As moms, the health and safety of our family is top priority. We try to create the best environment for our kids by making sure they’re eating the right foods, getting enough time outside, and we work so hard to provide a safe and nurturing home. But there’s a hidden health threat in many of our homes that we don’t often think about.
I’m talking about EMFs (electromagnetic fields), the invisible energy fields emitted by our electronic devices. While you might have already heard about the risks of EMF exposure from your phone or tablet, much of the new technology in our home is emitting EMFs without us even noticing.
Let’s take a look at eight surprising EMF hotspots that might be hiding in your home, and what you can do to reduce your family’s exposure.
1. Smart Meters
If you’re not familiar with smart meters, these are relatively new meters used by utility companies to monitor usage. These meters automatically transmit this information back to the company, which can offer a number of benefits such as more accurate bills and faster responses to outages. However, since they frequently transmit information to the utility company, they are emitting EMFs throughout the day.
How to Reduce Exposure
Start with requesting a non-wireless meter from your utility company. Since this isn’t always an option, you could also make sure the smart meter is installed in an area of your home where you and your family don’t spend a lot of time. Some companies also make smart meter covers that are said to lower the RF radiation. However, it’s important to check with your utility company before installing anything on the meter.
2. Gaming Consoles
Most gaming consoles have gone wireless, with Wi-Fi connections for online gaming, Bluetooth controllers and headsets, and virtual reality goggles. Eliminating the wires might make gaming more convenient, but it also significantly increases the EMF load. Devices such PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch all emit EMF, as well as the wireless controllers and headsets. This is especially important to be aware of because gaming consoles and accessories are often in close contact with our children’s bodies, and EMF exposure increases with proximity. Learn more about the top EMF gaming devices on our article here.
How to Reduce Exposure
Start with limiting gaming time, and encourage frequent breaks. Creating a healthy relationship with screen time – specifically gaming, which can be very addictive – is so important for our children’s health. Another simple step that can make a big difference is using wired controllers and headsets instead of Bluetooth. This cuts down on unnecessary EMF exposure while kids are gaming.
3. Bluetooth Alarm Clocks and Noise Machines
Many children’s alarm clocks and white noise machines are equipped with Bluetooth, which lets you control the time and settings through an app on your phone. It’s a helpful feature, especially if you don’t want to risk waking them up by going into their room to change the alarm clock time. But if your children use the Bluetooth alarm clocks or sound machines to sleep better, keep an eye on their placement. Those Bluetooth signals emit EMFs all night long, so you want to keep those away from your child’s head.
How to Reduce Exposure
The best option is really just to avoid Bluetooth alarm clocks and noise machines, and stick with the classic versions. But if you need to use a Bluetooth model, you can reduce your child’s EMF exposure by simply moving it further away from their bed.
4. Baby Monitors and Smart Baby Systems
Being able to keep an eye on our babies while they’re sleeping gives us moms a priceless peace of mind. We want to make sure they’re safe and comfortable without going into their room and potentially waking them up, but it’s important to be EMF-aware with the newest technology surrounding our babies. Many modern baby monitors use Wi-Fi to stream audio and video directly to your phone or monitoring device.
Smart systems have also become popular with new moms. For example, the Nanit uses high-tech computer vision to track your baby’s breathing and monitor their sleep. Wearable devices like the Owlet monitor the baby’s oxygen level and heart rate throughout the night, transmitting that data to a phone app through Bluetooth. These devices can be incredibly reassuring tools for moms, but it’s important for us to be mindful of the EMF exposure that comes along with them.
How to Reduce Exposure
If possible, consider using a good old-fashioned wired baby monitor. But if a smart system is needed for your baby, simply place the device at a safe distance from your baby’s crib and turn it off when it’s not needed.
5. Our Cars
This one technically isn’t in the home, but many of us spend enough time there that it might as well be. Between commutes and school drop-offs and sports practice and errands, the average family spends up to 20 hours per week in their car. And believe it or not, your car is an EMF hotspot – especially if it’s a newer model with built in wireless features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Hybrid and electric cars especially emit more EMFs because of the electrical systems inside.
How to Reduce Exposure
When you don’t need the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, turn it off. Try to minimize charging your devices in the car, and don’t keep electronics physically near your body or on your lap during drives. If you use EMF protection, the car is a great place to keep a device such as the Aires Tech Lifetune Go or Flex. Some moms I know keep one of these on their keychains so they never forget to bring it with them in the car!
6. Voice Assistants
Devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home have become a staple in many households, mine included. They assist with everything from grocery lists to setting reminders to playing music. Especially with little ones at home, having a hands-free way to take notes and get questions answered is a game changer. However, these devices are constantly connected to Wi-Fi. This means even when we’re not actively speaking with them, they’re emitting EMFs.
How to Reduce Exposure
When you know you won’t need to actively use your Alexa or Google Home for a while, consider unplugging it. Cutting off the power cuts off the connection, and this is especially important at night when your body is recharging. You can also place the device in a part of the home where your family – especially the kids – don’t spend much time. The Aires Lifetune Zone Max (pictured below) is my favorite area protection device I put in my main living areas with a home assistant.
7. Surveillance Systems
Home security isn’t something to sacrifice, which is why many people have installed smart systems like Ring cameras or doorbells to provide real-time monitoring. Especially if you’re home with kids, this offers such a valuable peace of mind. But like any wireless device, these systems contribute to the overall EMF levels in your home.
How to Reduce Exposure
If possible, opt for a wired security system. But if your system is already wireless, think about investing in EMF protection for your home to cut down on your overall exposure. While we turn most of our wireless devices off at night, the security system is one thing I like to keep running. Having Aires Tech Lifetune devices nearby makes me feel better about this very necessary EMF source.
8. Air Purifiers
I never would have guessed that our air purifier was a source of EMFs. The newer “smart” models, however, connect to Bluetooth to help you monitor air quality and flow, and they notify you when it’s time to change the filter. It’s a helpful feature, but since it uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi – you guessed it – it emits EMFs.
How to Reduce Exposure
First, consider purchasing simpler models that don’t use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. But if you already have a purifier with these features, don’t toss it! Some models let you disable Wi-Fi, so that’s the first thing to check. If yours won’t operate without Wi-Fi, simply move the purifier away from beds, couches, or anywhere your family spends a lot of their time.
Taking Small Steps for a Healthier Home
We can’t completely eliminate EMFs from our lives, but being aware of these hidden hotspots in our home helps us to make informed decisions and reduce our exposure. It starts with simple changes: unplugging devices, turning Bluetooth off, and keeping these electronics away from our beds, cribs, and frequently used spaces in the home.
We don’t need to throw out every modern convenience, we just need to be mindful. Take a look around your home and see what little changes you can make to reduce your family’s EMF exposure. These simple habits will soon become second nature, and these little steps can go a long way towards ensuring your family’s health and well-being!
