EMF testing is the process of learning how much radiation is being emitted by any specific device, wiring, etc. in your home. Using a specialised detector, it’s possible to measure the EMF around any device including a smartphone or even a toaster. You can also find out if a product meant to minimise or eliminate exposure is working or not.
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WHY IS EMF TESTING IMPORTANT?
We’re all exposed to EMFs every day, everywhere we go both natural and man-made. For instance, our homes are filled with electrical devices that produce EMFs, including kitchen appliances, TVs, computers, cell phones, Bluetooth devices, etc. In fact, one of the major hotspots in a home is the kitchen, due to all the electrical appliances and gadgets used in food preparation. However, other areas of the home can also have high levels of EMFs.
Scientists and researchers around the world have found that our exposure to electromagnetic fields can be the source for serious health risks. Research has shown a potential increase in some forms of cancer, possibly due to EMF exposure. The cancers include a type of brain cancer called a glioma. Another cancer potentially caused by exposure to EMFs is childhood leukemia.
In addition, there are other health issues that can caused by this type of radiation including:
- Sleep disturbances, insomnia
- Depression
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Headache
- Lack of concentration
- Changes in memory
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Nausea
- And more
- As you can see, exposure to EMFs may cause these and other health issues. So, a home survey to check for EMFs is a good idea.
EMFS ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO REDUCE
Some devices claim to be able to stop electro-magnetic fields entirely. The other day I saw a product advertised that stopped ‘100% of the EMF from your phone’. This was done by a very thin silver lined case on the back of the phone. I could sit here all day and pick countless holes as to why that wouldn’t work but it’s easier to just say that even if, for arguments sake, it did ‘block 100% of the emf’ then your phone just wouldn’t work. You’ll have no signal and no internet connection. So please be aware of cheap products that claim to prevent electro-magnetic fields. Electro-magnetic screening is a very complex science and requires either metals of extremely high permeability placed in very specific locations and angles so they can effectively divert the magnetic field or, the construction of a Faraday cage, again the measurement of the gaps has to be correct for that specific frequency.
Consider this, if we tried to completely stop all EMF exposure, you wouldn’t be able to read this article, for instance. You’re wireless Internet would not function. It would take completely going without electricity to cut off many sources of EMFs; however, even then, we’d still be exposed to natural sources of electromagnetic fields.
BUYING AN EMF METER
Testing is the only way to see if EMF shielding is truly working and to test the electromagnetic fields in your home. EMFs can’t be felt, seen or heard, making it difficult to see how much radiation is in a specific location in your home. You need to have specialised testing equipment.
What you need is an EMF meter. These devices are specially designed to detect and measure EFM radiation in omnidirectional planes. EMF meters measure can measure from the ELF (extremely low frequency) range to the UHF (ultra high frequency) range.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO USE AN EMF METER AT HOME?
This is a common question—the short answer is yes. It is possible to use an EMF meter yourself.
You can buy EMF meters from online stores, such as Amazon, or from specialised shops. However, there are some things to keep in mind before buying a meter.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING AN EMF METER
Meters that are available to buy for personal use tend to be VERY limited in their sensitivity. They also have limited ability when it comes to what they can detect. The EMF meters used by most professionals are able to measure EM fields to a value of +-0.01 nanoTesla, most personal meters (particularly the ones available on sites like Amazon) measure to an accuracy of +- 100 nanoTesla. Which is a huge difference and when cross referencing the results with the biological guidelines of 400nT, the discrepancy in accuracy is far too high to be able to say with confidence that you’re underneath the threshold.
Not only are the meters less sensitive, but they probably don’t include an omni-directional antenna. This type of antenna simulates your body’s full exposure—these antennas are generally found on meters used by professional EMF inspectors. Most meters you can purchase include a green directional antenna, which is not effective when it comes to determining the level of EMFs your body’s exposed to. It would be better to take the same money you intend to spend on the meter and hire a professional EMF inspector.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you are not trained and educated on EMF radiation and its effect on the body. The top professional EMF inspectors have had years of training in EMF testing and have been educated in Building Biology. Vigilance is an important quality for inspectors to stay up to date on what’s new in the field by reading, consulting with other experts, etc. You will not have all the knowledge or experience of a trained, professional EMF inspector
Overall, yes, you can conduct your own survey with an EMF meter you buy; however, the type of meters you can buy will not have the needed sensitivity to fully test for EMF exposure in your home. You also don’t have the expertise and experience that a professional will have. To make sure that you are safe from high levels of EMFs in your home, it makes more sense to spend the money to hire a professional EMF inspector or consultant.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PROFESSIONAL EMF SURVEY INSPECTOR OR CONSULTANT
When looking to hire the right EMF inspector or consultant, it’s important to look for:
Certification: they should be a certified EMRS expert and should be able to show you they’ve been trained in Building Biology. Don’t hire anyone who is not certified, as they may be too inexperienced and not have the knowledge needed for this type of work.
ASK QUESTIONS! If you’re not sure what the survey involves or the possible effects, ask the EMF inspector. They should be able to answer your questions in great detail and if not that is a red flag.
Look at company websites: to review who will be coming to your home and conducting the assessment. Look for sites that offer pictures, names and any certifications, etc. for the inspectors who perform EMF surveys. This way you’ll know who’s coming to your home, etc.
EMF exposure is a real concern. While you can by an EMF meter and conduct your own survey, it’s much better to use that money to hire a professional EMF consultant/inspector. They have the expertise, experience and knowledge to find any sources of EMF exposure in your home. In addition, they can offer advice on how to minimise or eliminate exposure for you and your family.