Most people are shocked when I tell them that air purifiers emit low levels of EMF radiation. It’s important to understand the safety concerns related to EMF radiation and air purifiers so you can make an informed decision about using them in your home.
However, low levels of EMF radiation are safe, and air purifiers are safe. Below I’ll clear up some misunderstandings about EMF radiation and provide reliable information for creating a safe home.
Do Air Purifiers Give Off Radiation? (How Much!)
As I said above, air purifiers do create a small and safe amount of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation while improving your air quality. However, there is no available data supporting the claims that air purifiers are harmful. Any such claims have no basis in scientific fact.
Whole-house air purifiers give off low levels of EMF radiation. Air purifiers with ionizing components and ozone generators give off higher levels of EMF radiation.
If you are concerned about radiation, opt for an air purifier with a HEPA filter air purifier without harmful ozone generation. Purifiers that generate ozone will give off more radiation.
According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the recommended level of EMF radiation is between 0.5 mG to 2.5 mG. You may have to contact the air purifier company directly to find out the exact EMF levels because manufacturers typically do not advertise these levels on their packaging.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from EMF radiation is to position your air purifier in the corner of a room. Just don’t obstruct the air purifier’s airflow, because that will hinder its ability to effectively purify the air.
EMF radiation falls off dramatically within as little as two feet. If you can manage to stay more than two feet away from your air purifier throughout the day, you can dramatically reduce the already unsubstantial amount of EMF radiation your air purifier gives off.
This is also true of other electronic devices. This is why bloggers often point to keeping your phone on the opposite side of the room to lower your EMF radiation levels (even though the EPA and WHO have said that cell phones are also at the lower, safe limits of EMF levels).
EMF Radiation: What Is It & Is It Dangerous?
Electromagnetic field radiation, commonly known as EMF, is the magnetic and electrostatic fields generated by the movement of electrical current in conductors and electronic devices. While EMF radiation is a natural by-product of electrical systems, high exposure levels can adversely affect human health.
Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the sources of EMF radiation in our daily lives and take appropriate measures to limit our exposure to it.
You can find low levels of EMF radiation in most household appliances like microwave ovens, WiFi routers, and your cell phone. Higher levels of EMF can also be found in power lines. Most air purifiers only use 12-55W of power, creating very little EMF compared to these other household appliances.
Electric field: An electric field is one part of EMF radiation and occurs due to power voltages. The strength of the electric field is directly proportional to the voltage. Higher voltages are stronger. Home appliances have an electric field (voltage volume) and a magnetic field (current/charge flow). The electric field is created by the voltage in the appliance, while the magnetic field is created by the flow of electric current.
Magnetic field: A magnetic field is the other part of EMF radiation and occur due to the current or the charge flow. The strength of a magnetic field is not only determined by the amount of current but also by the distance from the source of the magnetic field and the orientation of the field. Some home appliances with electric and magnetic fields are air purifiers, electric razors, vacuum cleaners, TVs, clocks, fridges, and washing machines. The electric and magnetic fields produced by these appliances vary widely and may not pose any significant health risks. In addition, some appliances on this list, such as clocks and fridges, may not produce substantial magnetic fields at all.
Radio Frequency: Radiofrequency is a low-energy form that uses radio waves. Your cell phone and WiFi devices are sources of RF radiation, and they are also found naturally in the environment, such as from the sun and cosmic rays. Microwave ovens use a different type of electromagnetic radiation called microwave radiation, a subset of the RF spectrum. RF radiation is generally considered safe at low levels, such as those from cell phones and WiFi. The specific health effects and safe exposure levels depend on the frequency and intensity of the RF radiation, as well as individual factors such as age and health status.
Can EMF Radiation Make You Sick? 4 Known Symptoms
EMF radiation can potentially make you sick, but only at high levels of exposure. The sun, x-ray exposure, and UV radiation from tanning beds are examples of high-level EMF sources.
To protect yourself from sun EMFs, wear sunscreen and limit outdoor activities in the middle of the day. To limit x-ray EMFs, follow the American College of Radiology’s guidelines and only receive the recommended amount of x-rays in your lifetime.
If you experience EMF radiation symptoms, such as headaches or fatigue, consider limiting the use of EMF appliances in your home and keep them 2-5 feet away from where you spend the most time.
This includes air purifiers, which can emit low levels of EMF radiation. While air purifiers are safe, it’s important to understand their potential impact and take steps to limit exposure.
Affects sleep
High levels of EMF radiation can affect your sleep. However, air purifiers typically emit low levels of EMF radiation, which are unlikely to significantly impact sleep quality.
In fact, air purifiers can actually improve sleep by removing airborne pollutants and allergens from the air, leading to cleaner air and a healthier sleeping environment. On the other hand, high levels of EMF radiation from other sources like power lines may disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm and affect sleep quality. But is sleeping with an air purifier safe? Yes.
Affects mood
There is some evidence to suggest that exposure to high levels of EMF radiation may affect mood by altering neurotransmitter function, particularly with respect to serotonin and dopamine. However, the impact of EMF radiation on mood and memory is still an area of active research and the results of studies have been mixed.
Some studies have shown that exposure to EMF radiation can lead to slight disruptions in neurotransmitter function, while others have found no negative effects. It is worth noting that the vast majority of studies to date have focused on short-term effects, and more research is needed to determine the long-term impact of EMF radiation on mood and other aspects of health.
Affects attention
When exposed to high levels of EMF radiation, people may experience a lack of focus. However, difficulty paying attention as a symptom of EMF radiation is not supported by scientific research. While some studies have explored the potential impact of cellphone radiation on cognitive function, the results are mixed and inconclusive.
Affects fertility
There is currently no scientific evidence to support the idea that EMF radiation from air purifiers or electronic devices can compromise fertility in humans. Keeping your air purifiers or phones a certain distance away to prevent fertility issues is not based on any credible scientific research or medical advice.
Are There Low EMF Air Purifiers?
Low EMF purifiers are available on the market. These air purifiers emit low levels of harmful radiation and still remove airborne particles. While they may not be explicitly advertised as such, several models have EMF radiation levels less than 2.5 mG when measured from a distance of 2-3 feet.
If you’re looking for low EMF air purifiers, paying attention to their features is essential. One key indicator of a low EMF air purifier is that it will not emit ozone or produce ionizing radiation.
Some air purifier models come with an ionizer setting, but as long as you do not use this setting, the EMF levels will remain low. Some manufacturers may list the EMF radiation levels in the product specifications, so that’s another detail to look out for when selecting a low EMF air purifier for your home.
Is An Air Purifier Or An Ionizer Better?
When it comes to air purifiers and ionizers, HEPA air purifiers are more effective at cleaning the air compared to an ionizer. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air, and HEPA filters are the gold standard for air purification systems.
HEPA air purifiers can remove smaller particles from your air to better improve indoor air quality, and they emit low levels of EMF radiation. HEPA filters paired with activated carbon filters will also absorb odors from pets, cooking, and cigarette smoke.
Ionic air purifiers will not remove chemical odors or gasses and have difficulty eliminating allergen particles such as house dust or pollen. They may also emit more EMF radiation.
FAQs
Do air purifiers emit low radiation?
Many air purifiers do emit low levels of EMF radiation. If you are concerned, you can check the EMF reading of your air purifier to ensure it is below the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommendation of 0.5 mG to 2.5 mG. However, most purifiers are no cause for concern.
Is UV light from a UV air purifier bad for you?
UV-C light, emitted by UV-C air purifiers, can be harmful. It is known for its high energy and intensity, and even short-term exposure to UV-C light can result in damage to your eyes and skin. The severity of the damage increases with prolonged exposure. HEPA purifiers are recommended over UV air purifiers.
Can you filter radiation from air?
You can’t filter harmful radiation from the air. An air purifier will not filter radiation from the air. Low levels of EMF radiation exist in your home appliances and can safely exist in your air purifier as well, so this should not be a concern.
Can Air Purifiers Get Rid Of VOCs?
The best air purifiers can get rid of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and other harmful particles in your home.
What is the first sign of too much radiation?
The first signs of too much radiation are fainting, confusion, and muscle weakness. They may also experience bleeding from the nose, gums, or rectum. Radiation sickness most commonly develops when people go through cancer treatments that involve radiation.
Do air purifiers lower humidity?
Air purifiers are not designed to lower the humidity of the air. Air purifiers work to effectively draw out contaminants like dust and pet dander from the air, but they cannot alter humidity levels.
Should I buy a DC motor air purifier?
You do not need to buy a DC air purifier. The truth is that it’s unnecessary to opt for a DC motor air purifier because very few high-quality purifiers employ this type of motor. The best air purifier models on the market generally use an AC design instead.
How can I test my home for radiation?
You can test your home for EMF radiation by using an EMF meter. These devices can be purchased online, or you can hire a private company to come in and test your home.
Conclusion
I’m not worried about the EMF my purifiers give off. The radiation they emit is not dangerous, so you can confidently purchase an air purifier and bring it into your home.
If you’re like me and want to be extra careful, you can test radiation levels with an EMF meter to ensure they are below 2.5 mG. You can also check the manufacturer’s information to see what level of EMF each air purifier gives off.
Most air purifier units available today fall well below the recommended radiation level and will safely provide you with clean air at home.
