Choose computer screens, desktops, and computer peripherals with low or negligible emissions. Look for the TCO label, the worldwide leading low-EMF standard from Sweden. It not only features low EMF emissions, but also good ergonomics, low toxicity, and excellent energy efficiency.

EMF emission levels decrease with increasing distance. Keep at least two feet distance to the computer screen (also good for eye health) and two to three feet to all other equipment, especially if not shielded. Keep your desk clear of electronic devices, inside and out.

If the power cord of your laptop has only two prongs, it is not grounded, resulting in very high electric-field emissions. Choose a laptop with a three-prong power cord. When in battery mode (i.e. not plugged in), the emissions are the lowest. Still, use an external keyboard whenever possible to avoid high magnetic fields to your hands.

Avoid placing a laptop in your lap!

The concept is simple. Foil-shielded cords, if properly grounded, can make electric fields stay inside the cable. Consequently, electric-field exposures can be drastically reduced or eliminated altogether.

Avoid running extension and power cords in close proximity to your body.

A corded phone is your best choice. Piezo phones have the lowest emissions. The use of a speakerphone also makes for less magnetic field exposure. A longer phone cord will give you some mobility. Cordless phones emit microwave radiation just like cell phones do. DECT cordless phones emit pulsed microwave radiation 24/7—no matter whether you make a phone call or not.

Avoid using a DECT cordless phone; never place it on your desk. If using a smartphone, hardwired it while you are at your desk.

Cell phones are powerful transmitters of microwave radiation. They do not belong in children’s hands. Keep your cell phone at arm’s length: use the speakerphone, carry it in a separate bag not on your body, and turn it off whenever possible. Keep cell phone calls short, prefer texting, and never use it while driving. Use a landline at your desk.

Avoid putting a cell phone next to your head or at your belt.

Whether it’s your Internet, keyboard, mouse, or printer, choose a wired connection to avoid continuous microwave radiation exposure. And if you are already using a wired connection, disable the wireless networks (e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) on your computer or laptop. Make sure the wireless part of your router is disabled as well.

Avoid close proximity to Wi-Fi hot spots and wireless routers.

Natural daylight is always best: a full spectrum of colors, no unwanted EMF emissions, no flicker, and no toxins. Line-voltage halogen lamps will be your safest choice; those with shielded wiring are even better. Compact fluorescent lamps save energy, but emit large amounts of kHz signals and cause flicker. LED lamps save even more energy, but some LEDs have outrageously high flicker rates.

Plexiglas furniture and synthetic carpeting can build up large amounts of static electricity. Indoor air quality and breathing start to suffer. Prefer naturally antistatic surface treatments like wood flooring and all-cotton curtains and covers. Make sure that your antislip chair mat is antistatic.

Avoid synthetic floor coverings.

Exposure to the Earth’s magnetic field is essential. Steel desks, steel mechanisms in adjustable office chairs, and steel reinforcement in concrete walls distort this naturally occurring field. Keep sufficient distance from all things metal, one to three feet. Also watch out for hidden magnets in phone receivers, headsets, and loudspeakers.

Avoid metal desks.