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For better or worse, computers play a significant role in our daily lives. If, like me, you are worried about this, you may be curious about how to minimize radiation exposure from computers. Here are a few suggestions:
In this article, I’ll look at the worst offenders for computers in terms of EMF radiation and how to avoid these as much as possible.
How to Avoid Radiation from Computers
Obviously, the easiest way to avoid EMF exposure from computers is to stop using them. But this isn’t particularly viable, so instead try some of these options.
I recommend using as many as possible, as collectively they should do a good job of reducing EMF radiation levels.
Here are ways to avoid radiation from computers:
- Keep your distance
- Use wired devices
- Turn off Wi-Fi
- Don’t put your laptop on your lap
- Spend some time away from your device
- Surround yourself with plants
- Fit a Faraday cage around your computer
- Completely unplug devices when not in use
- Keep computers out of your bedroom
Now let me explain each method in detail. Also read: Radiation From A Laptop On Stomach
1. Keep your distance
One of the easiest options for avoiding EMF radiation is to keep your distance from the source.
EMF radiation follows something called the inverse power rule. This means that the intensity of the field decreases proportionately with the distance.
Radiation from a computer is fairly weak, so you don’t need to be too far away. Sitting roughly 1ft away from the screen will be enough.
If your screen is bigger than 24” diagonally, you’ll need to increase this distance. A safe distance is half the diagonal size of the screen.
So for a 30” monitor, you’ll want to be 15” away.
The same is true for the equipment inside the computer itself. The field shouldn’t extend more than 18”, so this should be enough distance between you and the computer.
But to be on the safe side I recommend testing it with your EMF meter.
2. Turn off Wi-Fi
Wireless internet is one of the biggest culprits for EMF radiation in the home, particularly for things like smartphones and computers. Luckily, with computers, you still have an alternative option.
Return to old-school wired internet. Not only does this mean less EMF radiation, but you should find your connection speed is better too.
You’ll need to buy an Ethernet cable. Make sure it’s long enough to reach from your router to the computer itself.
This distance will vary depending on whether you’re disabling Wi-Fi functionality on your computer or on the router itself.
If you’re changing the router’s settings then you have less to worry about. If you’re leaving the Wi-Fi turned on, I’d recommend sitting at least 30ft from it.
While turning Wi-Fi off at the router is the best option, this isn’t always practical. You might need it for other devices in the home, and it’ll automatically turn back on when the router reboots anyway.
So it’ll be worth disabling Wi-Fi settings on your computer itself. This is fairly easy to do in the settings, but Google it if you’re unsure.
3. Use wired devices
Many people find wireless keyboards and mice to be convenient, but they really don’t offer much. Not only do they mean more EMF radiation, but it’s common for sensitivity to drop when using wireless devices.
I recommend sticking with a wired keyboard and mouse. I used to have wireless versions but I switched back to wired for better sensitivity and receptivity.
There are so many versions on offer, but you can find a wired keyboard and mouse combo set. These devices don’t need to be expensive, but there’s nothing stopping you from going for a high-end model.
The same rule applies to other computer accessories, such as headphones, printers, etc. Stick with wired devices wherever possible to cut down on the overall levels of EMF radiation being produced.
4. Don’t put your laptop on your lap
This might seem like an odd suggestion considering their name, but you shouldn’t put a laptop on your lap.
The proximity of the device to your body means that all its EMF radiation is going straight into you, which isn’t great.
Although more research has been put into the effects of laptops on male fertility, this advice is useful for everyone.
You should avoid using your laptop on anything but a solid surface whenever you can.
If this isn’t something you can avoid, you’re in luck. There’s a large market of EMF protection designed specifically for this issue.
For example, you can buy a simple laptop EMF shield (my recommendation) that sits on your desk or lap. It can reduce EMF radiation by more than 90%.
You can also get EMF blocking backpacks (Amazon link) for carrying your laptop around.
These devices are ideal if you need to use your laptop when out and about and mean you don’t have to worry about EMF exposure.
5. Spend some time away from your device
I know this won’t be possible for everyone, but the easiest way to avoid radiation from computers is to simply not go near them.
While you might not be able to spend all day away from your computer, ensure you take regular breaks.
If you work at a computer, this sort of advice should be mandated in your contract anyway. It’s advised to take a short break every hour or so to give your eyes a rest.
But these breaks are also useful for reducing EMF exposure. Stand up, move away from the computer, and focus on something else (not your phone).
I recommend trying to avoid all sources of EMF radiation during these breaks otherwise you’re not really doing anything of benefit.
Although it’s not directly related to EMF radiation, it’s also a good idea to wear blue light glasses (related article) while sat at your computer.
These are good for your eyes and help to block out blue light that can impact your sleep schedule.
6. Surround yourself with plants
Plants have many positive health benefits, but did you know they can help to absorb radiation?
Among NASA’s many studies, they did one on the effects of radiation on plants. The results showed that some plants are able to absorb small amounts of EMF radiation from the atmosphere.
Their well-known Clean Air Study also found that plants absorb a number of toxins from the air, including formaldehyde and benzene.
Some of the best plants to have in your office include:
- Spider plant
- Elephant ear philodendron
- Weeping fig
- Aloe of any kind
- Peace lily
What’s more, all of these are fairly easy to care for and look great too.
So consider decorating your office with some attractive plant life to improve your mood and reduce EMF radiation exposure.
7. Fit a Faraday cage around your computer
A Faraday cage is basically a metal box that prevents radiation from escaping a source. It’s the crosshatched metal on the door of your microwave.
You’ll be surprised to know that you can get the same thing for your computer.
These devices prevent a large portion of the EMF radiation from escaping, meaning you can be more at ease when using your computer.
Just bear in mind that it’ll reduce Wi-Fi receptivity. While this shouldn’t be a problem if you’ve disabled the function, you’d be surprised at how many people complain about this issue.
This Faraday cage is the same technology used in the laptop shield listed above, but is designed for a desktop computer instead.
8. Completely unplug devices when not in use
This might sound like a silly suggestion, but it’ll definitely make a difference to your overall exposure levels.
When you’re done with the computer for the day, turn it off and completely unplug it.
Putting it to sleep is by far the worst option for powering down your device.
Some computers will continue to communicate with the internet when asleep, or won’t completely shut down.
The only way to truly ensure it’s disconnected is to unplug it from the wall socket.
Similarly, store your laptop in one of the shields mentioned above when not in use.
9. Keep computers out of your bedroom
It’s tempting to take your laptop to bed so you can continue watching your favorite series or scrolling social media. But this really isn’t a good idea.
The main thing about EMF radiation is exposure time, and the less you’re exposed to the source the better.
Therefore, don’t take a computer in your bedroom. Ideally, turn your router off before going to bed and put your phone on airplane mode (or turn it off).
It’s best to try and have your bedroom as an EMF-free zone. Consider buying an old-school alarm clock if you need one and then leaving all electronic devices elsewhere.
What Are the Main Sources of Radiation in a Computer?
Computers are made up of many complex electronic parts. As a result, they emit various forms of radiation. But some are more concerning than others.
For example, computers emit a lot of heat as waste energy. Generally, this is one of the least worrying forms of radiation so isn’t really worth concerning yourself about.
But computers produce plenty of EMF radiation too. Whether it’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or simply the standard working parts, there are plenty of sources of EMF radiation.
Healthline regards computers as one of the main sources of EMF radiation in the home. This is because of their wireless communication, lights, and radiofrequency capabilities.
Computers emit various forms of non-ionizing radiation, such as radio waves. While short-term exposure is thought to be harmless, the WHO reports a possible link between long-term exposure and cancer.
Considering electronic devices of this nature haven’t been around long enough for proper long-term studies to have been conducted, it’s always better to be on the safe side.
In short, you want to try and avoid prolonged exposure to radiation from computers. Unfortunately for many of us this isn’t always practical.
Some of the most notable sources of EMF radiation in a computer include:
- Screens (particularly older models)
- Disc drives (especially when reading or writing discs)
- Power supplies
- Wireless keyboard and mouse
- Wireless receiver
As you can see, computers are all-round EMF sources, rather than containing one specific culprit. This means that you have to be a bit more creative with your solutions for avoiding EMF radiation from computers.
Luckily, there are still plenty of things you can do, as I’ll discuss in more detail below.
First, though, my most useful tip is to buy yourself an EMF meter (Amazon link) if you don’t already have one. This’ll allow you to conclusively test how much EMF radiation your computer emits.
Check out my article for tips on how to use an EMF meter.
Recognizing EMF Exposure
EMF exposure has a range of symptoms. Many of these overlap with common symptoms from other ailments, which is why they’re often missed by people.
If you’re exposed to a source of EMF radiation regularly (such as sitting in front of a computer all day), you might suffer from EMF exposure.
Common symptoms include:
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Dizziness
- Poor sleep pattern
- Prickly or itchy skin
- Muscle pain
- Headaches
- Memory and concentration problems
- Depression and anxiety
It’s often difficult to diagnose EMF exposure because many things could cause these symptoms.
But for people with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), it’s fairly easy to recognize.
EHS often means people experience discomfort at lower levels of EMF exposure than average. While the exact cause is largely unknown, it’s believed to be constant exposure to sources of EMF radiation.
It often takes a long time to diagnose EHS, as it’s not a common first step for doctors. But recognizing the symptoms and reducing your exposure levels is a viable first step in combatting this issue.
If you begin to recognize some of these symptoms, and you’re around sources of EMF radiation in your everyday life, consider trying some of the solutions suggested below.
Some Final Thoughts
Hopefully, some of the options listed above will help you to avoid radiation from computers.
The best advice I can give is to just limit the time you spend around them. But where this isn’t possible, try as many of the solutions listed above for the best results.