Electromagnetic radiation is all around us and can be especially present in homes and dorm rooms. An efficient way to reduce the amount of this radiation is by owning houseplants.
EMF is radiation that is emitted by the use of electrical power. Due to its invisibility, people may not even realize how many household items and appliances emit this radiation throughout their homes. Some prime examples of these appliances include, but are not limited to, cellphones, washing/drying machines, microwaves, fluorescent light bulbs, refrigerators, laptop computers and even hairdryers. (Find other appliances that give off EMF radiation at EMF Empowerment.)
Nathan Gray, sophomore kinesiology major, shares his thoughts on the amount of radiation that can be present.
“Knowing how many household items emit EMF radiation can be quite concerning,” Gray said. “Especially with how much time we spend in our homes.”
These appliances emit non-ionizing EMF radiation, which is not harmful to humans in low doses. However, being constantly surrounded by 10-15 devices quickly makes the dosage add up. Too much exposure can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, anxiety and even depression. Issa Pensavalle, junior nursing major, was not aware of the EMF radiation circulating through her house or its possible effects.
“Hearing this makes me want to use these things less,” Pensavalle said. “It makes me want to do things like keep my phone far away when I sleep or have my computer plugged in a different room.”
While both of those things can help reduce some of the absorption amounts, there is an additional solution that can make a strong impact.
House plants are a great way to reduce EMF radiation in your living environment. Plants absorb some of the radiation before it can be absorbed by the human body. View the best plants that absorb radiation here.
One plant example is the cactus plant. Cacti absorb computer radiation and when placed near a computer, the absorption level can be quite powerful. An additional plant on this list is the aloe vera plant. Along with its ability to absorb some radiation in its environment, this plant is also a medicinal remedy for multiple situations, a common use being to treat sunburns. Both of these plants are easy to take care of as they do not require constant care and don’t need to be watered everyday.
Gray has a small potted cactus in his room. He was initially unaware of its radiation benefit when purchasing the plant, but was glad to understand its further value.
Plants also purify the air, providing yet another health benefit to people and their home. The plants previously mentioned and the additional plants that are found in the link can be purchased at Home Depot. Many of these plants can be purchased at the location on 5900 southwest Huntoon St.
“If owning these plants is reducing my radiation intake while also making my house look nice, I am willing to go purchase them,” Pensavalle said.
The most drastic and effective way to have less EMF radiation emitted into a home would be to completely get rid of certain appliances such as a microwave. However, if the convenience of these appliances is something a person isn’t willing to have deprived from their life, owning multiple houseplants is a great way to get those radiation levels down.
Edited by Jeremy Ford and Aja Carter
