Common Bedroom EMFs

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)

Most consumer market sleep monitoring devices utilize or require bluetooth or wireless connectivity.

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

Before purchasing one of these, 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.

Many of the mattresses, box springs and bed frames on the market today can actually elevate your man-made EMF exposure.

Below are some commonly found furniture components to be aware of:

Traditional Mattresses and Boxsprings That Have Metal Springs

The presence of metal springs in mattresses and boxsprings can possibly accentuate electric fields (and create static magnetic fields) around the people (or pets) sleeping on them.

We recommend switching to models of both that don’t have metal springs.

Here’s an example of an all latex bed that doesn’t have springs.

Adjustable Beds

Many adjustable beds are continually plugged in and made of a lot of metal parts. This will subject the occupants to increased AC electric and AC magnetic fields.

There are many models with wi-fi and bluetooth, as well, that will produce RF fields.

We recommend the use of standard, wooden platform beds without metal springs.

Waterbeds

Waterbeds may lead to increased electric field levels for the occupants due to the conductivity of the water.

Smart Mattresses

There are mattress models on the market now that will track your sleep duration and quality.

One can see the allure of this functionality, but, in order to communicate this information, mattress chip components will produce radio frequency radiation.

This is in addition to any elevated electric and magnetic fields produced by the electronics within the mattresses.

It’s thought that metal bed frames and components might amplify both AC electric fields and radio frequency fields.

Wooden bed frames are common, and often a more attractive, alternative.

This isn’t to say that you can’t have any metal components (drawer slides, etc…), but minimizing these will keep your exposure levels lower.

As we mentioned above, a certified electrician can install a “remote cut-off switch” or “on-demand switch” that will de-energize the electrical circuits in and around a bedroom.

This means that with the push of a button on a remote (a non-wi-fi, infrared remote) one or more electrical circuits will be de-energized and the electrical field level wills drop or disappear.

This is one of those areas where an EMF specialist can really be of assistance, as the mapping out of the breaker panel is instrumental in determining which electrical circuits to turn off.

Ungrounded and unshielded cords are effectively extensions of your home electrical circuits when it comes to AC electric fields.

Distance is effective with these, so make sure these plugs are across the room and not directly adjacent or under your bed while you sleep.

Another easy solution is to purchase a shielded power cord.  When installed correctly, these can reduce the electric fields substantially.

Ungrounded lamps (which contain the types of plugs with two prongs instead of three) can produce high AC electrical fields. If the lamp is on a bedside table, you or a loved one will be sleeping in this electric field.

These fields can be eliminated by grounding and shielding your cord properly or by replacing the lamp with a battery powered version.

Alarm clocks can produce two or three of the man-made EMFs that we keep an eye out for: AC electric fields, AC magnetic fields and radio frequency fields.

It’s also problematic that the clocks are also often on a nightstand or in close proximity to where people sleep.

Below are some of the types that are commonly found:

Analog Alarm Clocks

Analog clocks can produce surprisingly high magnetic fields from the inner-workings of the clock and electric fields from the ungrounded and unshielded cords. You’ll want distance from both.

Digital Alarm Clocks

While different technology than the analog models, the concerns are similar with regard to magnetic and electric fields.

Alarm Clocks with Wi-Fi

Alarm clocks with wi-fi or bluetooth subject you to radio frequency fields, as well as the previously mentioned magnetic and electric fields.

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.

Below are some examples of heaters that can produce elevated magnetic fields:

Ceiling and In-Floor Heaters

Ceiling and floor heaters can be especially problematic due to the difficulty of achieving distance from the sources.

This is something to be aware of when choosing an apartment or condo structure that utilizes this type of heating.

Radiators & Baseboard Heaters

Place your bed, work desks, children’s playing areas and reading areas away from these, if possible.

Measure with a gaussmeter to ensure proper distance.

Space Heaters

These should be farther away from beds, as there can be fire danger if the bed sheets were to make contact with the space heater. This extra space ensures lower magnetic fields, as well.

Keep these at a safe distance from other frequented areas in the bedroom, too.

Utilize a gaussmeter to measure the field intensity to ensure safe levels.

AC Units

As with many of the items on this list, remember to put these a safe distance away from the bed or crib.

For permanently installed units or units placed in windows, this may mean moving the entire bed away from the adjacent area.

Fans can produce elevated magnetic fields due to the device’s motor.

Fans can also have elevated electric fields if the cords aren’t grounded and shielded. The two main types of fans are:

Ceiling Fans

These may be far enough away from beds or cribs, but it’s always worth measuring with a guassmeter to verify.

Portable Fans

As mentioned, portable fans can produce elevated magnetic and electric fields.

When using these for cooling and/or white noise, create distance between them and the bed. Measure with a gaussmeter and electric field meter to achieve a comfortable distance.