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EMF Radiation and Wireless Chargers

Wireless chargers make it easier for us to charge our smartphones without having to deal with messy cords. But what about EMF radiation and wireless chargers? Is it a concern?

What is a Wireless Charger?

You can find these in many places. From hotels to restaurants, many companies offer this as a convenience. And of course, many have wireless chargers in their homes. These chargers work by using magnetic induction. This is a low-frequency oscillating field between 110 and 205 kHz to generate an electric current with a magnetic field.

You place your device on the wireless charger, and it automatically charges it. This doesn’t come without issues. Sometimes the smallest thing can move the device just enough that it stops charging. Like getting a text message or someone nudging it by accident.

Resonant Wireless Charging

In this type of wireless charger, it has a higher oscillating magnetic field. The good news is that this allows for multiple devices and a bigger distance from the coils is possible. However, there are drawbacks. And the major one is that in this type of wireless charging there is more RF radiation. Other details include smaller efficiency and more electromagnetic interference.

EMF Radiation from RF Wireless Chargers

Another type is RF wireless charging. In this type of charger, it uses radio frequency instead of creating an electromagnetic field. Instead, there are radio frequencies or EMF waves. This is not a type of wireless charging used in the home yet. It has the capability to charge around 15 smartphones at once. But this also increases the danger due to the higher frequency EMF waves.

EMF Radiation and Wireless Chargers

The electromagnetic field is just around 5 to 15 watts, and a few millimeters wide. Yet, look at it his way. We know power lines are a concern when it comes to EMF radiation. If you compare a wireless charger and standing under power lines, the power lines are going to be stronger. But the surprising news is that it’s not by a lot.

What You Can Do

If you do love the convenience of a wireless charger, be sure that it is not located in an area with heavy traffic. Of course, we recommend sticking to the cords to be safer. You should also keep wireless chargers out of your bedroom, which does make it less convenient if you keep your phone nearby while you sleep.

Simply put, it’s not worth the risk. Plus, you cannot use your device while it’s charging on these types of chargers. With a cord, you can still use the device.

I come from an R&D engineering background. Safely dealing with EMF was part of my work. As technology evolved and EMF moved from my work into the home, it became more important to deal with it in a sensible way. There is lots of controversy on EMF's impact to health. Fortunately, there are some simple principles you can apply to minimize impact and exposure until the science of EMF's impact on humans is resolved.

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