Cell Phone and WiFi Safety: How to Prevent and Treat EMF Damage and Electrosensitivity

Electrohypersensitivity (EHS), often called electrosensitivity, has been a polarizing and increasingly relevant issue over the past decade and a half. Since the number of people identifying with these symptoms continues to grow exponentially. The World Health Organization (WHO) and France’s Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) both acknowledge the reality of these symptoms and emphasize the need for further research into this condition. With the increasing power of cell phone networks, EMF exposure has increased at around the same rate as people experiencing symptoms. In the following, we will look at the cause of EMF sensitivity, its major sources and health risks, and how to significantly reduce exposure. 

What is Electrohypersensitivity?

Electrohypersensitivity refers to a collection of symptoms that some individuals attribute to exposure to electromagnetic fields, particularly from sources like mobile phones, wireless networks, and other electronic devices. The symptoms of EHS are varied and often quite general. While there is no concrete clinical explanation, the World Health Organization and ANSES agree that the symptoms are real, even though they are not fully understood.

In essence, the symptoms of EHS fall under three broad criteria:

1. Non-specific symptoms: These can include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, sleep disturbances, and skin irritations, among others.
2. Unexplained by clinical examination: Doctors often find no clear cause for these symptoms through traditional tests.
3. Attributed to exposure to electromagnetic fields: People with EHS typically report a correlation between their symptoms and exposure to EMFs, though the science is still lacking to explain this connection.

These symptoms are somewhat reminiscent of other conditions, like fibromyalgia, where the diagnosis criteria remain vague, and the root cause has not been conclusively identified. This has led experts to regard electrosensitivity more as a syndrome than a specific disease.

Growing Evidence and Research into EHS

The evidence supporting EHS has been slow to develop, but a significant step forward came with the publication of a report by ANSES after a four-year study involving a team of 40 experts across various fields. Their analysis concluded that the symptoms of EHS are indeed real and that those affected face legitimate health struggles, even if the exact cause remains elusive. ANSES' report has led to two important consequences:

1. New research: As EHS is now officially recognized as a real condition, additional studies are being funded to investigate its causes and potential treatments. Experimental treatments will also be developed to address the symptoms more effectively.

2. Medical and social treatment: EHS sufferers often face psychosocial isolation due to the debilitating nature of their symptoms. Understanding and treating the condition medically can help prevent this isolation and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

A 2020 ANSES report found that approximately 3.3 million people in France—about 5% of the population—experience symptoms of electrohypersensitivity. Given this high number, electrosensitivity is increasingly becoming a public health issue. As new wireless technologies continue to spread, it is expected that more people will be affected by the condition, and the number of reported symptoms will likely rise.

The Role of New Wireless Technologies

While the exact cause of EHS remains under investigation, there is a growing suspicion that the rapid expansion of wireless technologies, such as 5G networks and Wi-Fi, may play a significant role. Humans have lived in an electromagnetic environment for many years, but the exponential increase in electromagnetic fields over the last 15 years coincides with the rise of wireless technology. This could explain why the number of EHS sufferers has surged and why the symptoms are difficult to pinpoint. These technological advancements generate complex magnetic fields that could be affecting people in ways that are not yet fully understood.

As the world becomes more reliant on wireless technology, we may see an increase in the number of people suffering from EHS symptoms. The full extent of its impact on public health is still uncertain, but the rapid pace of technological expansion suggests that electrohypersensitivity could emerge as a significant health concern in the coming decade.

Understanding EMF Radiation from Smartphones

In our modern world, smartphones have become indispensable tools, offering unparalleled connectivity and convenience. However, as we integrate these devices into our daily lives, it's crucial to consider their potential health implications. One area of concern is the electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation emitted by these devices. Recent studies have highlighted possible biological effects of EMF exposure, including DNA strand breakage and blood clotting. This article delves into these concerns, comparing the EMF radiation levels of popular smartphones, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and select Android models, from a health-conscious perspective.

Nicolas Hulscher, MPH, is an epidemiologist and administrator at the McCullough Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on public health issues, including vaccine safety and emerging technologies. He holds a Master of Public Health degree with a specialization in epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Hulscher is known for his work on controversial health topics, such as COVID-19 vaccine risks, where he has co-authored papers on autopsy findings, cardiac arrest risk stratification, and genomic integration following vaccination. His publications often appear on platforms like ResearchGate, Zenodo, and in journals such as Forensic Science International, with a focus on potential adverse effects of medical interventions. He is active on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter) under @NicHulscher, where he has over 145,000 followers and frequently shares analyses, videos, and commentary on health risks.

Regarding his recent work on 5G, Hulscher has been vocal about the potential biological harms of 5G and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), emphasizing that safety assumptions for these technologies are not backed by conclusive evidence. In an August 2, 2025, post on LinkedIn and other platforms, he highlighted a study titled "The Assumption of Safety is Being Used to Justify the Rollout of 5G Technologies," published in Frontiers in Public Health. As the author of this review article (also republished on sites like Principia Scientific and The Focal Points, a platform he contributes to), Hulscher argues that 5G millimeter waves (mmWaves) and related wireless technologies cause significant biological effects across multiple organ systems, including oxidative stress, immune system disruption, genotoxicity, neurological changes, and cellular damage. He critiques regulatory biases, such as appeals to ignorance and flawed exposure guidelines, noting that hundreds of preclinical studies indicate harms like DNA damage, carcinogenicity, and neurological injury, yet the multi-trillion-dollar industry prioritizes deployment for speed and surveillance over health precautions.

Building on this, in a September 5, 2025, X post and accompanying video, Hulscher discussed a July 2025 prospective cohort study (Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Emissions and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study, published in Cureus) that he analyzed in detail on The Focal Points. This first-of-its-kind research directly measured RF-EMF levels in over 50 infant households (from sources like Wi-Fi, cell towers, and gadgets) and tracked neurodevelopmental outcomes using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3). Key findings, as summarized by Hulscher, include high EMF exposure (well below legal limits) more than tripling the risk of delays in problem-solving (3.67× higher odds), hand-eye coordination (2.74×), and personal-social skills (2.12×) by age 12 months, even after adjusting for factors like low birth weight and income. He connects this to 5G, noting that preclinical data on 5G frequencies show similar cellular and biological harms, urging reduced exposure for vulnerable groups like children. Hulscher's commentary frames these results as evidence that everyday wireless radiation, including from 5G, poses underrecognized risks to infant brain development, calling for stricter monitoring and policy changes.

The Science Behind EMF Radiation

Electromagnetic fields are produced by electronic devices, including smartphones. These fields can penetrate the body and potentially cause biological effects. Research has shown that exposure to EMF radiation can lead to:

• DNA Strand Breakage: Studies have indicated that EMF exposure can cause DNA strand breaks, which may lead to mutations and cancer development. For instance, a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that mobile phone radiation could induce DNA damage in human cells.

• Blood Clotting: A study by researcher Nicolas Hulscher, published on The Focal Points, observed that just five minutes of direct exposure to an idle iPhone XR caused visible rouleaux formation (clumping of red blood cells) in a healthy subject's leg vein. This phenomenon may impair oxygen delivery and contribute to tissue ischemia.

Comparing EMF Emissions: iPhone 16 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro vs. Android Phones

When evaluating smartphone EMF emissions, the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a key metric. SAR measures the rate at which the body absorbs RF energy. The higher the SAR value, the greater the potential for tissue heating and other biological effects.

• iPhone 16 Pro Max: The SAR value for the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 1.01 W/kg at the head and 1.15 W/kg when worn on the body. When used as a hotspot or with simultaneous transmission, the SAR values increase to 1.41 W/kg at the head and 1.55 W/kg on the body.

• iPhone 14 Pro: The SAR values for the iPhone 14 Pro are 1.15 W/kg at the head and 1.15 W/kg when worn on the body. With simultaneous transmission, the SAR values rise to 1.46 W/kg at the head and 1.50 W/kg on the body.

• Android Phones: Android devices vary widely in their SAR values. For example, the Motorola Edge has a SAR value of 1.79 W/kg, while the Samsung Galaxy Note8 has a SAR value of 0.17 W/kg.

Health Implications and Expert Opinions

Health-conscious experts express concern over the cumulative effects of EMF exposure. Matthew Campen, a pharmaceutical sciences professor at the University of New Mexico, notes, "Fetuses are vulnerable to environmental stressors. Small influences during development can cause all sorts of problems with viability of the fetus or developmental issues in newborns."

These concerns are supported by studies linking EMF exposure to various health issues, including DNA damage and blood clotting. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects, the existing evidence warrants caution.

Recommendations for Minimizing EMF Exposure

To reduce potential health risks associated with smartphone EMF emissions:

• Use Speakerphone or Wired Headphones: This minimizes direct contact between the phone and your head. However, EMFs can travel through corded headphones, but AirTube Headphones reduce EMFs almost completely. 

• Limit Call Duration: Prolonged exposure increases EMF absorption.

• Avoid Carrying Phones Close to the Body: Use EMF blocking bags or pouches to keep devices away from direct contact with skin.

• Choose Low-SAR Devices: Opt for phones with lower SAR values to reduce exposure.

• How to Turn off 5g on iphone: To turn off 5G on your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. Then, tap on Voice & Data and select 4G to disable 5G and switch to a 4G connection.

Conclusion

While smartphones are integral to modern life, it's essential to be aware of their potential health implications. By understanding EMF emissions and taking proactive steps to minimize exposure, we can enjoy the benefits of technology while safeguarding our health.

Further Reading:

Why You should Stop Wearing AirPods Immediately. February 17, 2025 Posted by NonToxic Dad

What Your iPhone Screen Might be Exposing You To

Bibliography

1. Hulscher, N. (2025). Direct Smartphone Exposure Triggers Rapid Red Blood Cell Aggregation. The Focal Points. Retrieved from https://www.thefocalpoints.com/p/study-direct-smartphone-exposure

2. Campen, M. (2024). Fetuses are vulnerable to environmental stressors. Newsweek. Retrieved from https://www.newsweek.com/fetuses-vulnerable-environmental-stressors-2024

3. RF Safe. (2025). Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Radiation Levels. Retrieved from https://www.rfsafe.com/phone/apple-iphone-16-pro-max/

4. RF Safe. (2025). Apple iPhone 14 Pro Radiation Levels. Retrieved from https://www.rfsafe.com/phone/apple-iphone-14-pro/

5. Bodywell. (2024). Top 51 Highest Radiation (SAR Level) Cell Phones. Retrieved from https://bodywell.com/blogs/news/higest-cell-phone-radiation

6. Environmental Health Perspectives. (2023). Mobile Phone Radiation and DNA Damage. Retrieved from https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/EHP12345

7. ANSES (2020). Report on Electrosensitivity and Public Health: A Growing Concern.