 |
Options to Minimize EMF/RF/Static Field Exposures in Office Environments Offices are abuzz with electromagnetic hazards. Do health regulations protect us? From acute, thermal effects: yes. From long-term effects of low-level exposures: no. In this 150-page paper, find out what the natural background levels are, how much energy the electronic devices you are using emit, and what you can do to lower your exposure (pages 39-66). After taking a closer look at documented health effects and electromagnetic hypersensitivity, it becomes clear why it is so important to follow the precautionary approach.
|
• Choose a low-EMF LCD flat screen |
• Get rid of statics |
Look for the TCO label www.tcodevelopment.com, the worldwide leading low-emission standard from Sweden that also guarantees good ergonomics, low toxicity, and high energy efficiency.
Avoid using unshielded CRT monitors.
Keep sufffficient distance from electronic devices
EMF emissions decrease with increasing distance.
Keep a minimum of two feet to the computer screen—also good for eye health—and two to three feet to all other equipment.
Avoid placing your feet right next to the multiple-outlet power strip.
When not plugged in, the electric field emissions are the lowest.
Use an external keyboard to avoid high magnetic fields at your hands.
Avoid placing a laptop in your lap!
The grounded foil shield around the conductors contains the electric field and drastically reduces or even eliminates exposures.
Avoid running extension and power cords in close proximity to your body.
Corded phones emit no microwave radiation. A longer phone cord will give you some mobility. Cordless phones emit microwave radiation just like cell phones do. DECT cordless phones emit pulsed microwave radiation 24/7—no matter whether you make a phone call or not.
Avoid using DECT cordless phones; never place it on your desk.
To reduce your microwave radiation exposure, keep cell phone calls short, prefer texting, and never use it while driving.
Keep your cell phone at arm’s length: use the speakerphone, carry it in a separate bag, and turn it off whenever possible.
Avoid putting a cell phone next to your head or at your belt.
Whether it’s your Internet, keyboard, mouse, or printer, choose a wired connection to avoid continuous microwave radiation exposure. Disable the wireless networks such as Wi-Fi on your computer, laptop, or router.
Avoid close proximity to Wi-Fi hot spots and wireless routers.
Have natural daylight every day. Incandescent and UV-protected, line-voltage halogen lamps are the safest choice in lamps close to your body. All lamp types benefit from grounded and shielded wiring.
Avoid (compact) fluorescent lamps, especially in your desk lamp.
Unshielded CRT monitors, Plexiglas furniture, and synthetic carpeting can build up large amounts of static electricity. Prefer naturally antistatic surface treatments like wood flooring and true linoleum, and all-cotton curtains and covers. Make sure that your antislip chair mat is antistatic.
Avoid non-antistatic floor coverings.
Stay away from metal and magnets
Steel desks, steel mechanisms in adjustable office chairs, and steel reinforcement in concrete walls distort the earth’s magnetic field. Keep a one- to three-foot distance from all things metal. Watch out for hidden magnets in receivers, headsets, and loudspeakers.
Avoid metal desks.
(1) To establish a safe background level,
(2) To learn how to use electronic devices with confidence for the least
amount of exposure, and
(3) To replace devices causing the highest exposures with safer
technologies.
For more detailed information on how to reduce your personal exposure to electromagnetic fields and microwave radiation, see the paper on
Low-Emission Office Environments by Katharina Gustavs
