You Don’t Need Protection From Cell Phone Radiation

Are Our Cell Phones Radioactive?

Break out your tin-foil hat, we're talking about electromagnetic fields (EMFs). EMFs are invisible waves of energy, also known as radiation, and they exist in everything from lightbulbs to wireless routers. Recently, France put EMFs back in the spotlight after banning the iPhone 12 over radiation concerns, which Apple soon resolved. While fears of a possible link between EMFs and cancer have been swirling for decades, a surge in products marketed as 'EMF blockers' is igniting new questions about whether you need protection or not. 

The truth about health effects from EMFs

Some EMFs, such as those produced by X-ray machines, can be harmful in high doses, but not the type emitted by everyday electronics like smartphones, TVs, or household appliances. These devices generate low-frequency waves (called non-ionizing radiation) that don't have enough energy to directly damage your cells and DNA, says Frank de Vocht, BSc, MSc, PhD, a professor of epidemiology and public health at the University of Bristol.  

The only proven way that low-energy waves can affect you is by heating an area of your body. At "very, very high exposure," the radiation from these devices could potentially heat cells to a dangerous degree, "but you don't encounter those kinds of exposure levels in normal life," says de Vocht.

Your move

With the absence of proof of health effects from EMFs, there’s no reason why you’d need to protect yourself from them, according to de Vocht. But that hasn’t stopped some companies from capitalizing on concerns and promising to “block” or “neutralize” radiation with products ranging from phone cases to necklaces. “A lot of these devices have no practical way by which they could stop EMFs,” he says. In fact, at least two companies in the space have been charged with “making false and unsubstantiated claims” by the Federal Trade Commission. 

We asked you to vote on a question you’d like answered. The winner was:

How can I tell if I have poor circulation in my feet?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Jacqueline Prevete, DPM, FACFAS

Podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Surgeons of New York

“Really bad circulation can manifest itself in lower leg pain, buttock pain, tiredness, fatigue when walking … thin, shiny skin, [and lack of] hair growth. People that have poor circulation are at risk for a wound that doesn't heal … [which] also opens them up to infection.  

“Temperature dictates this a lot of the time too. [Raynaud’s Disease] is a narrowing of smaller blood vessels in the hands and the feet which causes color changes in these areas and a cold feeling to the skin. The vessels go into spasm causing a temporary restriction of blood flow. Heart issues can [also] contribute to poor circulatory issues due to the fact that the same disease process that affects the blood vessels of the heart affects the blood vessels of the lower legs. Once the vessels of the lower legs narrow, it can reduce and compromise blood flow to the feet resulting in poor circulation. 

“[Poor circulation] should be tracked because once it does become compromised, it's a lot harder to rebound from it later. There are some painless tests [doctors] can do to [determine] where your circulation [level] is.” 

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. You can read the full story here.

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Dalina Soto, aka Your Latina Nutritionist

Credentials: registered dietitian, founder of Your Latina Nutritionist, and creator of the C.H.U.L.A. Method

Where to follow: @your.latina.nutritionist on IG; @yourlatinanutritionist on TikTok

Why we follow: “Vibrant Latinas — are you ready to reclaim your joy?” Soto asks on her website. As an anti-diet dietician, she helps others develop a more intuitive, joyful approach to their meals. On her platforms, she shares why cultural foods provide crucial nourishment for the body and soul but are often unfairly maligned by diet culture. And that goes for the foods she grew up eating, or “la comida de la casa.” (She’s a self-identified white rice “stan.”) While her work may highlight the culture of the Latina community, Soto’s message speaks to anyone who wants to put their health first by embracing food rather than villainizing it and throwing harmful diet narratives out the window. Eat up, chula! 

“Tweakments”

— Popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments that may be changing how you view yourself. We see you, Instagram face.