Turn It Off When Not In Use
We want to be clear that turning things “off when not in use” still results in significant wireless exposure. EHT recommends you swap out wireless devices with safe wired connections. However, for many people, they feel overwhelmed or are unable to do this immediately. That is why turning things off when not in use is often the first step people take. Then we highly recommend you move to the next step which is swapping out wireless devices with safe corded connections.
Wireless enabled devices are always transmitting radiation even when you are not surfing the internet or using the device to talk or message. The only way to stop these emissions is to set the wireless antennas to OFF.
Why? Wi-Fi devices continuously check in with their main network (cell tower or Wi-Fi router) to be sure a connection exists. This radiation activity is called a digital handshake. For example, a Wi-Fi router emits a beacon signal at regular intervals to signal the available network (whether or not any person or machine is using the network). Similarly, a Wi-Fi enabled tablet or other personal use devices will also signal at regular intervals hunting for a network (whether or not a person is using that connection). Those signals are all radiation emissions.
- You can easily decrease your family’s firsthand and secondhand radiation exposure by turning off wireless networks and devices whenever you are not actively using them, such as at night while you sleep.
- Unplugging wireless devices (and their related gear)—for example, gaming, entertainment, and computer systems—when not in use also saves significant energy and makes all-around good sense.
Note: Turning Wi-Fi off when not in use only eliminates wireless exposures while the WiFi is OFF. However, you will still be exposed when the Wi-Fi is ON. Therefore, be aware you are still getting significant exposure when the Wi-Fi is ON.
