Should we be concerned about the possibility of EMF radiation emitting from our laptops when in use? I am actually using a laptop right now, typing, thinking, watching the news on the television. We got some snow this morning, not much, but the weatherman says the temperatures are going to be more season-like going forward this week. I am currently writing with my Hewlett Packard laptop resting on a table. Am I subjected to EMF radiation? What if I was working, as the name of the product implies, with the laptop resting on my lap. Would I then be subjected to anymore EMF radiation? Are there any drawbacks as to where I position my laptop, as I type this article out? Let’s dig in.
What Is EMF Radiation?
So, what is EMF radiation? I know I have mentioned this a number of times previously on this site, but for those who are new here, or don’t yet know, no worries. EMF is actually a form of radiation that is emitted by electric devices that transmit a signal. A number of this is actually ionizing, such as X-rays. However, a good deal of EMF radiation is non-ionizing, like the type that is transmitted by your mobile phone, your Fitbit fitness tracker, or your laptop. While government agencies as well as federal guidelines suggest that small amounts of exposure to non-ionizing radiation are actually not recognized to cause cancer or serious health concerns, independent research indicates that this may not be entirely accurate.
EMF Radiation and the Laptop
Ok, so first off and as mentioned above, EMF Radiation does emit from a laptop after all. Does the laptop emit a lot of EMF radiation? Well, the underside of the laptop has been noted to emit approximately 40 to 100 MGs (milligauss), and that is considered fairly high. Some recommend using your laptop while it rests on a table or desk, and not while it rests on your body.
Potential EMF Related Concerns when Using Your Laptop (On Your Lap)
Some concerns are as follows:
- Harm to your reproductive organs. Yes, using a laptop on your lap can affect fertility. After all, it receives internet signals wirelessly, radiating EMFs, and the closeness to your body’s reproductive organs present a concern on a male’s sperm count or on a female’s egg release.
- A lower level of libido.
- The Possibility of increased risk of suffering a miscarriage during pregnancy. I say possibility here because I was unable to find any studies that uncovered a correlation between a laptop’s EMF radiation and a higher risk of suffering a miscarriage. And yes, I may have been a little over protective when my wife was pregnant, but I do believe that placing your laptop directly on your belly without using any EMF protection can potentially pose a risk. A needless risk really.
EMF Radiation and the Laptop – A List of Do’s and Don’ts
When using your laptop, with regards to EMF radiation, please do:
- Place the laptop on a table and desk and not rest it on your lap.
- If you prefer working or browsing with your laptop on your lap (sigh), consider a using a shield to block EMF radiation and your laptop’s heat. DefenderShield is the brand I trust for EMF laptop shields, please feel free to browse their store here.
- If you are not using the internet, try disconnecting from it. Turn off WiFi.
- If using the internet, try hard-wiring your laptop and disconnect from WiFi.
When using your laptop, with regards to EMF radiation, please don’t:
- Stream a 2 hour movie on your laptop while the laptop rests on your lap. Put it on a table please.
- Use a pillow as a buffer between your lap and the laptop. This will interrupt airflow, which is important to cool down your laptop.
In Conclusion
Nowadays, due to lifestyle and really just being able to pack up our computer and be more mobile with it, many people (including myself) prefer a laptop instead of a desktop. That “packing up and being more mobile” part of my last sentence can trigger some bad habits. When using your laptop, please be mindful of the potential EMF dangers associated with it and practice safe habits.