Numerous individuals engaged in the design of sophisticated smart homes may lack an awareness of the extent of RF (radio frequency) radiation exposure to which they are subjecting their families. Moreover, many of these individuals may not recognize the potential hazards associated with such radiation. Their primary focus tends to be on the convenience and novelty offered by smart home technologies.
RF radiation emissions from a smart home stem from two distinct sources. Initially, smart devices interconnected wirelessly within the system emit RF radiation through their wireless signals. Each wireless device essentially functions as a miniature cell tower within the household. Additionally, smart devices lacking wireless connectivity but linked through the home’s electrical wiring induce the emission of a hazardous variety of RF radiation termed “dirty electricity.”
Within the scope of this article, I will delve into the various components comprising a smart home system, identifying areas where RF radiation is emitted and contrasting them with areas where it is not.
Potential Hazards of Radio Frequency (RF) Emission in Smart Homes
The RF radiation discharged by smart devices falls within the microwave segment of the electromagnetic spectrum, hence referred to as microwave radiation. This type of radiation corresponds to the one utilized by microwave ovens for food preparation. Numerous self-contained, scientifically scrutinized research studies have associated this “non-ionizing” radiation category with health concerns such as cancer, cerebral tumors, and reproductive issues.
Wired Safety Measures for Smart Homes
In the realm of smart home technology, a deliberate choice can be made to establish connections with various devices within the system through wired connections, as opposed to relying solely on wireless communication. This approach carries the potential benefit of mitigating the presence of “dirty electricity,” a concern that, while still requiring remediation, generally presents as a less potent and hazardous issue compared to the exposure to wireless RF radiation.
In the forthcoming sections of this article, my focus will encompass an exploration of the diverse components constituting a smart home, an analysis of the RF radiation emissions associated with such technology, and a consideration of alternative devices that can be employed, characterized by their reliance on wired connections.
Explaining the Functionality of a Smart Home
A smart home encompasses the capability to efficiently manage and potentially automate a broad spectrum of electrical appliances within a residence, either through a central control hub or via electronic devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones.
To conceptualize the concept of a smart home, consider it as the establishment of an internal computer network. This network is overseen by a central governing unit that establishes connections with each electronic apparatus situated within the household.
This central control unit assumes the responsibility of activating and supervising all linked electrical devices. Accompanying software features a user-friendly control interface, granting homeowners the ability to exercise both automated and manual command over each individual device. This control interface is available on a central hub within the residence, in addition to being accessible through home computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Smart Home Components Analysis
Let’s now delve into the various elements comprising a fundamental smart home setup, and discuss the most secure approaches for executing the diverse functions inherent to smart home operations. Prior to this, we touched upon the central processing unit of the system, referred to as the controller.
The controller serves as a computational hub capable of establishing communication with each individual device. Given its computer-like nature, it maintains an internet connection. It is noteworthy that this particular device is conventionally wired, unless an optional wireless functionality is integrated, thereby eliminating the emission of RF radiation.
Thermostat RF Radiation
Wireless thermostats have gained significant popularity in recent times. However, it’s important to note that these devices emit a considerable amount of radio frequency (RF) radiation. In fact, among household devices, they are among the highest contributors of RF radiation. It’s worth considering whether the benefits they offer are truly necessary.
Conventional digital thermostats are capable of accommodating various temperature settings throughout the day, and some even feature vacation modes for extended periods of absence. Moreover, several heating and air conditioning experts advise against frequently adjusting the temperature settings. This is because such adjustments can lead to unexpected spikes in heating bills and may also have a negative impact on the overall system. Their recommendation is to establish a consistent schedule using a digital thermostat and allow it to function automatically without frequent intervention.
Intercoms And Cameras
Wired connectivity remains the preferred option for intercoms and cameras, as it eliminates the need for wireless setups. Notably, there are aftermarket wired solutions available that allow for the installation of intercom and camera systems in various rooms within a residence, without relying on WiFi connections. The installation process for these systems is relatively straightforward, resulting in a polished and professional appearance.
Furthermore, this approach can be extended to establish a comprehensive baby monitoring system, obviating the necessity for a wireless baby monitor. It’s important to note that bluetooth baby monitors emit higher levels of RF radiation compared to even WiFi thermostats. Prioritizing measures to circumvent the use of microwave-emitting devices around infants is an investment of both resources and effort that holds substantial value, considering the potential risks associated with such devices.
Centralized Lighting System
Within the context of a sophisticated household, one of the notable sources of radiofrequency (RF) radiation emanation is represented by smart light bulbs. I would strongly advise against their incorporation due to the wireless connectivity they rely upon, utilizing either WiFi or Bluetooth protocols, both of which result in significant RF radiation emission. This scenario poses concerns and is an aspect that warrants careful consideration.
Furthermore, a noteworthy aspect pertains to the generation of substantial levels of “dirty electricity” within the electrical circuits by numerous smart light bulbs. The cumulative effect is particularly pronounced in spaces where a multitude of such bulbs are employed. In some instances, relying solely on a filter may not be adequate to sufficiently attenuate the emissions to levels deemed safe from a health standpoint.
It is important to recognize that the utilization of smart light bulbs is not a requisite for a technologically advanced lighting setup. Achieving equivalent functionality can be realized through the implementation of smart light switches. These switches possess the capacity to replicate the features offered by smart light bulbs while benefiting from hardwired connections, thereby circumventing the potential RF radiation issues inherent to WiFi or Bluetooth-based solutions.
Smart Appliance RF Emissions
The concept underpinning smart appliances revolves around the convenience of remote control through a centralized dashboard, computer, tablet, or smartphone. Through seamless integration with your home network, these smart appliances provide updates such as cycle completion notifications, enabling remote initiation, termination, and monitoring of appliance operations.
However, a notable challenge arises from the prevailing trend to interconnect these appliances with your network using Bluetooth or WiFi. This approach would result in a scenario where virtually every electronic device in your household, ranging from common appliances like blenders to systems such as sprinkler control units, emits substantial levels of radio frequency (RF) radiation.
Consequently, your entire living space would be exposed to elevated levels of RF radiation. A majority of smart device manufacturers offer the flexibility of utilizing either WiFi, Bluetooth, or directly linking the appliance to the smart network via an Ethernet cable. Opting for the Ethernet cable route is advisable. Subsequently, it is recommended to access your appliance settings and deactivate Bluetooth or WiFi functionalities.
Consequently, your entire living space would be exposed to elevated levels of RF radiation. A majority of smart device manufacturers offer the flexibility of utilizing either WiFi, Bluetooth, or directly linking the appliance to the smart network via an Ethernet cable. Opting for the Ethernet cable route is advisable. Subsequently, it is recommended to access your appliance settings and deactivate Bluetooth or WiFi functionalities.