What are common causes of Radio Frequency Radiation or RF in a home? – The EMF Guide Question of the Day
Man-made RF or Radio Frequency radiation is the product of modern communication technologies and devices.
This type of EMF is most commonly caused by the following five sources:
01 – Cell Towers
This is the primary external source of RF radiation that will infiltrate homes. Pulsed radiation is sent forth from these structures in an attempt to make contact with cell phones. Obviously, the closer these structures are to your home the more powerful the exposure.
External RF like this can be shielded fairly easily through RF blocking paint, window film and foil.
02 – Cell Phones
This is likely the most common exposure source that people will have. Simply keeping your phone at a distance or having it in airplane mode, can reduce the exposure markedly.
03 – WiFi Routers
This is the other top exposure source that people will have in their homes. Turning it off entirely, by either wiring your home with ethernet or only keeping it on when it’s needed, will substantially reduce your family’s exposure.
There are low-EMF routers you can purchase, as well.
04 – Laptops and Tablets
RF is how your laptop or tablet connects to WiFi, Bluetooth devices or cell towers.
This exposure can be limited by using wired ethernet connections instead and, to some extent, by RF blocking cases or other materials.
05 – Other Tech Devices
Any device that can connect via WiFi or Bluetooth will be subjecting you and your family to RF radiation. Wiring streaming boxes, game consoles and other devices with ethernet when possible will lower the exposure.
We go over radio frequency radiation more in our chapter, “What are Radio Frequency Fields?“
If you’d like to measure the radio frequency fields in your home, check out our “Best EMF Meters” page or find an EMF consultant near you.
