Do you know your exposure level to electromagnetic regulation? Check out our EMF levels chart!
In modern civilization, there are electronic devices that emit electromagnetic radiation or electromagnetic frequency (EMF) everywhere. Radiation-emitting gadgets include electronic products such as laptops, color televisions, microwave ovens, ultrasound devices, x-ray systems, lasers, medical and non-medical devices, PDAs, and tablets.
According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), EMF radiation-emitting device is any gadget that uses electricity to power an electronic circuit.
Basically, there are two types of electromagnetic fields: ionizing and non-ionizing. This classification is related to the ability of energy to break chemical bonds in ions. Obviously, ionizing electromagnetic radiation is bad for you as it can tear your molecules apart and damage your DNA.
Non-ionizing Radiation
What about non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation? If it does not break your chemical bonds, does that mean it’s safe? Well, the answer is a little more complicated.
Although so far no research has definitively proven a causal relationship between certain diseases such as cancer and non-ionizing electromagnetic fields, many recent studies have shown that chronic exposure to non-ionizing radiation from mobile gadgets is linked to many undesirable effects.
The critical steps in prevention start with understanding how electromagnetic radiation is measured and what levels are dangerous. So today, we will show you how to understand your electromagnetic readings and how to identify the hazard zones in your home.
What Makes the Various Forms of Electromagnetic Fields so Different?
Cell phones, tablets, and laptops emit two (2) types of EMF radiation:
- Radio Frequency (RF)
- Extremely low frequency (ELF)
Technologies in the Electromagnetic Spectrum
|
Extremely Low Frequency |
Very Low Frequency |
Radio Frequencies |
Microwaves |
Infrared |
|
Cell Phones |
Security Systems |
Satellite Receivers |
Computer Terminals |
Germicidal Lamp |
|
Mobile Phones |
Halogen Lamps |
Wireless Computer |
Cell Phones |
Welding arc |
|
Telephones |
Fluorescent Lighting |
Wireless “Toys” |
Mobile Phones |
Sunlight Furnace |
|
Power Lines |
Video Display |
Video Display |
Microwave Ovens |
|
|
Hydro Lines |
Computer Terminals |
Computer Terminals |
Radar, Navigation |
|
|
Power Appliances |
Cell Phones |
Cell Phones |
||
|
Computer Terminals |
Mobile Phones |
Mobile Phones |
||
|
Electric appliances |
Telephones |
Telephones |
||
|
Battery power |
Pagers |
Pagers |
||
|
Office Equipment |
Underfloor Heating |
Radar, Navigation |
||
|
Video Display |
VDU’s |
Broadcast AM, FM, TV |
||
|
Small appliances |
Induction Heating |
Mobile Radio |
What are Typical Maximum Exposure Levels at Home and in the Environment?
American Standards
With the proliferation of these electronic devices in our daily lives, you will be surprised to learn that there is currently no government-funded organization in the United States that actively researches and regulates non-ionizing EMF radiation safety of popular electronic gadgets.
There are just guidelines created by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). The FCC has ruled that the limit on the amount of radiation the body can absorb, also known as the (SAR) Specific Absorption Rate, is 1.6 W/Kg in 1 gram of tissue.
The FDA’s focus is on medical equipment, which excludes cell phones, tablets, and laptops.
In fact, authoritative organizations like the American Cancer Society suggest that non-ionizing radiation is safe in the absence of evidence conclusively connecting it to cancer.
However, many feel a lack of information should no way be taken as confirmation of safety.
This is particularly because academic research institutes and independent laboratories are again increasing their studies on topics such as laptop-induced abdominal erythema and the characterization and assessment of fetal exposure to laptop-generated EMFs.
Recent research strongly suggests that long-term non-ionizing electromagnetic fields can, in fact, be hazardous. All experts seem to agree that more research is needed on the long-term effects of exposure to non-ionizing EMF radiation on modern equipment for proof of one form or another.
International Standards
In Europe, the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection) is a public body of independent scientific experts that helps define guidelines and disseminates information on the potential health risks of exposure to non-ionizing EMF radiation.
To define the guidelines, the Division of Environmental Health of the World Health Organization (WHO) developed a set of criteria based on data garnered in the 1980s and 1990s.
In 1998 and 2009, the ICNIRP established and approved guidelines to limit exposure to time variances of electromagnetic, magnetic, and electricity fields up to 300 GHz. Currently, applicable safety limit values are 2.0W/kg in 10 grams of tissue.
Recent research articles have been cited in the 2009 ICNIRP guidelines.
Adverse events are speculated to be caused by extended exposure to low levels of radiation, including carcinogenicity (increased cancer risk) and genotoxicity.
According to the guiding document, epidemiological data on the potential health effects of chronic whole-body exposure to low levels in the far-field of RF (radio frequency) transmitters are insufficient due to a lack of satisfactory individual evaluations of the exposure. There is considerable uncertainty regarding the potential health effects of chronic EMF radiation exposure.
How is EMF Radiation Measured?
In the USA, the unit of measurement for electromagnetic radiation is the milligauss (mG). But when you measure EMF radiation, you also need to consider its strength and frequency.
Determining the EMF frequency can give you information about the radiation source. Frequency is typically measured in Hertz (Hz) and you can use it to determine whether there is dirty electricity in your home wiring.
The strength that affects you and your level of exposure depends largely on your proximity to the type and the source of radiation to which you are exposed. For magnetic field strength, the measurement is given in milligauss (mG), but for electric field radiation, it is generally read in volts per meter (V/m).
What is Considered a High EMF Reading?
Knowing how to measure electromagnetic radiation in your home should be a top priority. But it is just as important to understand what measures are cause for concern. When looking at electromagnetic radiation readings, there are three major categories to consider: electrical, magnetic, and radiofrequency (RF) radiation.
Magnetic
While different companies have different safety guidelines for high electromagnetic field readings, the safest value to consider is less than 1 mG.
If you take measurements at home, you can find readings between 0.4 mg and 1 mg. This is safe and normal, as these rooms are where you spend a lot of time.
However, if you live in an apartment complex, your readings are likely to be much higher. The limit value of 1 mG may be very far from the guidelines of the ICNIRP, which states that the maximum exposure limit value is 2000 mG. But this “margin of safety” is astronomical since research shows damage at much lower levels.
Another important thing to know is that if you bring the meter closer to the electronics, the EMF readings will increase.
In terms of exposure limits and safety, distance is critical. This means that you should make sure to limit the use of electronic devices in areas like your living room and bedroom, as this is where you will probably spend most of your time.
You also need to be careful about the location of electronically contaminated rooms, such as a home office close to your bedroom (since electromagnetic radiation travels through walls).
Electric
Unlike radiofrequency and magnetic fields, electric field measurements are much less researched and discussed.
Even so, they are still a threat to your home. In your home, try to ensure electric field measurements are kept below 10 V/m as anything above these is considered dangerous.
In certain places, such as Europe, readings above 10 V/m are still considered normal, but for safety reasons, it is strongly recommended that the readings stay below 10 V/m. When measuring the electric field, measurements below 1 V/m are typically safe.
It is worth taking a closer look at the readings between 1 and 5 V/m to see if you can make changes to reduce them. Although this range does not indicate imminent danger, electro-sensitive individuals can still be affected.
If the reading is now above 10 V/m or even above 50 V/m, it is time for you to act and make some changes. At this range, many biological abnormalities and health problems can develop over time.
Radiofrequency
Finally, we have radio frequencies that are generally measured in milliwatts per square meter or mW/m². Of all the types of electromagnetic radiation, this is the most harmful and widespread, particularly since it is present in the devices we use every day.
These include cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, tablets, Bluetooth, microwaves, cell towers, and more. Readings above 1 mW/m² are high and potentially dangerous. Measurements that reach 0.03 to 0.5 mW/m² have been reported to cause headaches, sleep disorders, difficulty concentrating, and behavioral problems.
What Should a Normal EMF Reading be?
Now that we know which measurements are considered harmful, what exactly do normal EMFs refer to?
Being around devices that emit EMFs is just a part of life for many of us. Eliminating them completely is practically impossible.
However, you should still recognize these sources so that you can keep a safe distance. Some scientists and experts recommend that safe exposure to electromagnetic radiation is between 0.5 mG and 2.5 mG.
At this rate, your risk of EMF-linked disease is small, although the effects may vary based on your sensitivity to electricity.
Magnetic Field Levels of Common Home Appliances
|
Source |
(in mG) Mid-point 1 ft. |
(in mG) Mid-point 3 ft. |
|
Clothes Dryer |
15 |
<1 |
|
Clothes Washer |
1.9 |
<1 |
|
Coffee Maker |
1.05 |
<1 |
|
Toaster |
3.8 |
<1 |
|
Can Opener |
115.5 |
3.75 |
|
Mixer |
52.5 |
1.08 |
|
Refrigerator |
1.5 |
<1 |
|
Blender |
11.1 |
1 |
|
TV |
10.2 |
<1 |
|
Fluorescent Desk Lamp |
13 |
1.15 |
|
Microwave |
60 |
5.5 |
|
Electric Range |
22 |
3.55 |
Notes:
- Field intensity values in the original source documents were expressed in a range of upper and lower values (e.g. 40 to 80 milligauss). For illustrative purposes, mid-point values were used in this chart. Actual values may be higher or lower.
- Field levels decrease continuously with distance from appliances. Field values at one foot and three feet are used here to simplify the illustration.
- A milligauss is a unit of measurement of the density of a magnetic field. Magnetic fields depend on current.
- Chart illustrates only magnetic field levels from appliances; fields from other sources will also be present within buildings.
Sources:
Gauger, J.IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems, PA-104, Sept, 1985; Siilva, M. et al, IEEE/PES 1998 Winter Meeting, 88-WM-101-8.
How to Check EMF Levels for Wireless Devices
You cannot see, smell or touch electromagnetic radiation. However, RF detectors or meters can give you an idea of the amount of EMF radiation that is emitted directly from a wireless device. You can use a meter or detector to scan laptops, Alexa, Bluetooth speakers, Wi-Fi, or any other wireless element around you, you can measure or quantify the power density of the EMF and see and hear the energy waves.
EMF Levels Chart
Recommended Wireless Energy Exposure Levels
|
Measured in RF Units of |
Volts per meter |
Microwatts per centimeter squared |
|
Abbreviation |
V/m |
µW/cm² |
|
FCC Safety Level (Thermal) |
61.4 |
1,000 |
|
Orgone Energy Warning Level |
0.98 |
0.5 |
|
BioInitiative Report from 2007 |
0.61 |
0.1 |
|
Building Biology Sleeping Area Recommendation |
0.061 |
0.001 |
|
BioInitiative Report from 2012 |
0.034 |
0.0003 |
|
Austrian Medical Association Recommendation for EHS |
0.020 or less |
0.0001 or less |
EMF radiation levels and Their Recommendations:
The FCC Level
The FCC based its recommendations on the 1998 ICNIRP guidelines. ICNIRP standards are based primarily on the effects of acute warming. It is based in Munich and claims that it is about protecting humans from non-ionizing EMF radiation.
They are in the process of revising their standards, but even so, everything revolves around the effect of heat, that is, the heat of our body’s tissues when exposed to wireless radiation, and they even say this:
“The critical effect of RF exposure that is relevant to human safety and health is the heating of exposed tissues. Radio-frequency fields can penetrate the body (the higher the frequency, the lower the depth of penetration) and inside an oscillation of polar or charged molecules causes friction and, therefore, heat."
But what about the numerous studies that link the biological effects of DNA damage with decreased fertility with non-ionizing wireless radiation?
This level is displayed on the EMF meter as flashing red.
Orgone Energy Warning Level
Orgone Energy recommends staying away from the device or radiation-emitting environment when you experience this value.
Much lower than the FCC but above other recommended levels, it is based on the real-world levels many people are currently facing.
When this level is reached, it is important to minimize exposure with distance.
This often happens when you are 8-12 inches from a cordless phone or 15-20 feet from a wireless router. This level is intended for people who do not have symptoms of sensitivity. The measured value on the EMF meter will blink orange and continuously change to red or extreme if that level of radiation is detected.
The BioInitiative Report
A group of scientists, public policy, and public health experts produced the BioInitiative report in 2007.
The report summarized the research, health effects, and recommendations for coping with EMF radiation.
After reviewing the scientific evidence showing the health effects of wireless electromagnetic radiation on diseases from brain tumors to sleep problems, they set a precautionary limit of 0.614 volts per meter for the cumulative RF Outdoor exposure.
In all fairness, this ambient energy level is higher in many public places and outdoors.
This recommended level was based on our body’s exposure, which naturally happens when we are exposed to the energy of our surroundings, the energy that simply floats in the air as it dissolves from the most powerful levels that directly come from the device’s antenna.
This reflects prevalent radio frequency science and the cautious public health response that would be appropriate for pulsed radiofrequency exposure where people work, live, and go to school.
This level of radiofrequency is experienced as full-body exposure and would be chronic exposure with wireless coverage for data and voice transmission for PDAs, pagers, cell phones, as well as other radiofrequency radiation sources.
Some studies and numerous anecdotal reports on poor health have been reported at lower levels; however, this could for the time being prevent some inordinate pressures on the people around these facilities.
Although this target level of RF doesn’t preclude the continued use of wireless technologies, we also recommend implementing wired alternatives to Wi-Fi, especially in libraries and schools, so that children are not exposed to high RF levels until we better understand the health effects.
We should view this recommendation as a preliminary precautionary limit to serve as a guide to preventive action. This level of radiation is indicated by an orange or moderate level on the EMF meter.
The Building Biologist
The Building Biology Institute (BIE) has building biology standards for healthy and safe bedrooms.
The BIE has focused on creating healthy environments for over 30 years.
They have trained consultants in building biology style to create pollution-free houses, offices, and schools.
This institute covers everything from toxic tap water and mold to reducing the effects of EMF.
The guidelines are intended for people who are sensitive to electromagnetic properties and to what extent they should limit exposure in sleeping areas.
Because of this, we’ve put a lot of emphasis on controlling your home environment by switching to less powerful smart and wireless devices. Radiation at or just above this value would show a yellow light on the EMF meter.
The BioInitiative Report 2012
Lower values are recommended due to further reports of effects on the human body and health.
The BioInitiative working group, which this time comprised 27 scientists, doctors, and policy experts on electromagnetic radiation, published an update in 2102.
After more than 1,800 studies, this prestigious group, again led by Dr. David Carpenter and Cindy Sage, their recommendations were refined based on more studies and evidence.
They created an amazing graph depicting the research on the health effects of EMF and the corresponding exposure to EMF.
According to the authors, the recommendation is lower than before.
The biological reactions are extremely low (down to the power density level of picowatt and nanowatt).
Recent studies focus on reproduction and fertility, neonatal and fetal effects, behavioral and cognitive problems in children, as well as neurological damage.
There are more cell tower studies with longer study periods, more information about genetic damage as well as the confirmation of an increased risk for brain tumors not from one or two studies, but numerous studies, including the massive Interphone study from 13 countries of the World Health Organization.
Many studies have examined the effects of mobile phone radiation (including in sleep mode), exposure to wireless laptops, maternal use of cell phones causing changes in fetal brain development in offspring, and other evidence that brain disorders and memory barriers are at risk of cell phone signal use.
There’s evidence from animal and human studies that vital areas of the brain are adversely impacted by RF radiation at legal levels.
The group in 2014 released an update indicating that the use of laptops by children should be discouraged. The 0.034V per meter level means it must be in the solid green zone of the EMF meter.
This is the recommended value for people with Electro-Hyper-Sensitivity (EHS), electro-sensitivity, and multi-chemical sensitivity.
The Medical Association of Austria
Also in 2012, the Medical Association of Austria set safety levels while investigating sensitivity to EMFs and health problems that, in fact, may be based on EMFs. Non-specific health problems, often associated with stress, have increased dramatically and increasingly pose the challenge for clinicians to perform complex differential diagnoses.
One cause that has received little attention so far is the increased exposure to electromagnetic pollution at home, work, and during relaxing activities, adding to chronic stress in private and professional life.
It correlates with a general situation of chronic stress that can cause burnout. This is a low number, it is flashing green on the EMF meter.
The Medical Association of Austria stated that this was a safe reading to be exposed to for 4 hours each day. They found that values above 0.5 microwatts per square centimeter were “much higher than normal.”
What Level of EMF is Dangerous?
The ICNIRP maintains international guidelines for exposure to EMF. These guidelines are based on the knowledge gained through several years of scientific research.
Electromagnetic fields are measured in a unit known as volts per meter (V/m). The higher the reading, the stronger the EMF.
Most electrical devices sold by well-known brands test their products to ensure that electromagnetic fields meet ICNIRP guidelines. Governments and public utilities are responsible for managing electromagnetic fields associated with cell phone towers, power lines, and other EMF sources.
No known health effects are expected if your EMF exposure falls below the levels given in the guidelines below:
- natural electromagnetic fields (such as those generated by the sun): 200V/m
- power grid (not near power lines): 100 V/m
- power grid (near power lines): 10,000 V/m
- electric trams and trains: 300 V/m
- computer and TV screens: 10 V/m
- radio and TV channels: 6 V/m
- cell phone towers: 6 V/m
- microwave ovens: 14 V/m
- radar: 9 V/m
You can check the electromagnetic radiation in your home using an EMF meter. These portable devices can be purchased online. However, keep in mind that most EMFs cannot be measured at extremely high frequencies and their precision is generally low, therefore their efficiency is limited.
According to ICNIRP, the maximum exposure of most people to electromagnetic fields in everyday life is very low.
Check out Can I get an EMF Meter from the Home Depot?
How Do You Lower the EMF Level You are Exposed To?
Get started by changing the way you use your smartphone or cell phone. Laptops, wireless phones, and tablets are often referred to as personal radiation devices. To be fair, most of our daily exposure to EMFs comes from our personal lives.
Eliminate Radiation: The absolute best way to reduce exposure is to eliminate radiation. You can do this by turning Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and using Airplane mode.
The phone can still be an alarm clock and camera even on Airplane mode. Also, you can put your gadgets in a Faraday pocket and a good trick is to create a wired connection for your mobile phone.
Distance: You will feel better with at least 8-inch to 10-inch distance from your cell phones and laptops.
Carry your phone in your purse or shoulder bag. We recommend pressing with a non-wireless stylus and sending a text message that will give you 3-inch electromagnetic field dissipation. Use hands-free mode or air tube headphones while calling, and place the phone as far away from your body as you can.
Be Mindful: Do not leave laptops, cell phones, or tablets switched on when not in use. Off means that there is no radiation.
How to Reduce EMF Exposure in Your Home Environment
Crush the IoT: Look around your house and remove as many gadgets and wireless devices as possible. Turn off the Wi-Fi when not in use. Note that Bluetooth printers, Bluetooth speakers, security systems, doorbells, televisions, and their remote controls can emit EMFs.
Wire Up: Get faster internet speeds and a robust wired internet connection by using a shielded cable, adapter, and ground wire to reduce electromagnetic fields from personal computers.
Go Analog: Turn off your smart meter and pay the extra monthly fee for non-digital water, gas, and electricity meters. A wired security camera, retro light switches, analog alarm clocks, and a wireless doorbell mean less electromagnetic radiation.
Consider protecting your environment from electromagnetic radiation with EMF protection devices, such as Geoclense Orgone Negative Ion Generator, Bamboo Orgone Blankets, Dome Schumann Resonance Orgone Generators, Orgone Generator Water Ionizer, and other EMF shielding options.
These EMF protection products emit healthy negative ions which neutralize the potentially dangerous positive ions produced with EMF.
All EMF scientists and experts recommend turning off EMF radiation sources to avoid it. In fact, it is easy, efficient, and reliable to use a wired configuration.
Consider educating your neighbors at home and work about the actual concerns about increased electromagnetic radiation, and ask them not to use strong Wi-Fi routers, booster repeaters, and antennas, so that everyone can benefit from a wireless connection with lower EMF.
Final Thoughts
In short, there is no such thing as a really “safe” exposure level to radiation.
These heat absorption standards are only useful for comparing the radiation emissions between different devices, but they do not in any way establish an absolute level of safety for these emissions.
In terms of EMF radiation from electronic gadgets like tablets and laptops, exposure is only an inevitable part of life.
As we learn more about the health risks of contact with non-ionizing EMF radiation, we must do everything possible to limit our exposure through EMF shielding.
While specific limits for chronic exposure need further definition, the best practice and the expert-recommended practice is to avoid additional doses of EMF radiation as much as possible.
