The Non-Tinfoil Guide to EMFs: How to Fix Our Stupid Use of Technology

by Nicolas Pineault

Can you really feel years younger & make unexplained symptoms vanish with the click of a button — the “Airplane Mode” on your cell phone?Advocate for safe technologies Nicolas Pineault used to think this all sounded like something only crazy people wearing tinfoil hats would say.But the overwhelming amount of independent scientific evidence linking electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from wireless technologies with increased risks of cancer, infertility, insomnia, and depression sure has the uncanny ability to change a man’s mind. The Non-Tinfoil Guide to EMFs is a simple and unconventional book that will teach you exactly how to reduce your exposure to this brand new 21st-century pollution without going back to the Stone Age.You will More and more scientific evidence shows that cellphone radiation might be the new smoking. So why take chances?Instead, read The Non-Tinfoil Guide to EMFs — the technological seat belt you might just need to use your new gadgets safely.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Science, Reference, Technology, Bodies, Medical

249 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2017

About the author

Nicolas Pineault is an investigative health journalist, educator and advocate for safe technologies. In 2017, he authored The Non-Tinfoil Guide to EMFs — an unconventional book endorsed by top health authorities such as Dr. Mercola, and which tackles the very serious topic of electromagnetic pollution with humor and common sense. He since launched the Electrosmog Rx online course, with the goal of educating 100,000 health practitioners how to prevent, diagnose and treat EMF-related illness. You can find more about Nick’s work on EMFBook.com and ElectrosmogRX.COM

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-opener

Wow.. I’ve known for quite some time that EMFs and specifically the radiation from phones can be harmful but dang... I was amazed to see the research on how soon we can experience negative effects from even low doses/exposure - well below the woefully inadequate and outdated telecommunications act of 1996 allows...
I was particularly concerned by the part about scrolling on your phone while it’s on your belly destroying beneficial bacteria and making you susceptible to illness..
I was rushing to the solutions chapter pretty soon after I started, to see what I could find. I’ll no longer be complacent about this issue especially when it comes to keeping my family safe...
On a broader note, I hope that the regulations catch up, if not in the US, then at least everywhere else..

[Gard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this book is overall a bit alarmist, I do see the logic of using precaution (while we await further studies) and incorporating easy fixes into our lives.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The information in this book will freak you out, but it's important to look at the long-term effects of a technology that proliferated with literally no oversight or health studies. It was allowed into the marketplace and built as vital communication infrastructure using cellphone regulatory standards from 1994. Hint: our phones are still approved using this criteria: that they don't heat your brain 2 degrees in a total of 6 minutes of use per day held 5mm away from your head or body. These "studies" are done in a lab with no other wireless, on a mannequin head (named Sam) filled with water. I'm not making this up. The study was designed to test the thermal capacity of cell phones in an era where there was no such thing smart phones, touch screen or WiFi.

Similarly, our laptops were brought to market and still sold with explicit instructions buried in the manuals to never place more than 12 inches from your body. TWELVE INCHES. Literally the lap in laptop is an express misuse of the device as manufactured.

We are exposed to literally a quintillion times more radiation than we were 20 years ago, and before you smugly declare "but it's nonionizing" consider that there are thousands of medical studies showing the many and measurable negative health effects of nonionizing radiation. If it's so safe, why are OBs now advising pregnant women wear EMF shielding blankets for all use of computers, cell phones and tablets?

This is worse than Idiocracy.


Our wireless world has been promoted by a powerful industry protected by The Telecommunications Act from any consumer legal recourse for the negative health effects of their technology. WiFi is now ubiquitous.

It's not just iPhones and tablets and wearable tech, but a our utilities installing "smart" WiFi meters to every single home and business. The meters are not UL rated for home safety, send strong WiFi pulses over 10,000 times per day, often turn house wiring into antennas of dirty electricity and sometimes even causing fires.

It's classrooms with 30-40 wireless devices transmitting in a small space for 8 hours of every school day, turning the cumulative radiation levels up to the equivalent of a microwave oven on low.

All of the wireless devices have been approved based on only one thing: the Specific Absorbsion Rate or SAR of each individual device. (That's what the 1994 mannequin head Sam study decides.) This is the equivalent of the FDA declaring a food safe if a small portion tested free of e-coli -- without looking for salmonella or staphylococcus or contamination or cumulative effects of larger portions of that food. Saying this is safe because the radiation it's nonionizing is like saying a black widow spider isn't poisonous because it's not a rattlesnake.

Everyone needs to know just how we got here, and what the coming 5G network means for making it all much worse. This book is a very readable, often funny round-up of all the latest studies that will leave you feeling terrified but also empowered. I knew about the cellphone brain cancer connection. I didn't know about everything else. And while I kinda feel like I did when I discovered there was no Santa Claus -- I mean my god, I LOVE my iPhone! -- I am glad to grow up and learn the truth.

I think in 50 years people will look at today's ubiquitous wifi radiation and EMF experiment the way we now look at pollution from the industrial revolution, lead in gasoline, DDT, asbestos and tobacco. A month ago I would have rolled my eyes at the idea of nonionizing radiation being harmful. This book will show you why we've all been woefully misinformed and how it's up to us to demand safer technology.

Read it, then read the many linked sources in the author's footnotes.

[David Korobov · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have preferred more detail, but a good summary nonetheless.

[Gee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this incredibly dry and bland. He endlessly lists study after study and it's just gets old. Okay we get it EMF is bad. BUT most of the studies are very weak. A lot of animal and observational studies which aren't very good sources to make claims on. Not many Randomized controlled trials at all. He doesn't care to look at any studies going against his viewpoint. Also doesn't consider the bias of the researchers plus the placebo effect which is very strong in terms of EMF.

I actually agree that EMFs are not good for us in the amounts we have but if you're gonna write a book about it try to make it entertaining and back it up with solid evidence and point out when it is not a strong study.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information and tips to reduce emf’s in your life. There’s much more to it than keeping your phone on ‘airplane’ mode. And Nick lays it out in easy to understand simple steps, from cheap and easy up to more advanced analysis using experts. I love all the resources he provides as well. I didn’t even know Building Biologists were a thing.
I already implemented the ‘cheap and easy’ tips for reducing the fields in my bedroom last night. Haven’t slept that well in a long time. Thanks Nick!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, now I'm making some changes in my home. This was a super easy to read and understand guide. Pineaunt lays out the facts without cherry picking. Well done! Could have used an editor as some sentences weren't proofed but you still get what he intended to say. I plan on sharing this with family and friends.

[Tanya Brown Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Information

The book was humorous and informative. It gave me a lot to think about and practical solutions as well. It’s also scary to think that products are available for use long before research is done on safety.

[Marian Cerny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for everyone

I have not read the other books on EMF yet, but this is most definitely a great start. It has recommendations for more reading, useful products and explains everything you need to know in simple fashion. Thanks Nick!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a concise and thorough overview of the case why EMFs dangerous and are contributing to sickness for a majority of the world population. I read it mainly to get the tips on what to do to reduce EMF exposure and I was happy to receive the kinds of tips I was looking for. I like that he broke the steps down into immediate cost effective actions and then progressively more expensive and time consuming options.

I have started putting my phone in airplane mode whenever possible. I took the baby monitors out of my 6 and 3 year olds bedrooms. I unplugged any 2 prong cord that we don’t regularly use, and I’m going to talk to my husband about turning off the wi-fi automatically each night using a timer. I checked our distance from the nearby power lines on Google maps and was happy to see we were about 250m away, which by the author’s estimate was good enough for regular, non EMF sensitive people. I will start talking to my kids about putting electronic devices on a table when in use and not on their laps. I’m also going to replace my corded alarm clock with a battery powered one.

I won’t be buying an EMF meter or the services of the Building Biology Institute or any shield products. I’m not desperately in need of the expensive route. Oh and I should look into whether my LED brands have been tested for dirty electricity.

I guess my last takeaway was when possible distance yourself from the source of the EMF. That means using the phone on speakerphone instead of up next to your ear. That means keeping your phone and laptop ideally a foot away from my body when surfing the internet or watching a music video on YouTube. That means moving my electronics charging station downstairs instead of in my bedroom.

[C.A. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read at least four books on EMF that I can think of now, and this is by far the best. I picked it up because most of the blogs I'd read said the same thing. It's straightforward, accessible, and practical, assuming the reader is a consumer and not an electrician.

I like the fact that the author is up front about the fact that he's in the same boat: he's a science writer who's done an enormous amount of research on the subject, and interviewed numerous experts. After reading, taking notes, and reading my notes, and then trying to apply what I had read, I felt like I could take my $150 Gauss meter purchased on Amazon and actually glean some usable information on my environment and what I could do to make it safer, without going overboard and upending my whole life (as the title implies).

What bothers me is that most of the authors I read and experts I've talked to on this subject seem to disagree with one another on one or more points. Nick does acknowledge that where he can, and gives both sides of the argument so that the reader can draw his or her own conclusions. I guess in any other area of medicine that's true too, it's just that in the realm of biochemistry, I have enough of a foundation that I can draw my own conclusions without having to rely on anyone else. In the realm of electricity I don't know enough to do that with a great deal of confidence, and it's still such a controversial topic. So I can't say I feel like I know *enough* after reading this book. But I do feel like I know a lot more than I did before I started, and I feel less overwhelmed about what to do about it.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a member of our Environmental Book Discussion Group (in its 14th year!). It definitely seemed whacky prior to reading -- but, wow, I am now one of the converted. The amount of EM and EF radiation (and dirty electricity) we've exposed to is incredible. And there have been zero safety studies since 1995. The number of 5G repeaters needed to strengthen the signal is insane. This has all been "approved" without any real input from those of us that will be bombarded. Moreover, NO child should have a cellphone, and no student from preschool through graduate school should have cellphones in a classroom. Recent studies have shown that just replying thumbs-up to a single text requires 20 minutes for a student to get back to the lesson (goodbye Algebra!). I'm a software architect and have spent many decades working with electronics -- and this book was a real Call to Action for me! No cellphones in the bedroom, no bluetooth, the T-mobile tower is far away from where anyone sleeps, and I'm getting a meter to see what other things are present in our homes. It doesn't propose zero technology - it avocates for safe technology. Ouch!

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a helpful resource. I have recently discovered that a lot of my past nearly 40 years of health issues have their roots in EMF hypersensitivity, and this book was a wonderful starting place for an overview of the current research and the steps that can be taken to protect oneself. I began the book concerned primarily with the portion of the population that is hypersensitive to EMF, but came away convinced our current lifestyles are contributing profoundly to health issues across the full spectrum of the population.

The editing is not without its flaws, there are typos here and there, and keeping up with resource links and citations on the ever-changing internet is near impossible, but I still highly reocmmend this book as a jumping off point for anyone who wants a fast and clear overview of the issues and a sense of what direction to move toward next.

[Naphtali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of you are no doubt wondering if it's possible for a "guide to EMFs" to be "non-tinfoil."
Yes, it is, and this one was excellent.
"EMFs" are Electromagnetic fields, which are created by things like your cellphone, microwaves, wifi routers, power lines, etc.
With such huge advances in technology the last few decades, humans are currently being exposed to huge amounts of EMFs, and the big question is whether they have any effects - especially detrimental effects - on humans.
This book did a great job of presenting the facts - which are pretty much that not nearly enough research has been done on the subject, and the little research that has been done suggests that there likely are some harmful effects and it's worth taking some precautions to limit EMF exposure.
This is one of my favorite books that I've read so far this year - the author was able to take a subject that's often misunderstood and present it in an easy to understand, realistic way. This book was funny, easy to read, looked at possible pros and cons of EMFs in a realistic way, and presented causes for concern and practical ways to deal with those concerns in a down to earth manner that was completely free of overboard fearmongering, "we're all gonna die!" type propaganda.
Highly recommend!

[Tj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those things I used to shrug off before I knew better. This book was such an eye-opener with such a good breakdown of practical ways to reduce EMF exposure. Especially important for anyone with or wanting to have children, because of how much more drastically they’re affected by the “EMF soup” we live in.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone Should Read This Book

Very Informative. So much to learn, and this is a good beginning. Even if we make small changes day by day, we can make a huge difference to the quality of our health and life!

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explains the dangers of cell phone usage up against your head or nExt to your body. It gives some suggestions to be safer with your kids and yourself. Turn off your router at night and put your phone in airplane mode!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, simple, effective.

Nicolas lays out his thoughts well and concise (though he does repeat himself a good bit repeating himself). This is a great quick guide to get someone up-to-speed on the various factors and risks related to electromagnetic field radiation/exposure.

[Henry Pangilinan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best!

This book presented the subject matter in a very understandable manner. I learned a lot more new information such as various on line resources for my on quest for risks existing in my own surroundings and potential available mitigation. Thanks a lot lot for sharing.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not well versed enough to really make a critique in the studies he sights, but the abundance of those studies, and the mere fact that I get better and deeper sleep when I turn off my WiFi, makes me consider his claims seriously.

[Jesse Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scary to say the least.

[Mathijs Aasman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't like the writing style but this is one of the only books with this important information.

[Patwm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should probably be read by everybody. It is worrisome, but the author offers some very practical strategies for reducing EMF exposure.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicolas Pineault manages to make a difficult subject easy and a serious subject light. I loved his humor. In this our age of technology, the Non-Tinfoil Guide to EMFs is an absolute must-read.

[Anne K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only what EMFs do, but how to protect yourself without throwing out your cellphone and WIFI!

[Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to the dangers of EMFs and, importantly, how to avoid them with practical and easy mitigants

[Harshita Shivanagowda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you need to know about emfs but haven't been told

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single person on the planet should be made aware of what's in this book and take appropriate actions.

[Rehaan Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paradigm shifting

[Eleanor I Stanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time to wake up

I had to take my phone off of airplane mode in order to write this review. So I’ll make this quick.
This electromagnetic frequency poisoning and sickness stuff is for real. I’m shocked that many of the educated and intelligent people I work with still think this is WOO WOO. People believe in electricity, they believe in ultra violet and infrared frequencies , theybelieve in x-rays, they believe in microwaves- But I can’t seem to get them to grasp the concept of electromagnetic frequencies, magnetic radiation and dirty electricity. They’re not getting it Because we are being deliberately kept in the dark in regard to this technology And most of us would rather die then give up our technology. I do believe we look at her wish.
I can’t even get my friends to consider the fact that there might be something to this, that there might be a reason why their kids are sick, that there might be a reason why they are sick or that they can’t get pregnant or why they can’t sleep, or why they have headaches and dizziness all the time or why their doctors can’t figure out what’s wrong with them, Or why they get so many colds.
The answer to all of these questions are here in this wonderfully written book by someone he keeps it enough on the light side to make his point.
Highly recommend.