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.
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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.
Rachel says
Elana,
In our office we sell a little device you stick to the back of your cell phone called an R2L, “radiation to light” It’s made by Erchonia. It reduces the amount of radiation exposure to the body by 70%. They have a web page http://www.r2l.com where it shows you exactly where to apply the device depending on the make and model of your phone. What is does basically is it converts the RF signal spikes into little bursts of light. You can actually see it blinking while you are using your phone. Smart phones that have 3 and 4 G especially. I didn’t see any blinking when I held it to an older flip phone. We have them applied to all our devices.
Love reading your articles, thank you for writing them!
Elana says
Rachel, thanks so much for your comment! I’m wondering if you’ve ever measured this device to see if it reduces radio frequency radiation. I’ve bought many of these types of “blockers” and haven’t ever found one that is effective and lives up to the claims that are advertised. Sorry to be the bearer of potentially not good news :-)
Robert Hempleman says
Hi, I presume you’ve no mercury amalgam fillings as I treated many MS patients and found that if they walked into the surgery – can or not that we either stabilised them or had a recovery especially if we used intravenous vitamin c.
As regards EMF one patient lived next door to a telephone exchange and picked up voices – tooth enamel is like a crystal radio !
Good advice about detoxing from EMF,
Kind Regards,
Dr Robert Hempleman Holistic Dentist
Elana says
Hi Dr. Hempleman, thanks so much for mentioning that! I discuss amalgams in depth here:
https://elanaspantry.com/new-approaches-to-neurological-conditions/
Take Care!
Elana
Amy Larson says
Thank you Elana for all of this incredibly helpful information. I am going to start reducing EMF’s in my house today!!
Elana says
Amy, you’re welcome!
Barb says
Elana,
I applaud you for all you’ve done to preserve your health. I also have to commend your family for their support. I don’t know if other husbands and children would be so much so. I wondered if your husband or boys are feeling any effects from living in your house. If not, what do you think is an explanation. I hope your changes will make a significant change in your health. Good luck and good health
Elana says
Barb, thanks for your comment. Changing habits isn’t all that easy if you’re not the one who makes the decision to do so. Bringing my husband and boys along to the less-wired life has been a process. I have the MTHFR genetic mutation and they do not (I’ve had them all tested for it) which is why I felt the effects of living with 200 zigbee chips in such a short time and they did not :-)
N says
Elana, do you hava article or know where I can get more information on MTHFR.
I also have this. I need some guidance as to what product to use for this issue.
I also feel my heart race and anxiety heightens when my hubs leaves his laptop on when he’s not using it and I’m in range of it.
Elana says
N, thanks for your comment and so sorry to hear about all that you are going through. I will be writing about the MTHFR genetic mutation in the future so stay tuned!
Tammy says
Hi, I didn’t get a chance to read all the comments, but I wanted to let you know about Memon-izing. Have you heard of anything Memon? You can buy a memonizer for your phone, which helps protect you from EMF and you can memonize your food for 4 min before eating, which harmonizes your food with your body. You can also buy a memonizer for your computer. I wear a memon bracelet as well to help with EMF. Please look into this option as well! Blessings, Tammy (WI) I have a pamphlet on Memon too, so let me know if you need more info.
Elana says
Tammy, thanks for your comment. Have you tested these devices to see if they are effective? I have ordered and tested quite a few of them and haven’t had any luck, none of them have actually reduced EMF’s.
Jamie says
How do you know that they don’t reduce the effects? Interested to see how you measured this? I have some of these and have always wondered about their effectiveness. Thanks!
Elana says
Jamie, thanks for your comment! I used an acoustimeter to measure the level of electromagnetic radiation :-)
Sophie says
Are you still doing all of this? And has it helped?
Elana says
Sophie, yes and yes! For more on that please go here:
https://elanaspantry.com/are-cell-phones-dangerous/
Have a lovely day!
Elana
Amy says
I recently saw this article about a kid’s science experiment relating to wifi exposure. Thought you might be interested, Elana. http://stopsmartmeters.org.uk/9th-grade-student-cress-wifi-experiment-attracts-international-attention/
Elana says
Amy, that is crazy! Thanks for sharing :-)
Lana Dorazio says
Thank you for your info. I am at the beginning of thinking about this as we are finishing up new house plans. I’ve been so careful about everything, but wasn’t sure where to begin with making sure we keep EMF exposure down in our new home. Is there one spot I could go that would address what to do if you are building from scratch and can make the best choices up front? Thanks so much. I love your recipes and I feel like your recipes and such work for our family because you are coming from the perspective of feeding 2 boys as well! They are a tough audience and if I stick with your recipes we have success! Thanks again!
Elana says
Lana, thanks for your beautiful comment! I’m so happy that the recipes I feed my two boys are helping you feed your two boys! It’s really simple to build an EMF free home. Hard wire everything. Do not use a router, blue tooth or other wireless technology :-)
N says
Hi Elana.
Did you have a lab test showing you had mold?
Did your house test positive?
Who did you hire to do testing on your house?
I have lab work done, blood not urine, that shows a constellation of factors for mold.
We rent a home and have lived here 7 years. The functional med doc wants the house tested for mold. We have not done it yet.
Mold experts say the want a positive urine test before the come to test the house.
I’m currently doing a yeast/fungus clearance protocal.
I’m a long “to do list” of issues!
I have followed you for years. Another life you saved.
Thank you.
Nancy
Elana says
Hi Nancy, thanks for your detailed comment and your lovely and kind words! We’ve done extensive mold testing on the house with a number of vendors and labs :-)
Glenn Pape says
You have an excellent site. Thank you for sharing, and best of luck with celiac and the EMF situation. I eagerly await your update on the EMF.
Elana says
Glenn, thanks!
d. says
Dear Elana, Any word on this? … “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! “
Elana says
Hi D, thanks for your comment! Yes, we are in the midst of discovering all of the sources of EMF in the house. I will be writing about it here soon :-)
kellie thommes says
Where does one find an EMF specialist?
Elana says
Kellie, I will be sharing my journey with that too in the very near future!
Mary says
If you do Facebook, post a request for someone in your area, or someone who knows someone that is able to do that.
Deborah Wiseman says
They are called Building Biologists and are heavily certified in this nation and I know 3 of them. Eric Windheim and John Black are two of them.
Elana says
Thanks Deborah :-)