Why You Need EMF Protection
My husband looked at me one day as I was working and typing away at my laptop—which was sitting directly on my lap—and said, "You need EMF protection."
My response: "I need what?"
Protection from Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and radiation (EMR).
I was always working with my laptop directly on my lap. (Because, why not?) But after the conversation with my husband, I started using a throw pillow to try to guard against some of the EMF my laptop was radiating—not an effective method.
Naturally, I did some research on my own to learn as much as possible about this potential problem.
Sources of EMF
What are EMFs Exactly
EMFs are invisible fields of energy produced by the flow of electricity. Electric fields are produced whether or not a device is turned on. Magnetic fields are only produced when current is flowing—which usually requires a device to be on. (Source)
Most electrical devices emit EMFs but some devices are more problematic because they emit higher levels, exposure time is prolonged, and/or they are used close to the body.
Occupational Hazard
In the past, prolonged exposure to EMF was something that was considered an occupational hazard for powerline workers and personnel in the electrical and transmission fields. However, with today's increased connectivity and mobility everyone should consider safeguarding against EMF.
Freelancers need EMF protection too! As a work-from-home wife I'm usually plugged in (literally) more often than not.
A 2016 study showed that full-time contractors spend an average of 36 hours per week working. If you’re a graphic designer, writer, virtual assistant, and even an accountant, much of that time is likely spent working on a device that emits EMR. And that doesn’t include the additional 3.13 hours per day (almost 15 hours for the week!) we spend using those devices purely for entertainment. (Source)
Top Sources
Here are a few of the top sources of EMF that we use every day:
Laptops - not only do laptops emit higher levels, they're usually in super close proximity to our bodies, like on our laps.
Tablets - a handy tool, especially for the savvy worker on the go, tablets are also used very close to our bodies.
Cellphones - a serious area of concern because we use them all the time; they’re either right next to our heads or somewhere on our person (i.e. carrying it around in our pocket).
Why You Need EMF Protection
The trouble is many of us are subjecting ourselves to chronic long-term exposure. And it’s easy to ignore because EMFs are invisible, odorless, and tasteless.
We wouldn't need to guard against EMF exposure if it were totally harmless, but long-term exposure can negatively affect our health.
Research has linked extended EMF exposure to several health conditions including:
Suppressed Immunity - impairing the body's ability to fight infections (Source)
Low sperm count (Source)
Infertility (Source)
Children who are twice as likely to develop asthma (Source)
DNA damage (Source)
Alzheimer's disease and dementia (Source)
Leukemia (Source)
Brain Cancer (Source)
This information isn’t meant to promote a health scare but rather to make us all more mindful of the issue.
Two Ways to Protect Yourself from EMF Exposure
Sure, you could try to limit your exposure time or give up using your laptop, tablet, and cell phone altogether. But for most of us, that's not an option. Here are two practical ways to protect yourself:
1. Use an Anti-radiation shield. Whether a laptop shield or a tablet shield, and even a cellphone shield, there are several anti-radiation shield products on the market that can help to reduce EMF exposure.
I recently exchanged my throw pillow for a SafeSleeve laptop case.
Unlike my throw pillow, the SafeSleeve travels well and protects against all 3 types of EMF as well as blocks up to 99% of radiation.
It’s also as functional and stylish as it is effective. It’s a laptop case, radiation shield when I’m using my lap as a desk, and it also transforms into a workstation complete with mouse pad. (Interested in a case? Click here to receive a 15% off discount!)
2. Increase the distance between yourself and the source. The greater the distance between you and the device the weaker the fields and the less you are exposed.
With this in mind, keep the time you work from your lap at a minimum, and work at a desk as much as possible. Make calls using an earpiece or on speakerphone, rather than holding your phone up to your ear. If you’re done working for the day, put your laptop, tablet, and cellphone away from you—as opposed to sitting the device down right next to you. Increasing the distance between a device and your body, even just a little bit, can drastically decrease EMF levels.
It is important to note that there are many factors that influence the degree to which a person may be affected by EMFs. However, making small changes can make a world of difference, no matter who you are. As the old adage goes,
“Prevention is better than cure.”
Disclosure: SafeSleeve sent me one (1) SafeSleeve for Laptop case in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way as per my guidelines for this blog.