I was diagnosed with MS in 2006 and my symptoms were fairly manageable until 2014. Strangely, that was a few months after we moved into our new house. I tried every alternative treatment I could think of and did not find much relief. Finally, I started wondering, could it be something in this new living space that was making me sick?
When I ran out of alternative treatments I started thinking about Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs). I had a hunch that the EMFs in our new house might have played a part in the decline of my health. I reached out to fans on my Facebook page. The thousands of comments I received were incredible, and your helpful input would become a key step in my new quest for healing, leading me to write about The Green House that Almost Killed Me.
I had thought the beautiful house we built was green through and through. I worked diligently with our contractor to use no-VOC products during the construction process from start to finish. Additionally although our house was not visibly impacted by the historic flood that hit Boulder shortly after we moved in, I had tested it for mold. I thought our house was well constructed and ecologically sound. I was wrong.
I made a huge mistake in the design of our new home. I had not researched the ecological impact of the electrical systems installed. But something changed that day on Facebook. With your help I did a deep dive into EMF research. Your responses to my questions about EMFs were disturbing, and they may have saved my life.
I started to realize it wasn’t all in my head, especially after digging in to the book Zapped, which is an easy read and incredibly informative. In the course of one week, I turned my life upside down to reduce my exposure to EMFs. Here are the simple steps I took to reduce EMFs in our home and in my life overall!
Unplug Smart Appliances
The first thing to go was the printer in my tiny office. It is a wireless printer. I unplugged it from the wall. Now, when we need to print, we plug it in with the ethernet cable and the electric cord, plus we use another cable to connect our computers to it for printing.
Turn off WiFi
We unplugged the routers in our house and instead began using ethernet cables that plug into the wall. It doesn’t look pretty because we have cords all over the place, but being sick isn’t that pretty either. For more information on how I hardwired our computers into the Ethernet you’ll want to read my post called Avoiding EMFs at the Computer! If you are unable to turn off WiFi completely I recommend turning off your WiFi at night.
Turn off Breaker to Bedroom
Yes, this sounds crazy, and for most people it may not be necessary. However, for my system to get a rest from EMFs we decided we would turn off the circuit breaker to our bedroom. We are now using flashlights in the master bedroom and battery operated analog alarm clocks.
We also turned off the circuit breaker to the laundry room that is on the other side of our bedroom wall. This breaker is only turned on during the days that we use the washer/dryer so that the electric current is not active while I’m in the bedroom at night. Finally, my husband parked his cell phone outside of our bedroom so that I am now sleeping in a cell phone free environment.
Eliminate Cordless Phones
Cordless phones use a technology called DECT which stands for digital enhanced cordless telecommunication. This type of phone continuously emits electromagnetic radiation from the base, even when you are not speaking on it.
Although I thought that I was doing a good thing by using a landline, I was wrong since I was using cordless phones for our landline. I eliminated all of the cordless phones from our house, which were a significant source of EMFs, and instead replaced them with these corded landlines.
Reduce Cell Phone Use
Over the past couple of years I became accustomed to using my cell phone often. Last week I changed that habit. I now leave it at home when I exercise, and when I take it with me it is in airplane mode with the data switched off. When the cell phone is in airplane mode it does not emit electromagnetic radiation.
I take the phone with me in the car in case I need it for an emergency, but again, it is in airplane mode with data switched off. I don’t use the phone in the car. If I need to I will make sure the windows are rolled down. Using the phone in the car with the windows up is like using a phone in a Faraday cage. The EMFs are somewhat trapped in the space bouncing off the walls, literally, having no where to exit. The same thing that makes your car safe during a lightening storm, makes it a sealed space that can trap EMFs when your cell phone is in use.
I’ve written a great post with links to scientific research for those of you who are wondering Are Cell Phones Dangerous?
Dismantling the Control4 System
Unfortunately, since I entirely neglected the electronic components in the building process, we have a long way to go. The house is on a system called Control4. That means that every light switch and thermostat in the house may be on WiFi, not to mention the televisions, and much more. We plan to eliminate this system and unraveling it is going to be a complex process. We are only at the beginning.
Changing Habits Takes Time
So far I’ve been spending a great deal of time and energy to reduce the EMFs in our home. Since I really enjoy creating new habits it has been very easy for me. My family is making changes to their habits too, and these changes in behavior were not their idea, so it is less pleasant for them. I have turned their world upside down. Thankfully they have been really good sports about it. I am very lucky and show them my gratitude at every opportunity!
You’re Crazy EMFs are in Your Head
When I’ve spoken with friends about reducing the EMFs in our home the response has been interesting. One friend said she was very proud of me, that she was glad I had not given up on my health, and that I was still searching for an answer and working to get well.
Another friend had a different response. This friend said there was no proof that EMFs are harmful and that people would think I was crazy in my efforts to reduce EMFs in my own home. Thankfully I haven’t really ever cared much anyway what people thought of me so that’s not an issue! Many people have told me that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a total scam, and still, I get my HBOT treatments for MS, finding them particularly helpful.
It’s been less than one week since I made all of the changes outlined above! Since it took around 10 months of living in the house for all of my strange symptoms to arise, I expect it will take at least that long to heal. Remember, healing is a process that takes time.
Next, I’m bringing in an EMF specialist to measure the different areas of our home to help me to get the EMF situation here further under control. I’ll be sure to keep you posted! I’m so glad that I went on Facebook to chat with you all last week about EMFs. I learned so much from you! Now I hope you can learn something from me and that together we can spread awareness of this important issue!
If you want to make a difference, share this post on Facebook, or leave a comment about your own experience with EMFs below.
Jenn says
Is there such a thing as an EMF detox protocol? I am particularly concerned about my son who was exposed to a baby monitor for a few years due to my ignorance. I had no idea of the amount of EMFs with thse things…
Elana says
Jenn, I’m working with my doctors to put this together for all of you. Ask your functional medicine practitioner about iodine, zinc, and seleno-methionine to get started.
Bonnie Janney says
Elana,
You might want to look into the Total Shield on Amazon for whole house EMF and Geopathic waves. I have found that it has been a real game changer for me. I now can sleep and calm down with this unit in my house. I did not allow Detroit T energy(DTE) to hook up the digital reader on my house and that has been a help as well. Dr Sherry Rogers Environment Illness book directed me to this option. Hope it helps
BJJ
Elana says
Thanks BJJ! Were you using this system to remediate voltage, magnetic fields, or radio frequency radiation?
Stephanie J Schlosser says
Shungite circles for your cell phone on Amazon. Work great.
Elana says
Hi Stephanie, I was curious to see if this would work so I bought one from amazon. Unfortunately, I did not detect any measurable difference to the radio frequency radiation (RFR) coming from my cell phone when I used it. I would recommend that folks turn their phones to airplane mode when they’re not in use as the best way to reduce exposure to RFR.
Sharon says
ELANA – THANK-YOU. This is a clear summary of ACTION STEPS for health in presence of EMF. As a physician that cares for people living with complex medical conditions, almost daily I care for people whose EMF sensitivity is a result of or contributing to poor health. Additional support can also be provided by PEKANA homeopathics – Radinex and Dalektro-N
Elana says
Sharon, you’re welcome! So great to hear how important this is from a doctor!
karel says
Thank you Elana…I have used your recipes for the last four years, you save me!
Today after reading our EMF posts, which I have been aware of but apparently not taking completely serious. I wonder if my radon remediation fan has any effect with EMF?
Would anyone have any insight on radon and the fan I installed before moving into this home one year ago? It is electric located on outside of the home, moving air from under a concrete slab with radiant heat installed.
warmly, Karel
SW Colorado
Elana says
Hi Karel, I’m not an expert, but I would guess it would not be a problem if it was installed properly with the appropriate wiring. The only way to really know would be to use a gaussmeter to measure the voltage coming off of it :-)
Alison says
Elana,
I write this on the eve of Thanksgiving, feeling grateful for both your amazing recipes (I just baked your pumpkin pie) and your post on EMFs. This is a vitally important public health topic, and I hope people pay attention to your experience and your advice. I too am EMF and chemically sensitive, and I write extensively on this subject. There’s a certain cognitive dissonance when people receive this information. They don’t want to believe that our man-made electromagnetic fields may be harmful to our health. But those who have already become sick and sensitive from EMFs know this all too well as truth.
I always point people to the science. The 2012 Bioinitiative Report is a good place to look for research studies. Dr. Martin Blank and Dr. Martin Pall are two researchers of note. I would recommend Dr. Blank’s book “Overpowered.” And Dr. Devra Davis’ book “Disconnect” is a fabulous resource on cell phone radiation. There are many advocates fighting for attention to this topic on an international scale. But, the majority of the population is lured into their smart devices and wireless toys, without questioning consequences, even in the face of scientific data. It is worth mentioning that in 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) — a division of the World Health Organization (WHO) — classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Class 2B). Most people do not know this as they are sleeping with their cell phones under their pillows.
It sounds like you have a solid plan for mitigating EMFs and other toxins in your home. Regardless of one’s health condition, everyone should consider the health of their indoor environment. Over the last few years, I’ve worked with a number of Building Biologists through the International Institute of Building Biology and Ecology. And they have most definitively helped me secure safer living spaces, and reduce my exposures both electromagnetically, chemically and biologically. We all need a healthy home to thrive and heal.
It takes a strong and educated voice to speak out on this topic. I am thankful that you’re adding your voice to this. It is very much necessary.
Elana says
Alison, I’m so grateful for your comment, and totally agree with what you stated above, especially, “We all need a healthy home to thrive and heal.” So glad we are on this journey together :-)
Jeanne says
I agree and think Jeromy Johnson is also doing important work in this area and everyone should see his TedX talk and this video – https://www.emfanalysis.com/solutions-interview/
Dr. Jack Kruse also has good information about this ( he is a brilliant neurosurgeon but controversial and not always clear) but his information about the importance of sun is also very important ( especially early morning sun and sun when you can get Vt D) as these things help counter the damage as does grounding.
Vitamin D also is very important and best to get it from the sun according to Dr Mercola and many and I increased mine greatly that way.
http://www.soultravelers3.com/2013/05/healing-sun-vitamin-d-major-improvements.html
The massive epidemic in myopia in kids around the world ( increase began with internet use) is also related and shows the connection between DNA/mitochondrion damage caused by EMFs.
Blue light is a related issue to EMF’s.
Thanks for bringing up this area as not enough people are aware of it yet and now with 5G things will get worse, especially with this generation of kids who are so overexposed from the womb on.
T S says
Thank you for this . Please see excellent information on steps you can take–at the Environmental Health Trust http://ehtrust.org/
Elana says
You’re welcome TS! So glad we are on this journey to health together :-)
Nicole says
This is interesting. EMFs have been on my mind for a while now, though I admit to not knowing much about the subject. That said, I live in an apartment building where I can pick up WiFi signals from neighbours 30-40 ft. away from me. It bothers me that people leave their WiFi on all the time, but there’s not much I can do about it. I never leave my WiFi on when I’m not using it, mostly because it happens to be right on the other side of the wall from my 4-year old son’s head! My router comes with a warning label about radiation and staying at least 20cm away from from the router. The other side of the wall is mere inches away from his body. I also don’t use a microwave (don’t need one) and am not fond of wireless gadgets (so I don’t have any aside from a tablet). And I gave up my cellphone because I can’t afford it (though it still picks up a signal…) You’ve given me something to mull over in more depth. Thanks!
Elana says
You’re welcome Nicole!
Nicole says
15 years ago I was really sick and convinced that I had MS. My symptoms waxed and waned in gradual waves but never went away. One weekend I told my husband that I had been feeling better than usual. That same day we were at the mall and Brookstone was allowing customers to drive segways around the mall. We did and immediately my symptoms went from better-than-usual to the worst I had ever felt. I had never even considered EMFs until this event. A few months later I had a similar adverse reaction just after an enclosed MRI, (whereas the open MRIs did not bother me). I can even feel pain when I hold my phone, or if someone sets their phone too close to me.
Elana says
Nicole, thanks so much for sharing your story here, I really appreciate it and am so glad we are on this journey together!
Melissa says
This was a timely post as I have been researching better sleep habits and felt like I did everything “right”, but still wasn’t sleeping. I’ve suffered with insomnia for 15 years and now refuse to take the prescriptions doctors want to throw at you. So, I was recently reading about EMF’s when I saw your post. I have not taken the steps you have, but I have unplugged the wifi in my bedroom and my phone and tablets are either not in the room or disconnected/in airplane mode as well. It has just been this week, but I have only had one night where I could not fall asleep or stay asleep. I typically take hours to fall asleep and this week, I’ve gone to sleep so fast I don’t even remember it the next day!! That’s enough proof for a chronically sleep deprived person to believe how toxic EMF’s can be!!
Elana says
Thanks Melissa! I’m so glad to hear that you’re sleeping better :-)
Sveta says
I do believe that EMF is not good for our health, but I do have a question for you. 15 years ago cell phones were not that prevelent and they were analog, we didn’t have tablets, and I bet you did not have a wi-if in your bedroom back then either. So what could have caused the sleep issues back then?
Jeanne says
Likely had a computer and blue light could well have been the issue along with EMF’s – I know I was using one 15 years ago.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side