Cell phones are undoubtedly one of the top sources of RF radiation exposure in our lives. The general consensus is – as long as you’re not right up close, then it’s fine.
This couldn’t be further from the truth…
RF radiation is a class 2B carcinogen
Radio frequencies were classified as a class 2B carcinogen in 2011 by the World Health Organization.
Interestingly, multiple of their top advisors for RF radiation are now urging for a further upgrade to a ‘class 1’ carcinogen. The highest level there is.
Even with the now thousands of studies showing harmful biological effects, are we likely to see this upgrade soon? Don’t hold your breath..
Just imagine what that would mean for the most power industry on the planet – the wireless and tech conglomerates.
Unfortunately, making trillions of dollars usually always wins out over health of the population – at least until it becomes so obvious that it can no longer be ignored.
It’s important to realise the latency period for non-ionizing radiation is similar to that of ionizing. In other words, we’re unlikely to start seeing the real damage of cell phones, WiFi and cell towers until 2030 and beyond.
Radiation from phones travel further than most realise
High levels of radiation from phones can easily extend out to even 5m (12ft) or more. Most people believe at arms length or if using a headset they’re completely safe. This is simply false.
Clearly distance is your friend and with more of it you’ll lower your exposure by a great deal.
Thankfully, there’s also settings you can change and new habits to adopt that will greatly reduce your exposure.
So, let’s get started with my top 7 tips to massively reduce your radiation exposure when using a cell phone.
Tip 1: Turn airplane mode ON
Airplane mode does in fact shut off all radiation. Depending on the phone, there may still be a small amount emitted but this is usually miniscule.
My advice is to always have airplane mode on when the phone is within arms length. Especially when on the body.
If you plan to sleep in the same bedroom as your phone, airplane mode or turning the phone off is a must.
Of course the downside is that you won’t be able to use the internet, make or receive calls. What’s more important though? Protecting your health or a phone call?
Tip 2: Keep WiFi and Bluetooth OFF
Always keep WiFi and Bluetooth switched off unless you absolutely must use them. Again keep your distance when these are on.
I don’t recommend anyone to ever use WiFi on their phone because of just how much radiation is emitted. Using an Acoustimeter, I’ve picked up high levels from more than 5 meters away with WiFi in use.
Tip 3: Speakerphone and step back
To lower your exposure when talking on the phone by huge amount:
- Turn speakerphone ON
- Don’t hold the phone. Put it down somewhere and..
- Take a step back – 2m (6ft) or more is a good idea.
The more distance the better.
These 3 simple steps will do wonders for lowering your exposure.
I don’t know how many times I see people holding their phone with speaker mode on. By the end of the call it ends up a mere inches from their head, completely making it pointless.
Depending on the phone, even at arms length the radiation you’ll be exposed to is way too high.
Try and get into a habit to put your phone down and get distance from it.
You’ll also realise just how convenient it is. No need to hold anything!
Tip 4: Turn your data off
Did you know that by simply turning your data off you’ll be eliminating up to 90% of the radiation coming off your phone?
This tip is virtually unknown but through my own testing with multiple phones I’ve found this to be true.
Of course, once you turn your data off you won’t be able to use the internet or apps that require you to be connected (instagram, facebook etc).
This may be a deal breaker for some. I recommend to use your phone for calls / txt only unless you use a wired connection (next tip!).
Tip 5: Use a wired connection
Yep, that’s right.. You can easily connect your phone to the internet by using a wired connection from your modem.
All you need is a simple phone port to ethernet adapter. For android users, check the port on your phone then get an ethernet adpater for it.
For iPhone users you must use two official apple adapters to get this working (see youtube “iphone to ethernet”)
Now with airplane mode on (no radiation), plug in the cable and you’ll be online in seconds!
This is how I use instagram etc personally without having to worry about harmful exposures whilst doing so.
Tip 6: Ditch your headset
I cringe every time I hear some authority advising to just use a wired headset.
What you need to understand is that a high level of radiation comes up the cable. If you saw me testing this you’d be shocked.
Yes wired headsets may be better than using bluetooth earbuds but both options will lead to high exposures. Therefore I don’t recommend either.
Using wired headsets or headphones whilst the phone is on airplane mode is fine!
My recommendation is to use tip 3 instead of any wireless or wired headsets (when not in airplane mode).
Tip 7: Accessories to lower your exposure
Accessories should always be used as a last resort or secondary layer of protection. Always use the previously mentioned methods for lowering exposure.
EMF protection in general is the wild west and caution is advised when purchasing products. Many of them are simply scams or offer very limited protection.
- Radiation blocking covers and cases can be used to reduce exposure.
- Air tube headsets can be used to prevent radiation from going up the cable.
- Ferrite snap beads can be used on headphone / headset cables to reduce radiation.
Check the cell phone protection page over at LessEMF to get a sense of the genuine protection available.
Bonus Tip: Keep away from charging phones
And lastly here’s a bonus tip for when topping your phones battery up!
When charging phones (or any device) from a 240v or 120v power source, always keep at least 2m (6ft) away.
Charging from a low powered USB port is the exception. Levels are safe when topping up via USB.
This is to avoid exposure to very high levels of electric fields which are emitted off cables and transformers.
Electric fields come from the voltage within conductors and they have a dramatic effect on the voltage of our very own body.
The less electricity we have flowing through us – the better!
![About the Author](https://biome-living.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/me-awesome.x93499.jpg)
About the Author
Matt Cossey is a certified electromagnetic radiation specialist from Australia. He’s helped protect thousands world-wide from non-native EMFs.
Very useful tips – easy to remember plus they all make sense.
Thank you Biome Living.