There was a time when people would tell me that I would end up ill because of sex toy use. "They emit EMF," I recall one friend telling me. Of course, I ignored her. I was stepping away from shame around my sexuality and that included comments designed to stop my pleasure. But was I right to ignore her? Were her warnings fair or just a way of stopping me reaching my true potential? Did you know that electronic toys, gadgets, and even household appliances all emit varying levels of electromagnetic fields (EMFs)? While the potential health risks are unknown, some people may be concerned about the possible effects of EMF exposure from their sex toys. Here, we explain how to determine whether a toy emits EMFs and how to reduce your EMF exposure risk.
What are EMFs and How Do They Affect Health?
All electronic toys, gadgets, and appliances generate electromagnetic fields (EMFs). EMFs are invisible lines of force created by electric current; they exist in different forms and can travel through the air. When exposed to these EMFs on a consistent basis, there is potential for health risks. For example, EMFs can increase body temperature, interfere with cell growth, cause DNA damage, and even lead to cancer. To reduce your exposure risk, it's important to be aware of the EMF levels produced by any pleasure device or sex toy that you use.
Do sex toys contain emissions that might be harmful?
Most sex toys on the market do in fact emit EMFs, although they generally produce low levels. However, it's still important to pay attention to the product label or manual and research any toy that you may use regularly or spend a lot of time around. It's also important to remember that EMF exposure has been linked with health risks when exposed consistently over long periods of time. If you are concerned about your exposure risk, make sure to move electronic devices away from places where you spend a lot of time, and invest in sex toys that do not emit EMFs.
What are the recommended limits for EMF exposure?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), EMF exposure must remain below its recommended limits in order to ensure safe levels of EMF emissions. Generally, adults should limit their daily average exposure to no more than 2000 microteslas (µT) for occupational exposure and 100-400 µT for general public exposure. Though this advice may vary, depending on personal health and wellbeing needs.
Information around sex toy EMF emissions is buried deep on the internet, but if you are concerned about your toys, and whether they will put your health at risk, then you can pick up an EMF meter online. I'm not sure how accurate the sensors are, especially the affordable ones from Amazon, but it may be worth investing in one so you can relax into your pleasure.
One relatable example of EMF emissions that I have found is that of mobile phones. In 2014 the world Health Organisation published a report on electromagnetic fields, mobile phones and public health. This report stated that mobile phones are "low-powered radio frequency transmitters, operating at frequencies between 450 and 2700 MHz with peak powers in the range of 0.1 to 2 watts." Risks of exposure can be minimised with hands free phone kit, texting and using the loud speaker. The research paper goes on to say that "to date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use." This is all very reassuring, especially when we know that mobile phones are much more powerful than sex toys. (Though I've never gotten off to a vibrating call…)
How can I reduce the risk of EMF emissions from sex toys?
To reduce the risk of sex toy-emitted EMFs, it's important to remember and follow the recommended exposure limits. If a sex toy is found to emit an EMF that is above the limit, try to keep it as far away as possible from pregnant women, for example. Additionally, try to minimise the time spent near or around these toys and reduce their usage if you are unsure of their emissions. The simplest thing you can do is opt for toys without Wi-Fi or bluetooth connections in order to reduce risk of EMF radiation from these devices.
What are some examples of low EMF sex toys?
If you are particularly cautious around electromagnetic fields then the lower the emissions the better. Low-EMF toys include any that don't require internet or Bluetooth connection, such as app controlled toys. The conversation between devices (the sex toy and the phone) appears to have the greatest level of exposure.
There are a large number of sex toys available which are already low in EMF emissions, or naturally completely free of them. Rechargeable sex toys will give off some EMFs. If they have a battery operated remote control then this is increased, but only slightly. The easiest way to avoid EMFs altogether is to use manual toys rather than motorised ones. For insertable toys a dildo may become your toy of choice rather than a motorised vibrator. And if you have a penis, the range of masturbators is expanding at a rate of knots, with many manual strokers offering a variety of different self pleasure.
So are sex toy EMF emissions a cause for concern?
From my research it seems that the levels of EMF emissions from sex toys are low, or at least they must be as research is thin on the ground for popular additions for the past-time of pleasure. The information that is out there is based on intensive research into mobile phones, which transmit more radiofrequency (and therefore EMF) than sex toys ever would. There is little evidence to link health issues with mobile phones, which suggests there is even less cause for concern over your sex toy usage. There are things you can do to monitor levels, like using an EMF meter to measure emissions. However, you don't need to risk exposure to get your rocks off. You can avoid sex toys that have batteries, vibrations or connectivity, all of which will naturally have some EMF emissions. Instead opt for manual products for stimulation.
