Do you ever use your phone while it's charging?
Maybe you're scrolling through social media or watching a video, and you don't want to wait until your phone is fully charged before using it. While this may seem like a convenient way to use your phone, it can actually have negative effects not only on your health but on your device as well.
What is Phone Radiation?
Phone EMF radiation, also known as electromagnetic radiation, is a type of radiation that is emitted by electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers. This radiation is a form of energy that travels through space and can be absorbed by living tissue, including the human body.
When we use our phones, they emit EMF radiation in the form of radio waves. These waves are used to send and receive information between our phones and cell towers or Wi-Fi networks. While the levels of radiation emitted by our phones are generally considered to be safe, prolonged exposure to high levels of radiation can have negative effects on our health.
Research has suggested that exposure to EMF radiation from our phones may be linked to a variety of health concerns, including headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and even cancer. While the evidence is still inconclusive, many experts recommend taking steps to reduce our exposure to EMF radiation from our phones and other electronic devices.
What is Electric EMF?
Electric fields or Electric EMF exist wherever there is electricity, including in the wiring of your home. Since the electrical flow is present in the wires that power everything from light fixtures to outlets, the electric fields are always present.
However, for devices like lamps, dryers, or any electrical appliance, electric fields are only present when the device is turned on and has current running through it.
Phone Charging and Electric EMF
A viral video made rounds in 2021 showing a non-contact voltage tester which began flashing and making a sound when brought near a mobile phone charger or connected phone. This was then followed by a social media post warning people against using their mobile phones while charging based on the video that purports to show proof of the device emitting electric EMF.
According to Andrew Wood, the chair of the Department of Health and Medical Sciences at Swinburne University of Technology and an expert on the biological effects of EMF, there is no danger in using a mobile phone while it's charging, and any exposure to EMF would be brief. He also noted that the electromagnetic field captured in the video is likely similar to that emitted by other common household appliances.
However, it’s important to note that the effects of EMF radiation exposure is cumulative, and these days, most households, office spaces will have more than one wireless device or appliances that can emit EMF radiation to our immediate surroundings.
When you use your phone while it's charging, it can emit an electric EMF (electromagnetic field) that can have negative effects on your body. This electric EMF is caused by the electric current flowing through the charging cable and into your phone.
Moreover, frequently using your phone while it's charging can accelerate the degradation of the lithium-ion battery. This is due to the fact that both using and charging the phone cause the battery to generate heat. Using the phone while it's charging, therefore, adds stress to the battery and causes it to overheat. If this becomes a regular habit, the battery's performance may be compromised, and it may become difficult for your phone to hold a full charge.
Tips to Reducing Electric EMF Exposure
So, what can you do to protect yourself from the negative effects of electric EMF? The best solution is to avoid using your phone while it's charging. Instead, try to wait until your phone is fully charged before using it. This will help to reduce your exposure to electric EMF and promote better health.
If you absolutely must use your phone while it's charging, there are some steps you can take to minimize your exposure to electric EMF:
1. Distance is Your Friend
When dealing with EMF, particularly electric fields, it's always best to keep a safe distance. Electric EMF weakens as distance increases. To stay safe, we recommend maintaining a distance of 6 to 8 feet from the electric field source.
2. Shield Your Wires
By shielding the wiring, the electric field produced by the current is contained within the wire and prevented from extending into the environment. This means that the electric fields present in the home will be greatly reduced or eliminated altogether, resulting in less exposure to these fields and reducing the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure.
3. Unplug Your Electrical Cords
Unplugging electrical cords can be an effective way to reduce exposure to electric EMF. When electrical appliances are plugged in, they emit electric fields due to the flow of current through the wires. Even if the appliance is not in use, it can still emit electric fields as long as it is plugged in. By unplugging the appliance, you can prevent it from emitting electric fields altogether, thereby reducing your exposure to these fields.
In summary, using your phone while it's charging can expose you to electric EMF, which can have negative effects on your health. To protect yourself, it's best to avoid using your phone while it's charging and wait until it's fully charged before using it. If you must use your phone while it's charging, consider using an EMF blocking phone case or low-EMF charging cable. Stay safe and stay healthy!
References:
https://www.snopes.com/articles/442147/cell-phones-radiation-charging/
https://techwellness.com/blogs/expertise/what-is-electric-emf-why-bad-to-use-phone-while-charging
