phone radiation.
Download Content
I’ve learned that downloading content to my phone is a smart way to reduce my exposure to cell phone radiation. When I download music, movies, and games onto my device, I can switch my phone to airplane mode and still use my downloaded content without needing an active internet connection.
The only downside to downloading content is that it can quickly eat up my phone’s storage space. However, I have a few options to work around this issue. One option is to delete files as soon as I’m finished with them. For instance, I can download one album at a time, listen to it, and then delete it before downloading another. Another option is to expand my phone’s internal storage capacity using a microSD card. If I need a lot of space, I can opt for a high-capacity card, such as SanDisk’s 400GB Ultra MicroSD card. With more storage, I can download and enjoy my content without worrying about running out of space.
Use A Wired Headset
If I measured my cell phone’s EMF output with an EMF meter during a phone call, I would have seen how much radiation my phone was producing during that time. The problem is, if I put the phone directly next to my ear, as I usually do during a typical call, that radiation is now uncomfortably close to my brain.
To avoid this risk, I can use a headset during phone calls. While wireless headsets do exist, they also produce some radiation of their own due to the Bluetooth they use to connect with my phone. Instead, corded options produce much less EMF radiation overall. For the safest option, I can find a nice air-tube headset. A great choice is DefenderShield’s EMF-Free Earbuds, which were designed by audio engineers and have a much better sound quality than standard air-tube headsets. Moreover, they produce virtually no EMF radiation.
Maintain Your Distance
If I shouldn’t hold my cell phone next to my head, it makes sense that holding it close to other body organs could also be problematic. And research has shown this to be the case with male fertility. EMF radiation may impact the quantity and quality of sperm. This issue can be amplified by the common practice of storing your cell phone in your pocket, which puts it in close proximity to reproductive organs. To avoid potential health risks from EMF exposure, it’s best to keep as much distance as possible between yourself and your phone. Avoid storing it in your pants pocket or resting it on your body while in use.
Be Mindful Of Your Model
Not all cell phones are the same when it comes to EMF radiation. Manufacturers produce different models that have different levels of radiation. They use Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) to regulate and measure the amount of radiation produced by a phone. Although SAR is not perfect, it provides us with a way to compare different models. You can find SAR levels for different phones on the manufacturers’ websites. If you’re looking for a low-SAR phone, I recommend considering the Samsung Note 10 Plus. It has been designed to reduce radiation levels, and its SAR levels fall significantly under the FCC’s limit. You can learn more about SAR in our guide to Cell Phones and SAR.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not cell phone radiation poses a potential danger to human health, I highly recommend taking proactive measures to minimize exposure, such as practicing safe cell phone usage, reducing the use of cell phones, and making simple lifestyle changes. Additionally, I suggest using tools and products like radiation blocking cases and shields to further reduce exposure. It’s crucial to separate fact from fiction and fully understand the dangers of cell phone radiation to protect ourselves from potential harm.