Computers, smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices emit radiation, which can be dangerous. But despite the risk of exposure to radiation, we all still use computers because they have become an integral part of life and work. So, the question is, how do you protect yourself from computer radiation?
Low levels of radiation from computers do not cause immediate health effects. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect yourself from computer radiation. This article explains different ways to protect yourself from computer radiation.
Different ways to protect yourself from computer radiation
Computers emit radiation in many forms. Visible light, infrared, and microwaves are all types of radiation produced by computers. Radiation levels produced by computers are not harmful because they do not exceed the 1 mSv annual radiation exposure limit that is safe for humans.
However, it is important to protect yourself from this radiation as you may be exposed to radiation from other sources. Below are tips you can use to protect yourself from computer radiation.
Keep the computer at a safe distance
If you like to keep your computer on your lap, you should stop, because of how much radiation your body absorbs. Some studies show that holding a laptop on your lap can reduce sperm motility and increase sperm DNA fragmentation.
So, keep the computer on the desk while working to keep your radiation exposure low. Also, sitting away from your computer monitor will significantly reduce radiation exposure.
Replace wireless devices with wired devices
Using wireless devices such as Wi-Fi modems or routers also increases radiation exposure. To reduce your exposure, replace your Wi-Fi with a hardwired Ethernet connection. An Ethernet sends Internet signals through electrical wiring, thereby reducing radiation exposure. Or, if you don’t want clutter or wires on your desk or in your home, you can opt for an eco-friendly Wi-Fi router, as it can provide 90% less radiation when on standby. It will help if you replace wireless devices like external keyboards and mice with wired keyboards and mice.
Ground your computer
Another way to protect yourself from radiation is to ground your computer. Grounding is the process where you provide a path for electricity to reach the ground. Placing your hands on the keyboard when your computer is not grounded can result in high exposure to electric fields. This exposure can cause tingling, weakness, extreme fatigue, etc. If your computer has a three-pin charging outlet, it is grounded. But if it has two pins, it means it is not grounded. In that case, you need a laptop ground cord that will enable the EMF generated by the computer to go through the wire and not through you.
Plant near the computer
Some plants are known to absorb electromagnetic radiation. Plants such as aloe vera, bamboo palms, and spider plants absorb radiation effectively. Moreover, these plants not only help in absorbing radiation but can also eliminate toxins and indoor pollution and beautify your table. Placing plants near your computer while you work can help absorb radiation from the computer.
Use a Himalayan salt lamp
A Himalayan salt crystal lamp is a lamp that contains a large crystal of salt that is often colored. Having it on your desk makes it beautiful and provides other health benefits. A Himalayan salt lamp emits negative ions, while computers emit positive ions. In this way, the lamp cancels out positive ions from the computer, which are known to harm the body. In other words, the Himalayan salt lamp balances the ions in the air.
Turn off the computer when not in use
Turn off your computer anytime it’s not in use. This helps in reducing the amount of radiation produced. Computers generate more EMF when on standby than when running. So, if you are going to be away from your computer for a long period of time, you should turn it off.
In addition to reducing the radiation produced, turning off your laptop also reduces power consumption. This way, you can save on your electricity bill when you are not using your computer.
Take regular breaks
Set aside every 20 minutes to be away from your computer during work hours. It will help if you also take regular breaks while using the computer. And if possible, avoid using your computer at night. Your computer produces blue light, and exposure to it before bed can affect your sleep cycle. The blue light emitted by your computer can disrupt the circadian rhythm of hormone production, which can damage the photoreceptors in your eyes.
Final Thought
The above tips are ways to protect yourself from radiation exposure. Using any of the various ways to protect yourself from computer radiation is beneficial to your health in the long run. Remember, the effects of high EMF are carcinogenic. Therefore, you should take your safety seriously.