Many new home buyers are settling for smaller homes nowadays. They are looking for a space that would not break the bank, but still is suitable to be called a home. Some homeowners are also considering repurposed buildings to be their home.
These buildings offer them not only savings, but also proximity to their work and all necessary establishments. If you are among those who want a small space or living in a repurposed building for a home, you might want to read on. This article will discuss whether it is harmful to sleep near an electrical panel, how to pick an electrical panel that emits less electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation, and the impact of radiation on your health.
Is There EMF Coming from an Electrical Panel?
Electricity is among the most common sources of electromagnetic field radiation. Electromagnetic field is a physical field released by electronically charged objects.
EMF can also be described as a combination of an electric field and a magnetic field. Stationary charges are responsible for producing the electric field while the magnetic field is created by moving charges. EMF can be classified into two categories – ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation.
Electricity and power lines fall under the non-ionizing part of the category. It is the kind of radiation that emits the lowest possible electromagnetic field. The low level of radiation coming from electrical panels and all those under non-ionizing radiation is not capable of altering your health in an instant.
However, there are a few studies that claim prolonged exposure to even low-levels of radiation can led to the development of serious health issues.
Side-Effects of EMF Exposure from Electrical Panels
It may seem that sleeping in proximity to an electrical panel will not harm you. However, it is a silent killer that creeps up and impact your health over prolonged exposure.
EMF shielding experts claim that radiation coming from electrical panels are low compared to those emitted by medical diagnostic equipment like x-ray. But medical professionals said that constant exposure to these low EMF emitting objects will seriously take its toll on your health.
A study found that prolonged, constant exposure to EMF caused changes in sleeping pattern, constant feeling of fatigue, and high blood pressure. Exposure to EMF is also being investigated as a possible contributor to the development of cancer cells. Numerous studies are looking on how the prevalence and constant exposure of man to radiation can led to cancer in the brain, lymphoma, and other parts of the body.
Also, pet owners should double think before placing their bed beside an electrical panel. Your pets are affected by EMF if you and your beloved fur baby sleep near an electrical panel. A study found that there is a direct correlation between a dog constantly exposed to electromagnetic field radiation and the development of lymphoma.
There are also various researches on how it impacts your dog’s behavior. A research disclosed that dogs prefer to defecate only on your home’s north-south axis. The presence of high amount of EMF at home can alter their ability to determine which spot they are at most calm to release. Given that animals are dependent on magnetic forces to help them carry out their daily tasks, EMF can significantly interfere with their life.
How to Lower Electromagnetic Field Radiation
Protecting yourself is the best way to combat EMF. The best solution here is to design the house in such a way that the electrical panel is far enough from the house’s sleeping area.
However, if that is not possible, there are various ways EMF shielding experts recommend to reduce your exposure to radiation coming from electrical panel. These are the following:
Use a paint capable of blocking EMF
Experts recommend using paint that comes with the ability to shield your home from electromagnetic field radiation. There are various paint products offered in the market offering EMF shielding capabilities. EMF shielding paints usually comes in black and is applied to the wall like an ordinary paint. A layer or two of this paint provide protection against electric radiation and magnetic radiation. This kind of paint requires grounding to be more effective. Grounding will not be a problem as it follows the same procedure as normal grounding.
The YShield HSF34 EMF Shielding paint is one of the most recommended paint. If you are looking to block the spread of electric and magnetic radiation in areas close to their bedrooms, this is widely used by EMF shielding professionals.
Use a mylar emergency blanket
If you are looking for a low-cost way of protecting yourself and your loved ones from radiation, the mylar emergency blanket is best option. This blanket is made from materials capable of shielding electromagnetic field radiation. It was proven to reduce the amount of EMF in the bedroom by a couple of percentage.
Additionally, investing in a mylar emergency blanket is a wise decision especially if you are also on the go. This blanket cannot only protect you while sleeping at home. It can also shield you against any kind of radiation wherever you sleep. The mylar emergency blanket can be easily packed and be brought along whether it may be a camping trip or a business trip for a convention.
Use a faraday canopy
Bed canopies were originally used to protect you from mosquitoes and other insects that could bite you while you are sleeping. Back in the medieval days, canopy beds provide noblemen warmth and privacy from their staff.
Modern versions of this bed are more aesthetic in nature. A faraday canopy differentiates itself from modern canopy beds. This one was designed in a way to shield electromagnetic field radiation from creeping into your bed while you are sleeping.
This kind of canopy makes use of materials capable of blocking away EMF. Its design is also made in a way that no amount of EMF can slip into your bed. Faraday canopies are available widely in the market, but you can also make your do-it-yourself canopy. All you need is to source EMF shielding-capable materials and find a pattern for your faraday canopy online. The DIY route is also best if you want to design one that fits your little ones’ bed or the crib of your newly born baby.
Reducing EMF from Electrical Panel
The electrical panel does not only produce electric radiation, it also emits low frequency magnetic radiation. Selecting the right electrical panel and properly installation is the best way to reduce, if not eliminate, the spread of every kind of radiation coming from this equipment.
EMF shielding experts recommend the use of HNV80 shielding fleece and the MCL61 Shielding Film to block the emission of magnetic fields. The latter needs to be grounded to be more effective. Grounding the shielding film is simple. A grounding plate is used together with the shielding film. The grounding plate compatible with MCL61 uses 10 screws that hammers into each strip and are connected by wire connector so that it could easily be attached to a nearby wall outlet.
Reduce EMF and Protect Your Health
Electromagnetic field radiation is something you cannot escape. With technology integrating more deeply into human lives, you are bound to be exposed to it at any moment. There is, however, ways to protect yourself from being affected by this element.
Precaution is the best method to ensure that you will not develop any condition mentioned above. People whose homes are a bit small and are subjected to sleep near an electrical panel especially should take preventive measure to shield themselves. You should invest in an electrical panel that emits less than recommended EMF. It is also best if the one you purchase contains properties that prevents from EMF produced from spreading into a space.