Thank You For Not Radiating

I rarely use a cell phone today. If you told me I would be writing this a few years back, I would not have believed it myself.

I love technology and the convenience, and efficiency that come along with it. But when my body hit its toxic load a few years ago, it could not handle any additional toxic burdens. At the time, I did not know my body had mercury poisoning galvanized by RF radiation from a very powerful cell tower with four antennas placed less than 200 feet from my home.

In this post, I share a few key lessons I learned that helped me understand the complex topic in order to avoid or reduce symptoms like brain fog, headaches, and fatigue caused by every day radiation:

• Is Cell Phone Radiation Like Second Hand Smoke?
• What Is Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)?
• Simple Steps For Avoiding or Eliminating EMR

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Is Cell Phone Radiation Like Second Hand Smoke?

Most of us have cell phones. But what most of us do not know is that cell phones may be carcinogenic:

The World Health Organization classified radio-frequency EMF as a Class 2B probable carcinogen in 2011.

And not just to the cell phone user. Six years ago, I read the article quoted below. If you click on the link you will see the photo of a cell phone next to a cigarette pack. Just as non-smokers breath in secondhand smoke and take in nicotine and toxic chemicals, anyone within ~15 feet of a cell phone is radiated. What is more alarming is the potential impact of the cell phone on the user:

Warning: Your Cell Phone May Be Hazardous to Your Health

Earlier this winter, I met an investment banker who was diagnosed with a brain tumor five years ago…. He explained that the tumor was located just behind his right ear and was not immediately fatal—the five-year survival rate is about 70 percent. He was 35 years old at the time of his diagnosis and immediately suspected it was the result of his intense cell-phone usage…When Jim asked his neurosurgeon, who was on the staff of a major medical center in Manhattan, about the possibility of a cell-phone-induced tumor, the doctor responded that in fact he was seeing more and more of such cases—young, relatively healthy businessmen who had long used their phones obsessively…A handful of Jim’s colleagues had already died from brain cancer; the more reports he encountered of young finance guys developing tumors, the more certain he felt that it wasn’t a coincidence. “I knew four or five people just at my firm who got tumors,” (2)

If that’s not enough to give one pause for thought, recently, the NIH study confirmed the connection with cell phone use and brain tumors:

Cell Phone Radiation Boosts Cancer Rates in Animals; $25 Million NTP Study Finds Brain Tumors U.S. Government Expected To Advise Public of Health Risk

So the next question is, what is it about cell phones that makes them a possible cancer-causing toxin? The short answer is that cell phones emit electromagnetic radiation and that radiation damages all living cells.

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What Is Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)?

EMR (a.k.a. EMF) is radiant energy released from anything electrical. The radiation can stress or damage DNA in all living cells, including those in humans, animals, and plants. The damage is based upon the radiation’s proximity, power, and frequency.

Here is another way to think about it: Water containing minerals can conduct electrical energy. The human body is approximately 3/4 mineralized water and therefore collects & conducts electrical frequencies. That is why, for example, x-rays and EKG’s (electrocardiograms) are used in hospitals to measure what is happening within the human body.

The problem is that we are now living in a technologically advanced world where it is almost impossible to avoid the damaging electrical frequencies from cell phones, cell towers, and wi-fi. And while most of us are too busy or do not understand how the invisible and silent radiation is harming us, there are plenty of non-industry funded scientific studies that say otherwise.  (See the Bioinitiative report for more scientific info.)

For simplicity, there are four types of EMR exposure that were important for me to understand in order to gain back my health:

1. Radio-frequency (RF) radiation: Radiation emitted from cell towers, wi-fi modems / routers, and wireless devices such as cell phones, computers, tablets, and DECT cordless phones.
2. AC Magnetic Fields (MF): Electrical sources like high voltage power lines, transformers on the street, cell phones, tablets, laptops, electric blankets, and appliances with transformers like clock radios, laptop plugs, or power cables.
3. AC Electronic Fields (EF) like wiring in the wall.
4. Dirty Electricity (EMI) from sources like dimmer switches, CFLs, and solar inverters. All of these types of electro-pollution can damage cells and cause environmental illness (EI).

It took me a while to understand each type of EMR and keep them straight. Learning how to measure EMR with different meters (see below) helps as does trying different ways to shield and avoid radiation. But to be honest, until one is forced to avoid radiation due to symptoms, it might seem untrue, foreign, or not worth the time. All I can say is that I wish I had known that taking a few simple steps could have prevented me from hitting my radiation toxic-load. I share some of those steps here.

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Tips For Avoiding or Reducing EMR

Tip #1: Keep cell phone use to a minimum

• Keep the cell phone on airplane mode. Cell phones on standby mode still emit strong radiation intermittently.
• Turn call forwarding on the cell phone and route calls to a corded land line when at home. (Text messages do not forward so I use Google Voice on my wired desktop.)
• For special situations, turn airplane mode off AND then turn bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular data off. Phone calls and text messages work with less radiation, but the internet and most apps will not work unless cellular data is turned on.
• Use the speaker phone with the phone at a distance or a corded air tube headset instead of wired headsets, wireless headsets, and bluetooth.
• Follow safety guidelines when using a cell phone. e.g. Use the cell phone in areas with good reception (aka full bars) and avoid using blue tooth and cell phones in the car, elevator, or metal stairwells. RF can create reflections and bounce around inside the metal enclosures.

Tip #2: Create A Sleep Sanctuary and Wire The Home

• Sleeping in an EMR-free environment is one of the most important things I did for healing and recovery. Read how to create a sleep sanctuary here.
• If Wi-Fi routers must be used instead of ethernet wires:
  • Turn the router off when sleeping or not in use
  • Turn down the transmission
  • Comcast customers can call and ask them to turn off the Hot Spot
• Turn off all wireless devices, bluetooth, and Wi-Fi or put on airplane mode.
• Opt out of electric “Smart Meters” and avoid “smart” devices like home thermostats, security systems, TVs, Google Home, Amazon Eco, Sonos, smart watches, fitness watches, etc…
• Replace cordless “DECT” phones
• Ditch the microwave oven
• Use infrared remotes over RF remotes for the tv, shades…
• Unplug appliances when not in use
  • Exception 1: refrigerator — since this cannot be unplugged without effecting food, try not to stand next to it for long and do not have a bed behind it in an adjacent room.
  • Exception 2: oven — stand at an angle when cooking on an electric stove. And with any stove, keep a safe distance from the control panel and clock if at waist level.

Tip #3: Limit flying, driving and outside exposure

• Cell towers / antennas line the freeways and emit high amounts of RF.
• Avoid electric cars or measure the EMR to make sure it is not too high.
  • I have heard hybrid vehicles emit more EMR than non-hybrid vehicles. However, 1) I do not feel EMR discomfort in my hybrid, 2) My certified electrician and EMR specialist drives the same make and model hybrid, and 3) I have yet to find a video or study measuring EMR pollution in a hybrid.
• Avoid going to the mall, sitting in coffee-shops, movie theaters, large public gatherings, or other venues with strong Wi-Fi or cell towers, balanced equally with enjoying life.

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Appendix

From my research, I found it helpful to know that some governments outside of the U.S. are more advanced in addressing radiation exposure limits. For example, in France, Wi-Fi has been removed from public schools. Several families have sued and won against telecom corporations and their radiating cell towers. In the U.S., the FCC has passed laws (i.e. The 1996 Telecom Act), that make it illegal for anyone to sue Telecom companies on the basis of environmental effects from cell towers. (This has somehow been translated as health effects?) I suggest doing your own research. To help, I’ve listed a few links below as a starting point:

Helpful Meters
1. Radio Frequency ~$346 + S&H: Currently using the Accoustimeter from SLT.co. Will add link.
2. Magnetic Fields ~$299.95 + S&H: Switchable Single Axis And 3-Axis Gaussmeter
3. Electric Fields ~$159.95 + S&H: Line Noise Meter
4. Dirty Electricity: Greenwave (also sold under Alpha Labs). Will add link soon.

Resource Links
bioinitiative.org
electromagnetichealth.org
emrsavvy.com
emfanalysis.com
emfcenter.com
healthandenvironment.org
microwavenews.com
report: Electromagnetic Radiation Hypersensitivity 

Videos Worth Watching
1. TakeBackYourPower.Net
2. Ted X Talk by a Bay Area engineer (only 16 minutes long and a great primer)

3. CBC Marketplace Video “The secret inside your cellphone”. 22 minute investigation on cellphone radiation asking 1. Are cell phones safe and 2. do consumers have enough information on how to use cell phones safely?

Get Wired!

Did you eliminate hardwire cables for the convenience and aesthetics of wireless? And did you ditch your home landline when you realized that owning a cell phone made paying for two lines redundant? Like most people, I did too.

However, if you’ve read my other posts on How to Get to Sleep Earlier or Why I No Longer Use a Cell Phone, you know that I have given up Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to reduce radiation exposure and symptoms. In my case, less fatigue, brain fog, and headaches have made the time it took to research, modify my home, and change my habits worth the effort.

For those wanting to get wired, this is where I share products I personally use to reduce radiation in my home office:

I. Hard-wiring the home office
II. Wired telephone service

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I. Hard-wiring The Home Office

A. Internet Access – typically a modem and router are needed to access the internet. Sometimes these devices come combined in one device. And sometimes only a router is needed, like in modern condos with built-in wiring.

1. Set up – in my case, I use a separate modem and router (NETGEAR N750) that are compatible with my internet service provider, Comcast, with the following set up:

• Plug a shielded coaxial cable into the modem and into the wall coaxial cable outlet.
• Connect the modem to the router with a 3′ shielded cat 7 cable.
• Connect the router to computers, printers, iPads, etc. with a 7′ shielded cat 7 cable, 10′ shielded cat 7 cable, or 25′ shielded cat 7 ethernet cable.
• Plug modem and router into electrical power source with supplied adaptors.
• Make sure Wi-Fi, Blue-tooth, and other wireless features are turned off on devices like laptops, cell phones, tablets, etc.

2. Benefits – this router has a button on the front right corner to turn off Wi-Fi functionality so no Radio Frequency (RF) radiation is emitted. Here are additional benefits:

• Faster internet speed. (Gamers often use ethernet cables for this reason).
• Better security.
• Reduced long-term expenses: It costs $10/month to rent the modem / router device from my internet provider. After around fifteen months my modem and router were paid off.
• Your personal modem & router cannot be used as a “hotspot” for other Comcast users.

However, if you still prefer to rent a combo modem and router from Comcast, ask Comcast to  disable your xfinitywifi public hotspot by following the directions below or calling an agent 800-934-6489.

• Comcast says the hotspot can be re-enabled if the modem is reset due to a power outage, IP address changes, or system refresh, etc. so it is not possible to permanently opt-out.
• I’ve heard that they don’t always disconnect the hotspot when requested. Look at available Wi-Fi connections on your computer or “smart” phone before calling to see what hotspots are available and make sure after calling (they say it can take up to 24 hours) that the specific hotspot is no longer listed.
• Another way to check for local Xfinity hotspots can be found on Comcast’s map, however I do not believe all hotspots are listed there.
• I have heard that AT&T does not have the option for customers to disconnect their hotspots if using their rented devices.

How to Turn XFINITY WiFi Home Hotspot Off – My Account Help

In addition to your private WiFi network, select Comcast-provided wireless gateways broadcast a public hotspot called xfinitywifi that extends the XFINITY WiFi network into your home, allowing any XFINITY Internet subscriber to connect to it there.

We encourage you to keep the XFINITY WiFi Home Hotspot feature enabled, as it allows more people to enjoy the benefits of XFINITY WiFi.

This xfinitywifi WiFi signal is completely separate from your private XFINITY WiFi home network and won’t slow down your home broadband connection.

To learn how to enable or disable your XFINITY WiFi Home Hotspot, please read the instructions below.

3. Alternative Solutions – if you cannot replace your existing modem & router, or if Wi-Fi must be on during non-sleep hours

a. turn the router off at night when sleeping with one of the following:

• Unplug the router from the device or wall
• Use a switch tap with an on / off button or surge protector with an on / off button
• Use a remote control electrical outlet switch (note: this uses RF technology)
• Use an automated timer

b. turn down the RF transmission to 25%, 50% or 75% if possible (log in to the router’s manufacturer website as you would to initially set the router up).

c. If it’s not possible to turn down the router transmission:

• Place the router in room farther away
• Place the router in a metal media cabinet
• Purchase a router guard and place the router inside

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B. Ergonomic Desk With Less EMR – in addition to reducing the radiation from RF, it was important to reduce the radiation exposure from Electric Fields (EF) and Magnetic Fields (MF)

1. Computer, Keyboard & Mouse – Using an external wired keyboard and wired mouse creates distance from a computer or laptop and prevents EF & MF from flowing directly into the body. For that reason, I never use a laptop on my lap either.

• In order to do this, I purchased a desk clamp with an extension for the laptop and separate monitor (see photo above) creates more desktop space and makes it possible to add an external wired keyboard.
• Move all power-strips, plugs with attached transformers, and the lamp as far from the body, legs and feet as possible.

2. Printer – most printers with Wi-Fi emit radiation when turned on and in standby mode or just simply plugged in and not powered on. (Same for gaming consoles).

• An ethernet cable can be used to connect the printer and computer, but Wi-Fi RF radiation may still be emitted. A RF meter can be used to verify.

3. Tablets – it is possible to use an ethernet wire adaptor with a tablet, iPhone, and some newer android phones in airplane mode without Wi-Fi. The devices will still emit EF & MF so it would be best to use a stand in lieu of holding the device while using it.

• I personally use a wired computers for 99% of my digital work and do not use a tablet except to play downloaded videos or music from a distance.
• I did purchase a 6″ Kindle for reading books. That Kindle is the only model I know of that does not emit measurable amounts of EMF / RF when used in airplane mode.

4. Wired Telephone – my main criteria for the wired telephone was the ability to plug in an external headset, volume control, speaker phone, and no electrical source required (except batteries for the caller ID).

• Ultra Low EMF Telephone+ Air Tube Headset 2.5 mm + Headset Extension Cord  all from Lessemf.com
• I use a shielded cord plugged in to the telephone jack and either the wall jack or VOIP device (see below)
• Avoid cordless “Digitally enhanced cordless technology” (DECT) phones as they emit RF radiation — the base station constantly transmits signals, even when no one is talking on the phone.

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II. Wired Telephone Services

There are several telephone services I explored when I stopped using my cell phone at home:  Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) service and traditional copper landline service.

With these options there is no charge for me to forward cell phone calls to my landline phone number. That enables me to turn my cell phone on airplane mode when at home and still receive phone calls.

Text messages cannot be forwarded unless an app is used, so I work around this by texting from my computer using a Google Voice number.

Option 1: Obihai VOIP Device + Google Voice (GV) Number:  Obihai OBi202 device for two lines (or an OBi101 with one line) and my existing GV number.

1. Upside

• One time cost for VOIP device.
• GV can ring to multiple devices at the same time, including my cell phone, land line phone, and desktop computer. 3. Minus the cost of privacy, GV is free to use.
• Voicemail and text messages are accessible once logged in to Google.com/Voice on the computer. Both can be forwarded to a google email account as well.

2. Downside

• Router must always be on.
• No home telephone service if the internet goes down.
• EF can travel from the Obihai, through the telephone wire, to the telephone. To address this I connected  a USB grounding cable wire from the Obihai to the surge-protected power strip.
• Obihai (or Google Voice) drops calls a few times a month and needs to be rebooted by unplugging the power source briefly and plugging it back in.
• The first time I tried to port a number from a different google email account, it did not go through correctly and there is no live customer service.

3. Notes

• Obihai is well integrated with Google Voice. In 2014 there was concern that GV was dropping Obihai integration. Reviews discussed this issue quite a bit. It did not happen, and if it does in the future, using this option was less expensive than having a copper wired service for two months.
• It is easier if you just use a Google Voice number and not a separate cell phone number. However, I did not want to have to give a new phone number out so my immediate circle knows to call, email, or text my Google Voice number since I do not check text messages on my cell phone often.
• Update: Google Voice was updated in 02/2017 to allow for group text messaging and photos. Yay!
• Google Voice can be used without a VOIP device or corded landline telephone. Just purchase a USB headset and mic for your computer or just use the computer mic. However, the computer must always be on / not on sleep mode to receive incoming calls.

4. Set Up

• Shielded cat 7 cable to connect the Obihai device into to a router / broadband connection
• USB grounding cable to connect the Obihai to an electrical outlet or surge protector. (Purchased from my local EMF electrician.)
• Shielded telephone line cord  to connect the Obihai device and corded telephone.
• Register with the ObiTALK portal, add OBi device and use the configuration wizard to set-up the OBi with your Gmail username + password, and start making calls! (May need to sign-in to Google Voice – select “Settings” link in the upper right corner of the window and then choose “Voice Settings.” On the “Phones” tab, check the box next to the “Forwards to: Google Chat.”)
• *For more detailed information and latest updates, please see Obihai and Google Voice

Option 2: Copper Wire / Fiber-Optics

I also re-activated my home phone number on a copper wire land line telephone with a local service provider. Telephone jacks were previously wired into my apartment so all I had to do was have AT&T send a technician to make sure the wires were still connected in the media room to their external hub. Unfortunately, in newer homes and condos, copper wire options are not always available.

1. Upside

• No VOIP device needed.
• Do not have to leave the router on to use it.
• The phone line works even if the electricity, internet, or cable goes down.

2. Downside

• Cost: AT&T in my area ranges from $50-70 / month. To compensate for the expense, I reduced my cell phone data plan by almost the same amount when I used this option.
• Activation appointment needed

3. Notes

• AT&T has a policy named “2020” that states that they will phase out their copper networks or legacy systems, in 2020
• Frontier has submitted an application for the acquisition of Verizon’s landline network that will be voted on by the end of 2015
• Sonic – a Bay Area Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) company has been replacing AT&T copper wires with fiber optic wires. Sonic provides internet service using fiber optic cables / copper wires plus free landline telephone service with voicemail. I do not have the option of using Sonic, but I would if I could.

Option 3: Cable VOIP (I did not try this option.)

1. Upside

• May be less expensive than a copper wire landline service
• Easy to add this service to an existing internet / cable service provider for a monthly fee

2. Downside

• Cost
• Will only work if the internet is working