23 Common EMF Sources Found Throughout Homes with EMF Blocking & Shielding Tips for each

We mentioned wireless routers in the Top 20 list already, but wanted to reiterate the significance of wi-fi as 24/7 source of radio frequency radiation.

At a minimum, if there isn’t a medical or security necessity, try and turn these off at night when everyone is sleeping.

In the situations where this isn’t possible (wireless security systems, for example), the JRS Eco Router does a good job of minimizing RF while still providing connectivity.

Some internet providers (Comcast is one) have some router models that allow the routers to be used as a “Public Wi-fi hotspot.”

What this means is that anyone in the area that subscribes to their service can connect to the internet through your router. You may have substantially higher RF exposure as a result.

We recommend researching your provider and router model to make sure this isn’t the case. If it is, search for how to turn this functionality off.

Any electrified circuit in a home will (unless it has shielded electrical conduit) have some level of AC electric fields radiating from the electrical wiring within the walls.

We go over this more in more detail in our section on AC Electric Fields.

Breaker Boxes are common sources of elevated magnetic fields. If these are adjacent to bedrooms and living areas, it’s a good idea to increase the distance from beds and sitting areas.

These can also be shielded with some degree of success using AC magnetic field shielding.

We mention this in our Top 20, but it bears repeating. To ensure you and your family have the lowest EMF environment possible, make sure your phone and tablets are in airplane mode when you go to bed.

It’s possible to have the devices in airplane mode, but still have wi-fi and bluetooth on. Double check that these are off, too.

You’ll also want to make sure the devices are plugged in away from your immediate sleeping area to reduce your electric field exposure from the charging cord.

If you need a cell phone on for emergency reasons, plug it in a distance away from your bed and use a case that can help with shielding (some options in the link below)

Apple watches and wearable tech almost all use RF connectivity. Most consumer market sleep monitoring devices utilize or require bluetooth or wireless connectivity, as well.

The problem with this is that often during sleep the device may be right up against your head.

Before purchasing one of these, research the product or write the company and see if you can turn off the wi-fi and/or bluetooth.

If you’re unable to turn this off, this means you’re being subjected to radio frequency radiation during the important sleeping hours.

As mentioned above, EMF Specialists recommend that people get away from CFL and the average LED bulbs, as the cost savings just aren’t worth the dirty electricity exposure and the poor quality of light.

Here are some other options for purchasing incandescent light bulbs.

These were difficult to find for awhile, but hopefully more and more options will hit the market.

Ceiling and floor heaters can be especially problematic as there often isn’t an easy way to achieve distance from these heating sources.

This is something to be aware of when choosing a condo or apartment complex that utilizes this type of heating. If you’re in a unit that’s above a ceiling heater, you may be subjected to elevated magnetic fields from it.

These are often on one end of the room which provides the opportunity to place beds and couches a greater distance away.

Distance your beds, couches, desks and other frequented furniture from these sources of heat.

In many home and apartment layouts, the refrigerator backs up against a shared wall with a bedroom or living area.

The sides and rear of some refrigerator models can have extremely elevated magnetic fields. Test the adjacent areas with a gaussmeter or make sure your bed or couch isn’t directly on the other side of the wall from these models.

Similarly to refrigerators, be aware of the location of your furnace or neighbor’s furnaces in relation to your home’s frequented areas.

Nest, Ecobee and other smart thermostats were some of the first entrants into the smart home technology arena.

The ease of use and novelty of these devices is obvious, but all are RF emitting devices and need wi-fi to operate with the phone applications and controls.

Wireless security systems use radio frequency waves to communicate with the base system and the monitoring company. Why not get rid of this wi-fi and cellular wavelength exposure?

Our guide on how to have a hardwired security alarm system installed will be available soon.  Sign up for our newsletter for news on it.

Smart switches are used to eliminate the need to use individual smart bulbs.

While it’s better than having every bulb emitting RF fields, a Low EMF home is better off without these.

These are also becoming increasingly popular and can also be found in garages, bedrooms and dorm rooms.

Please see our chapter on Common EMFs in Kitchens to learn more.

Smart bulbs use wi-fi and/or bluetooth to connect with smart hubs which then connect the smart phone apps used to control the bulbs.

With these you’ll effectively have an RF chip in every bulb in your home.

Many of these bulbs are LED, as well, which may contribute to extra dirty electricity on your electrical circuits, too.

Smart garage door openers are another smart home application used with smart phones and wi-fi.