Modern electrical technology is a lot like dark chocolate. Too much can make you sick. In fact, there is such a concentration of cell phones, BlackBerrys, WiFi, home electronics and appliances that, according to Magda Havas, an associate professor at Trent University in the Environmental and Resource Studies, roughly half the population is suffering from discomfort and sensitivities related to electromagnetic radiation (EMR).

There's no place like home, so let's make it safe. We can do this by first taking inventory of all sources of electromagnetic pollution in and around our homes and then deciding on a course of action to deal with them. The adventurous can consider this as a do-it-yourself project and the prudent among us may want to involve a professional.

Start by looking for EMR outside your home. Cell phone antennae and electrical power lines are obvious examples. Continue your search indoors by determining if there are sources of EMR within the electrical wiring that runs throughout your house or building. Every room should be checked.

In 1994, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation found that two out of three homes in Canada have wiring faults that result in unsafe levels of EMR. A competent electrician can correct wiring faults for you.

Continue your survey with a closer look in the bedrooms. Sources of hazardous EMR include waterbed heaters, electric blankets and electric heating pads. Be sure to unplug such devices when beds are occupied for safety from EMR.

Electric clocks and radios are only safe at a distance of two metres from the bed. Appliances, such as fans, and extension cords should be moved away from the bed or unplugged during the night.

Remove all wireless devices from the bedroom at night as well, including cordless phones, wireless baby monitors, routers, modems and recharging devices.

Computers, televisions and major appliances are sources of harmful magnetic fields and should not be in the bedroom or even on the other side of an adjoining wall that's near the head of the bed.

Fluorescent light fixtures and compact fluorescent lamps will also result in EMR. In short, any source of EMR may prevent the body from achieving sound and healing sleep.

The next group of rooms to tackle are the ones in which you and family spend significant amounts of time, such as the family room, den, study, TV room or living room. Be sure to stay back one to two metres from the television and audio equipment.

The computer Internet connection, modem and router should be the wired varieties and the monitor, tower, power bar, transformers and cable bundles should be given a wide berth.

Make sure that couches and chairs are not situated against walls where a source of high EMR, such as a furnace motor, electric hot water heater, refrigerator or freezer, is on the other side.

The kitchen has many concentrated sources of EMR, so be especially careful if you're pregnant. High levels of EMR from electric stoves and ovens can be avoided by standing at least one metre away. Enough has been written about the dangers of microwave ovens, and while the emissions from electric oven doors are regulated, emissions from their tops, sides and backs are not.

No type of building material will shield magnetic fields, so ensure that no one is within two or three metres of the back of any major kitchen appliance  while it's operating.

Keep in mind that refrigerators and freezers operate day and night. All appliances with a heating element or electric motor will produce significant levels of EMR, including almost every small appliance on the kitchen counter. Keep a one-metre distance whenever possible.

In any room, people with electrical sensitivities will react to fluorescent light fixtures, compact fluorescent lamps, dimmer switches and baseboard heating fixtures. Use a corded phone rather than a cordless type and resist the temptation to use your cell phone while at  home.

This is a good start to ensuring your home is safe from EMR. Each home will, however, have specific and unique factors to consider. The next time you hear or read about someone who suffered with headaches, pain and other ailments that the doctor couldn't diagnose, only to find the cause was a source of electromagnetic radiation, you can feel safer in your EMRreduced-home.

Jim Waugh specializes in helping clients reduce exposure to electromagnetic radiation. He is available for investigations of homes and offices, coaching, courses and consulting in lowelectromagnetic field home design practices. (604) 788-0743 www.EMFSafeHome.com

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