In today’s hyperconnected world, you’re never more than a few feet from wireless signals. Your phone, laptop, smartwatch, Wi-Fi router, microwave, TV, and basically anything that uses electricity blanket your environment in invisible energy known as electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

Most people never think twice about this new type of pollution.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for setting electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure limits in the U.S., supposedly to protect public health. But are these standards truly up to the task? Mounting evidence shows they rely on outdated science and narrow assumptions, leaving the public vulnerable as wireless exposure in daily life rapidly expands.

But the Environmental Health Trust (EHT) is urging us to take a closer look. With growing scientific evidence linking EMF exposure to serious health risks, EHT stands at the forefront, educating the public and pushing for stronger regulations.

Let’s break down what EHT does, why their work matters, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

What Is the Environmental Health Trust?

The Environmental Health Trust (EHT) is a nonprofit think tank founded by epidemiologist Dr. Devra Davis, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning researcher with decades of experience studying environmental health risks. EHT is the only nonprofit organization in the world that carries out cutting-edge research on environmental health hazards and also works directly with communities, health and education professionals, and policymakers to understand and mitigate these hazards.

EHT’s mission is simple but powerful: translate cutting-edge scientific research on emerging environmental hazards such as EMFs into practical solutions that protect public health. While the organization addresses a range of environmental threats, their flagship work is centered around EMFs, particularly the radiation emitted by cell phones, Wi-Fi networks, 5G towers, and other wireless technologies.

At a time when technology is evolving faster than health regulations can keep up, EHT plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between science and public awareness.

The Key Issues EHT Addresses

EHT’s work spotlights several critical problems most people aren’t aware of. These include:

• Cell Phone Radiation & Health: All cell phones are actually two-way microwave radios that send and receive a type of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation called radiofrequency radiation (RFR). This machine-made radiation is millions of times denser than the natural electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the environment when our grandparents were young. Our brains and bodies are penetrated by this radiation.
• Social Media Addiction & Wireless Radiation Exposure: There are also more than 1,464 civil cases regarding social media addiction as of March 24, 2025. These cases contain extensive information about the medical, scientific, societal, and environmental harms caused by social media addiction. EHT and its partners are tracking the latest developments.
• 5G Technology & Health: The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) estimates that hundreds of thousands of 5G-enabled wireless antennas will be installed along public rights-of-ways, directly in front of our homes. European Parliament requested a research report  “Health Impact of 5G” released in July 2021, concluding that commonly used RFR frequencies (450 to 6000 MHz) are probably carcinogenic for humans and clearly affect male fertility with possible adverse effects on the development of embryos, fetuses and newborns.
• Cell Phone Towers & Health: Cell towers have wireless antennas that emit radio frequency (RF) non-ionizing radiation. When these antennas are close to our homes and schools, our daily exposure to RF radiation is increased.
• Wildlife, Wireless & The Environment: Scientific research shows harmful impacts of EMFs on animals and their habitat. Specifically, recent research has shown that exposure to EMFs triggers stress responses in honeybees, affecting both their physiology and behavior in troubling ways. Despite the clear and mounting scientific evidence, there are zero regulations in place to safeguard our ecosystems.
• Wi-Fi In Schools & Children’s Health: Schools are a unique environment because there are so many wireless devices in each room. Children will spend several hours a day in classrooms with unmonitored wireless exposure.
• Telecom Research: Showcases research studies and published reports on industry influence and involvement in the science of EMF.

How EHT Educates on Reducing EMF Exposure

Recognizing that waiting for government action could take decades, EHT empowers individuals and communities with practical advice through peer-reviewed scientific studies, research, and current events.

• Simple, Actionable Guides: EHT provides step-by-step tips for reducing EMF exposure at home, school, and work. These include using wired internet connections instead of Wi-Fi, placing routers away from living spaces, and encouraging schools to use wired networks instead of wireless.
• Public Campaigns and Resources: Their website is packed with fact sheets, webinars, infographics, and toolkits anyone can use to understand EMFs and take action.
• Global Action Tracking: EHT maintains a global policy database showing what different governments are doing (or not doing) to protect public health, and they use this information to advocate for stronger action here in the U.S. France is undergoing a nationwide mobile phone ban trial for students under 15 years of age. Belgium prohibits the sale of mobile phones specifically designed for young children. Cyprus and Israel have launched national awareness campaigns about the health risks of wireless radiation, especially for children.
• Legal Action: EHT doesn’t just educate, they litigate. In 2021, EHT won a major lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with a federal court ruling that the FCC had failed to adequately review the evidence of harm from wireless radiation.

The Published Science Behind EMF Health Risks

Far from fearmongering, EHT’s advocacy is rooted in peer-reviewed, international science. EHT aggregates and summarizes these studies in an accessible way on their website, making it easier for non-scientists to understand the growing body of evidence.

• Cancer Risk: The U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted a $30 million study exposing rats to cell phone radiation. The results? Clear evidence of tumors in the brain and heart. A parallel study by Italy’s Ramazzini Institute found similar results, even at radiation levels well below what is considered “safe.”
• Sperm and Fertility Damage: Numerous studies have linked cell phone radiation to reduced sperm count, motility, and viability, major concerns for male fertility.
• Neurological and Cognitive Effects: Headaches, memory problems, insomnia, and anxiety have all been associated with chronic EMF exposure in both human and animal studies.
• Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage: Ongoing research shows that EMFs appear to increase oxidative stress, a key driver of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Why Their Work Matters & What You Can Do

Wireless technology isn’t going away. But awareness and small changes can make a big difference. Here’s what EHT recommends:

• Go Wired When Possible: Use Ethernet cables for internet connections instead of Wi-Fi and choose wired headphones and earbuds instead of the ever-popular Bluetooth AirPods.
• Be Mindful of Distance: Keep devices away from your body. Don’t sleep with your phone next to your head, and use speaker mode when taking phone calls whenever you can.

  

• Use Airplane Mode: Especially when carrying your phone close to your body (in pockets or bras), enable airplane mode. This is also important if you sleep near your phone for the alarm function.
• Limit Children’s Exposure: Delay device use for young kids and create tech-free zones within their bedrooms.
• Support Better Policies: Stay informed, share information, and support legislation that prioritizes public health over industry profits.
• Utilize EMF-Protection: EHT has created a list of products that we use to lower EMF at home and in the office. Aires is leading the EMF protection community through its proven, science-backed devices – they are by far the best solution we’ve seen for personal protection.
• Sign Up For The Newsletter: EHT offers a free newsletter where you can receive updates, environmental tips, and more in your email inbox.