WiFi Radiation Protection 101

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Many people don’t even realize wifi radiation protection is a thing. 

But whether obvious or not, the wireless technology that powers our internet, phones and smart devices can be both a blessing and a curse. 

On one hand, it allows you to connect to the world around you at all times, but on the other, it allows this world to connect to you. With this comes a whole host of ethical and health concerns that, frankly, the average consumer is not being told about. 

There’s a lot of controversy surrounding whether or not WiFi and other forms of wireless technology are safe. Even the studies conducted on these topics tend to contradict one another. 

And official authorities? They disagree, too:

The U.S. government says WiFi is safe for adults and children. 

However, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined in 2011 that radio frequency energy, including RFR from cell phones, can cause cancer in humans.

So how’s a guy or gal supposed to know what’s true?

Before you can make an educated decision on what you believe (regarding its impact on your body), you need to first understand how wifi operates – because that’s where the potential problem lies.

Understanding WiFi Radio Waves

Wifi uses radio waves to send and receive internet data. Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation – a kind of energy that can travel through the air and the earth. 

Wifi primarily operates via a specific type of radio wave known as microwaves.

And yes, it’s the same frequency of microwaves used in your quick-cooking kitchen appliance. 

Wifi uses radio waves in the microwave range of 2.4 gigahertz. The micro waves are emitted by small antennas built into whatever the device may be whether a wifi router or smartphone, etc. 

Ok…but microwaves aren’t a big deal. I use one every day. They make cooking Ramen noodles a cinch!

Well, let’s talk about that. 

First, let’s look at how exactly microwaves cook food…

Microwaves and Wireless Radiation: How It Affects Humans

Giant magnets and superconductors aside, microwave ovens work on the principle of electromagnetic radiation, which is just a fancy way of saying they use invisible waves of energy to heat food. 

Most microwaves emit these waves at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, but you can also find some that operate at lower frequencies (and thus cook food more slowly) or at higher frequencies (which heat food more quickly).
But the truth is…microwaves do A LOT more than just heat your food. 

They destroy nutrients in your food by causing the molecules they contain to vibrate and collide with each other, creating friction and heat. 

The friction and heat create new compounds (such as radiolytic compounds that are created when food is microwaved). 

Some of these new compounds are not only harmful, they are carcinogenic. 

Now imagine living in a microwave, and YOU are the popcorn. It sounds far-fetched, but it’s not because guess what else operates using 2.4 GHz besides microwaves? 

Cell phones, cell towers, bluetooth, smart home technology, wireless printers, wifi routers, laptops, tablets, your home’s electric meter, wireless earbuds, those new Wifi-enabled appliances, need I go on?

And that vibration, friction, and heat that microwaves induce doesn’t just happen to food. They happen within our cells, too. In fact, microwaves – both the actual kitchen appliance AND all wireless tech that operates via literal ‘micro’waves – also encourage the spawning of free radicals, which can damage cell membranes and DNA, leading to cancer and other diseases. 

WiFi Radiation Overexposure Symptoms

The radiation produced by WiFi routers has been linked to all kinds of health issues, including headaches and skin rashes. In fact, the World Health Organization officially classified any level of WiFi radiation as a possible carcinogen in 2011.

But while most people assume that overexposure to such non-ionizing radiation are mild and benign, that’s not always the case.

Some people have experienced a change in their mental state—a general feeling of uneasiness and anxiety. In some cases, it’s even led to chronic depression and illnesses.

Sadly, the impact is even worse on children.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of wireless radiation. 

(And don’t be fooled into thinking that, just because you or people you know don’t experience symptoms, that means you’re in the clear. Some people are more sensitive to such things than others.) 

That’s because the part of the brain responsible for absorbing information, the cerebellum, is still under development until we hit puberty. 

During childhood, the cerebellum is tasked with absorbing the signals sent by our senses, so it can be said that the “wiring” in this area is always being updated. The signals sent by wireless devices interfere with this process, which comes with a whole host of negative side effects, including headaches, ADD, and even hormone disruption. 

How to Detect and Measure WiFi Radiation

Although RF radiation is an invisible threat, it can be measured and therefore “seen.”

In fact, I highly recommend you get a reputable meter (I use the Trifield TF2) to see what you’re actually dealing with. 

There are exceptions to every rule, and you don’t want to spend a lot on protective solutions if the levels in your environment aren’t all that high in the first place. 

To measure WiFi radiation, you’ll need a meter that specifically measures radio frequencies. Electric and magnetic fields are also an issue, but in this article, we’re focusing exclusively on RF. 

There are a few different ones out there like the Cornet and others, but for most people, you’ll never face a scenario that the TF2 help with as it measures electric fields, magnetic fields, and radio frequencies all in one. 

No matter which meter you use, the first step is to identify the RF source – and remember that includes anything that operates and/or communicates wirelessly.

Once you know where the RF is coming from, place the meter at least 6 inches away on a non-metal surface to take the reading. 

Always record your measurement and use the peak value (not average). The reason you want to write these down is so you can remember your “before” levels and compare to “after” levels once you’ve put your protective solutions in place. 

With the right meter, it’s really as simple as that!

Before we get into protection products, I want to address a question I get a lot about the differences between wireless and smartphone EMF. 

WiFi Radiation vs. Cell Phone Radiation

WiFi and cell phone radiation can be thought of as two sides of the same coin because, in essence, they are the same thing. They both operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. 

The main difference lies in how they affect the body. 

Two factors affect their potential negative impact – the power output of the device and your distance from it. 

Regarding power output, here’s an example:

Cell phone radiation is much worse when you’re in a “roaming” area because the power (and therefore radiation) spikes as it strives to connect to the nearest cell tower.  The same thing can happen when your battery is low.

As for distance, cell phone radiation can be seen as more of a threat because of how close it has to be to your body in order to operate it. Whereas something like a wifi router can be placed at the total opposite end of the house from your bedroom, for example. 

The frequency range is the same. But how that frequency affects your body can be different. Hope that make sense 🙂 

Ok, on to the good stuff…the solutions!

Free Ways to Protect Yourself Against WiFi Radiation at Home

You don’t have to break the bank to live safer with wireless tech. While certain protective products are super convenient (more on that in the next section), you don’t HAVE to have them in every situation. 

Here are a few no-cost ways to lower your exposure to wireless radiation:

1. Shield your wireless router somehow

This can be as simple as placing a metal mesh trash bin over the router or fashioning a covering for it with aluminum foil. 

I did that when I was on a super tight budget (and before I had a fully wired setup), but I hated it. Any time one of my kids (or a pet) would accidently rub against it, it made a crackling sound akin to nails on a chalkboard. When able, I upgraded to the SignalTamer and was very happy with it. 

Here’s a list of some other effective wifi router guards.

Now, I have a fully wired setup, which is really what you want to aim for. Ultimately, you want NO wifi in the house. All you need is ethernet cables and some creativity in tucking them away/disguising them (if you’re worried about how they look, that is). 

At the very least, turn your wireless router off at night and when not in use for long periods of time. 

2. Keep Your Distance

Get in the habit of keeping your distance from wifi-emitting devices. Bear in mind these include cell phones, wireless routers, smart devices, all bluetooth connected devices, wireless printers, AirPods, and more. 

As for an exact distance that’s safe, you need a meter to tell you that, but the farther the better. This is because radiation strength dissipates quickly with distance. 

3. Never Work with Your Laptop on Your Lap

I know it’s in the name, but please don’t use your laptop actually on your lap. You’re talking direct. skin-to-tech, exposure at an extremely vulnerable part of the body – your pelvic region. That’s, of course, where your reproductive organs are housed, and research indicates they are especially sensitive to radiation exposure.

But even if you disregard its impact to those organs, there are other reasons not to use a laptop like that. I have another article that details that you can read here.

4. Use Airplane Mode

Whenever you’re not using your wireless device (and aren’t expecting urgent calls or texts), switch to airplane mode. Doing so eliminates your connection and therefore your radio frequency signal, which is the source of the radiation. 

WiFi Radiation Protection (Paid Solutions That Actually Work)

Now let’s discuss some paid solutions. Here are some things that actually decrease the amount of wifi radiation around you:

• Good shielding cases for your cell phone, laptop, and tablet (NOT those chips or ‘neutralizers’ – again, check out the scams article if you need clarity on that)
• Corded phones in place of cordless DECT ones
• Metallic screen shielding covers or boxes for your wifi router (I like this cage or this fabric bag that slips over it)
• A shielded cover for your smart meter (yep, your home’s utility meter sends monthly electricity usage to the utility company wirelessly! Check out smart meter protection guides here if you need more info).
• Air tube headphones in place of wireless earbuds

Now for the gold standard:

Albeit pricey, the best way to protect your body against EMF radiation is to sleep in a shielded bed canopy. It’s the only solution that provides 99.9% shielding over your entire body for 7-8 hours straight – or ever how long you sleep. 

And sleep is the absolutely most crucial time to protect yourself as many of your body’s detox and ‘reset’ processes happen during this timeframe as it prepares for the next day. 

I personally like the  Dream Canopy, but WOREMOR is good too.

But of course do your own research. There are plenty more shielding items that can effectively and measurably lower your RF exposure.  

Final Note: Beware of Scams Involving WiFi Radiation Shields

I’ve touched on this briefly, but just be careful of EMF scams. They’re easy to spot – just look for terms like “harmonizer, neutralizer and scalar energy.”

And for the most part, stay away from necklaces and bracelets that claim to protect you from wifi radiation by ‘harmonizing’ it and rendering it neutral. 

Also, if you see an ad for a device that you “simply” plug in and magically all the EMF and RF in your entire home will no longer be an issue….run far, FAR away. 

With that said, dirty electricity filters are indeed plug-ins, but they work solely to revert stray currents in your wiring back to its original, clean current. Those are completely legit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do WiFi routers emit radiation?

Yes they do. Exactly how much RF a router emits depends on factors like signal strength, how many devices are connected at once, and more. 

What are some of the effects of WiFi radiation?

WiFi radiation symptoms can be minor or so intense that they interfere with daily life. On the “better” end, it may only cause slight headaches, restlessness, sleep disruptions, and such. On the more serious end of the spectrum, overexposure to wifi can lead to unexplained chronic conditions, dramatic mood changes, and cognitive dysfunction to name a few.