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Cell Phone and Wireless Safety Tips on Reducing Wireless Radiation Exposure

  • 2 min read

Safety Tips to Reduce Wireless Radiation Exposure

Cell phones, Wi-Fi laptops and wireless devices all emit wireless radio-frequency (RF) radiation. Scientific research indicates that current government exposure limits do not protect us. Our expert Commission advises that governments strengthen current regulations and we continue to document the science base for more protective limits.

Due to the lack of adequate regulations ensuring safety, we recommend the public reduce personal wireless exposure. Thankfully, most recommendations are easy and can be implemented right away. Below are safety tips compiled by the International Commission on the Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields. 

The more distance, the better 

  • Don’t carry your cellphone in your pocket, in your bra, or close to your body when it is powered on. 
  • Use speakerphone, text, or a headset whenever possible. 

Reduce time of exposure 

  • Avoid talking longer than necessary on your cellphone. 
  • Reduce the time you spend in locations where many people are using cellphones close to each other, especially on public transit. 

Wait for a good signal 

  • Good signals mean your phone needs less power to connect and so produces less radiation. 
  • Minimize cellphone use when surrounded by metal such as in an elevator, or while traveling in automobiles, buses, trains or aircraft.  

Turn things off when you don’t need them 

  • Use airplane mode when your cellphone is not in use. 
  • Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on devices when you don’t need them. Some devices allow one or both to remain on even in airplane mode.
  • Power off your cellphone, Wi-Fi router and other wireless devices at bedtime and at other times when they will not be needed for an extended period. 

Use wired connections whenever possible

  • Choose fiber-optic, cable or DSL internet services for your home or business. 
  • Inside your home or business, use wired internet connections such as Ethernet. 
  • Used wired home and office phones instead of wireless cordless phones because both the handset and the base emit RF. 
  • Make calls on landlines with wired handsets whenever possible and schedule long phone conversations for when you will have access to landlines.
Sources of wireless RF radiation inside your home include your cell phone, Wi-Fi router, devices like laptops, tablets, printers and smart speakers connected to the Wi-Fi, boosters, wireless video game systems, “smart” utility meters and “smart” appliances. Taking the time to make simple swaps with non-wireless alternatives when possible will decrease your exposure.