Across America, dedicated pastors, ministerial staff and church volunteers pour their hearts into serving their congregations. They preach the gospel, build vibrant Sunday school programs for children, and strive to create a sanctuary of faith, community, and spiritual growth. These leaders would do anything to protect their members—especially the most vulnerable—from harm. In an era of rising anti-religious violence, many churches have wisely stepped up their physical security with active shooter training, locked doors during services, security teams, and coordinated emergency plans.
Yet while churches focus on the more obvious visible threats at the perimeter, a subtler danger often slips unnoticed through the walls: radiation running amok.
God’s Design vs. Modern Pollution
In the book of Genesis, God placed humanity in harmony with Himself and creation—including natural, livable levels of cosmic radiation and the Earth’s magnetic field—and called it “good.” Today’s Planetary levels of artificial, pro-inflammatory electromagnetic fields, however, have abandoned the natural design. In 2026, it’s very difficult to find built environments that are not contaminated by significant e-pollution.
So many churches and synagogues are saturated with artificial EMF pollution. This “e-smog” is often produced by dirty electricity, AC magnetic fields, stray currents, radiofrequency radiation, and unhealthy lighting. These deviate sharply from that original balance found in creating and often act as pro-inflammatory biological stressors.
Modern churches, for example, are filled with unhealthy levels of wireless microwave radiation —Wi-Fi routers, cell phones, wireless mics, tablets in Sunday school and phone apps for announcements, giving and service participation.
Most pastoral staff would be surprised to learn that cell phones throughout the sanctuary often remain actively transmitting microwave radiation due to location services, background data, and Bluetooth left enabled. Peer-reviewed research links even low-level exposures to increased oxidative stress, free radical damage, and inflammation across multiple organs. A major review in the Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure (Kivrak et al., 2017) documents oxidative damage from both low- and high-frequency EMFs in the brain, heart, immune organs, reproductive system, and more.
Who Is Most Affected?
- Those with chronic inflammation: According to the CDC, approximately 6 in 10 young adults, 8 in 10 midlife adults, and 9 in 10 older adults report at least one chronic condition. EMFs activate pathways that can fuel unnecessary inflammation in a wide variety of these conditions.
- Electrosensitive individuals (EHS): An increasing number of Americans experience acute physiological symptoms when exposed to EMFs. This includes headaches, nausea, brain fog, pain, or burning sensations—that can make attending worship services painful or impossible. In my practice, several clients with electro-hypersensitivity have stopped attending church because RF levels during services became too intense to endure. A highly respected ministry leader at a large church in Thousand Oaks told me about her painful experience in the main sanctuary on Sundays…
“I started having bad headaches at our church especially when sitting in the middle isle. I get terrible back pain as well. I’m sure it’s from the (wireless) video system. ‘Lord, be my shield’.”
The World Health Organization recognizes EHS as a real condition, and simple accommodations demonstrate biblical compassion: “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).
- Children and pregnant mothers: Sunday school classrooms often contain tablets and wireless routers emitting microwave radiation for extended periods. Many studies raise concerns about biological effects on developing bodies. In churches with aging infrastructure, wiring errors and poor electrical bonding can produce unhealthy 60 Hz AC magnetic fields and “dirty magnetics.” Research links even moderate magnetic field exposure to increased miscarriage risk and other adverse effects in pregnant mothers, as well as immune system down-regulation. Rooftop solar systems add another layer through inverters that generate significant “dirty electricity.”
- Pastors and staff: Wireless microphones and body-worn transmitters place RF devices directly against the body for hours each week. Reports of elevated cancer rates among undercover police officers in the UK and television broadcasters using similar equipment serve as important cautionary examples.
- Impaired focus and concentration: Researchers such as Dr. Martin Pall and Professor Karl Hecht have documented neuropsychiatric effects from EMF exposure. Hecht, in particular, has summarized decades of research raising concerns that the 10 Hz modulation frequency (“beacon frequency”) from Wi-Fi may interfere with the brain’s natural alpha rhythms, potentially disrupting focus, relaxation, and increasing stress levels.
Practical Solutions and Hope
The good news is that EMF levels can be measured and meaningfully reduced without sacrificing essential connectivity. Professional assessments identify sources of radiofrequency radiation, magnetic fields, dirty electricity, light flicker, and can stressful electrostatic air ions. However, y won’t know your church’s actual e-smog exposure levels until it has been professionally tested.
After testing, simple yet effective improvements often include turning off unused transmitters, using wired alternatives for audio and internet, installing power conditioning filters, correcting wiring issues, and creating low-radiation zones for the most sensitive members. After improvements are made, it is not unusual for people to report better mental focus, elevated mood, and an overall lighter sense of well-being.
A positive example is New Song Bible Church in Northern Idaho, where an elder trained as an EMF safety expert helps minister to those affected (among his other leadership responsibilities). The church encourages phones kept off or left in cars during services and makes practical accommodations during the service—modeling love and care for the whole person.
A Call to Stewardship
As wise stewards who seek to honor God with our bodies, church leaders have both the opportunity and responsibility to reduce unnecessary EMF burdens. An independent EMF assessment of your sanctuary, classrooms, and offices is a practical, loving act that protects both staff and congregants—especially the most vulnerable.
If you are a pastor or church leader interested in learning more or scheduling an assessment, please reach out. Contact Kevin and he will explain professional EMF safety thresholds, practical mitigation strategies, share with you some quick fixes and advanced solutions if necessary.
In our technology-saturated age, creating healthier worship and learning spaces is a great step towards creating a healthier church office, Sunday school rooms and main sanctuary. By addressing both visible and invisible threats, America’s churches can remain safe and healthy places of worship and fellowship.
Church leaders, are you aware that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from wireless devices are a significant but often overlooked factor worsening the inflammatory conditions (“-itis”) so common among your congregants today?
Modern churches are filled with sources of non-ionizing radiation: WiFi routers, cell phone apps for giving and participation, wireless microphones, Bluetooth transmitters, and Dirty Electricity, to name a few. These devices constantly emit radiofrequency radiation. Many phones in the pockets and purses of congregants remain actively transmitting due to location tracking services, mobile data, and Bluetooth left on. Studies link this exposure to increased oxidative stress, free radical damage, and inflammation—effects shown across multiple organs in the body.
God’s Design vs. Modern Pollution In Genesis, God placed humanity in harmony with creation, including natural levels of cosmic radiation, Earth’s magnetic field, and beneficial light. He called it “good.” Today’s built environments are saturated with artificial EMFs—dirty electricity, stray currents, radiofrequency radiation, and flickering “zombie” lights—that deviate far from that original balance. These pro-inflammatory exposures affect everyone, but especially vulnerable groups in your faith community.
Who Is Affected?
Church-goers with chronic inflammation Chronic inflammatory conditions have surged. At least 40% of Americans deal with them, and the number is likely higher post-COVID. EMFs activate oxidative stress pathways that fuel unnecessary inflammation. Peer-reviewed research, including a major review in the Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure (Kivrak et al., 2017), documents oxidative damage from both low- and high-frequency EMFs in the brain, heart, immune organs, reproductive system, and more. Wireless radiation creates reactive oxygen species that damage DNA, lipids, and proteins.
Electrosensitive (ES/EHS) persons Millions worldwide experience real physiological sensitivity to EMFs, with symptoms including headaches, nausea, brain fog, pain, and mood disruption that make worship difficult. The World Health Organization recognizes the condition. Research links it to prior mold, chemical, or brain exposures. Prevalence estimates range from 5–30% with mild sensitivity to smaller percentages with moderate-to-severe cases. Courts in Europe and legal actions in the U.S. have begun recognizing it. A simple EMF assessment and accommodations (such as hardwiring equipment) demonstrate lovingkindness and bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
Children and teachers WiFi, tablets, and wireless devices in Sunday school or church schools add to children’s daily burden. Parents and teachers report headaches, fatigue, and worsened allergies or asthma. Studies, including work on dirty electricity by Dr. Sam Milham, link poor power quality in classrooms to increased health risks, as shown in his school cancer cluster study. Flickering lights and AC magnetic fields add further stress, particularly for children with autism or photosensitive conditions. Reducing these exposures creates calmer, healthier learning environments.
Pastors and staff Full-time staff and pastors often face prolonged exposure through body worn wireless mics. Historical cases, such as young undercover police officers who developed cancer near body-worn transmitters, highlight the need for caution with devices kept close to the body. Furthermore, offices with WiFi, Bluetooth, constant cell phone use, dirty electricity and unhealthy lighting abound.
Practical Solutions EMF levels can be measured and reduced without losing necessary connectivity. Professional assessments identify sources of radiofrequency, magnetic fields, stray electricity, “dirty electricity” and light flicker. Solutions range from simple (turning off unused transmitters, using wired options) to more comprehensive (filters, shielded wiring, low-flicker full-spectrum lighting). Many experience better health, focus, mood, and vitality after mitigation.
A Positive Example New Song Bible Church in Northern Idaho sets an example of a reduced EMF church. An elder named Keith Cutter is an EMF safety expert minister to those affected by EMF toxicity. The church informally encourages phones kept off or left in cars during services and makes practical accommodations—showing care for the whole body of Christ.
A Call to Stewardship As wise stewards who honor God with our bodies, church leaders can take simple steps to reduce unnecessary EMF pro-inflammatory burdens. An independent EMF assessment of your sanctuary, classrooms, and offices is a practical, loving act that protects your members—especially the vulnerable.
If you are a pastor or church leader interested in learning more or scheduling an assessment, reach out. Creating healthier worship and learning spaces is both wise and compassionate in our technology-saturated age.
It’ not just cell transmitters atop the spire. Electrical and RF transmitting devices producing non-ionizing radiation have become everyday components inside church offices, sanctuaries and classrooms. WiFi, for example, has been shown to increase inflammatory burden and decrease feelings of relaxation. During an increasing number of services, congregations are being urged to use cell phone church apps (such as MyChurch, Church Center, or Subsplash) for interactive participation, giving, and following along. Many other wireless devices a now found in Sanctuaries such as RF microphone and BlueTooth transmitters. Are your church leaders alert and aware that Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) from today’s overpowered cell phones are one of the factors known to worsen inflammatory conditions that are so prevalent among congregants?
In the book of beginnings, God’s creational activity in Genesis placed all humankind into a place of balance with nature. The harmony of creation included just the right amount of cosmic radiation, earth’s protective Magnetosphere and trace levels of planetary electro-magnetism including various wavelengths of light and earth’s magnetic core. God made natural EMFs. He called His creation “good.”
Today’s Planetary levels of artificial, pro-inflammatory electromagnetic fields, however, have abandoned the natural design. In 2026, it’s very difficult to find built environments that are not contaminated by significant e-pollution. Non-ionizing radiation sources include stray electricity, stray current and alternating current magnetic fields, grounding pollution, “dirty electricity”, radio frequency radiation and unhealthy “zombie” lights.
Fortunately, there are solutions for reducing EMF radiation in most churches. Why, some ask, should we reduce EMFs that are allowable and proclaimed to be safe? Actually, even “low” levels of EMF radiation can affect four groups in your faith community: (a) church-goers, (b) electro-sensitive persons, (c) school children and teachers, and (d) full time pastoral staff.
Church-goers: The prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases has increased rapidly over the past decades. At least 40% of Americans have some degree of chronic inflammation. This number is undoubtedly higher now after several waves of COVID-19 outbreaks, long Covid inflammation and possible inflammatory responses relating to mRNA vaccines.
Simply put, inflammatory conditions ending in the term “-itis” are on the rise among your church-goers, children and staff.
But what is the EMF connection to inflammation?
One of the biological effects of EMF exposures is the activation of oxidative stress pathways that trigger unnecessary inflammation. In 9 out of 10 studies, both low frequency and high frequency EMF radiation increased Free Radical (Oxidative Stress) Damage.
In the Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure, Kivrak et al (2017) reviewed studies showing EMFs from many technological devices cause oxidative stress in the brain, spinal cord, eyes, thyroid, thymus, kidney, liver, spleen, pancreas, testicles, sperm, blood and other human organs. EMFs can produce inflammation-related effects in many tissues of the body.
The authors incidentally mention that Free Radicals are also increased by cigarette smoking. Ironically, pro-inflammatory smoking is forbidden inside churches while pro-inflammatory EMFs fill our houses of worship — despite ample peer reviewed research showing deleterious effects. According to Physicians for Safe Technology:
“Wireless radiation has been shown in hundreds of studies to cause oxidative stress with the creation of free radicals (reactive oxygen species) in cells. These reactive oxygen species (ROS) disrupt cell functions and damage molecules such as DNA, lipids and proteins, thus oxidative stress is a known mechanism of cell injury from EMF/EMR“
Here are real testimonies from people harmed by EMFs considered by the mainstream to be “safe”:
- Gabriel: “My symptoms of auto-immune illness are directly affected by Radio Frequency Radiation…”
- Molly: “I have a child who suffers from very severe eczema and food allergies. It ruins his life…we realized EMFs is what causes his eczema and allergic reactions.”
- Joanne: “I am immune compromised and have had heart symptoms, memory issues and dizziness when exposed to wifi for too long.”
- Aranka: “My head suffers daily from emf radiation exposure for years now since a huge Cell tower was built near my home in a residential neighborhood and very close to two schools.”
ElectroSensitive (ES) Persons in Your Church
Sensitivity to electromagnetic radiation is increasing worldwide affecting millions of people. For very electrosensitive church-goers, sitting in your sanctuary may be unbearably painful. High frequency wireless devices, for example, can cause mind-numbing headaches, body aches, irritation and nausea. EMFs can also interfere with brain focus, concentration, attention span and mood — impediments to worship and wellness.
Is ES or EHS a real condition? The condition is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), though it says the causes are unclear. In a groundbreaking 2011 laboratory investigation at LSU Health Sciences Center, researchers showed that a subject (who happened to be a physician) suffered from electromagnetic hypersensitivity that manifested when she was exposed to weak EMF signals.
In this fMRI brain imaging study Dr. Heuser found a connection between persons with a history of mold exposures, brain injury or chemical sensitivity to electro-sensitvity. I’ve seen this connection the field. In fact, I routinely ask ES clients if they have suffered from previous exposures to mold? Most times, the answer is “yes….how did you know?” and they describe a previous dwelling or workplace where they were chronically exposed.
There are now many thousands of peer-reviewed studies relevant to ES/EHS. It’s important to note, however, that real ES is a physiological condition, a fact established for 90 years. It is different from Electrophobia – a psychological ‘nocebo’ effect which is a byproduct of anxiety.
A study in the International Journal of Molecular Science did a clinical analysis of 150 cases and concluded that EHS should be recognized and identified as a “neurological pathological disorder” (link pictured).
The current evidence on the prevalence of ES shows between 5.0 and 30 percent of the general population have mild cases, 1.5 to 5.0 per cent have moderate cases and < 1.5 per cent for severe cases. (Many ES persons, however, are not initially aware of how EMFs adversely impacts their lives).
Sweden’s government has been giving grants to ES/EHS suffers since the 1990s. In 2015, a French court awarded a woman a disability grant because of her symptoms. British courts have recently done the same. In the United States, parents of a child with EHS exposure to radiofrequency/microwave (RF/MW) radiation at a boarding school have recently taken legal action.
In Los Angeles, an estimated 1.42 million persons have mild to moderate sensitivity to EMFs (source: Electrosensitive Society). If 30% of those attend church sometime during the year, then 426,000 persons could be tortured by technology in a church –depending on types and levels of EMF pollution. A highly respected ministry leader at a large church in Thousand Oaks told me about her painful experience in the main sanctuary on Sundays…
“I started having bad headaches at our church especially when sitting in the middle isle. I get terrible back pain as well. I’m sure it’s from the (wireless) video system. ‘Lord, be my shield’.”
A reasonable accommodation for this person would be to conduct an EMF assessment of the church sanctuary. Sources and levels of low/medium/high frequency radiation can be identified. If needed, wireless equipment can be hardwired. This would be an act of lovingkindness in keeping with Galatians 6:2 to “bear one another’s burdens.”
- Laurie from Thousand Oaks: “I haven’t been back to church because of my ES, and think the staff wouldn’t understand my plight. It would be hard to go and talk to the pastors and ask if they could ask the church to bring their Book Bibles again, because of a few people.”
- Steve P. (a pastor): “Bout time to start worshipping outside again, eh? After all, the Sermon on the Mount was on an OUTDOOR mount.”
Children and Teachers At Your School/Sunday School
The issue of children’s exposure to EMF devices such as cell phones, notebook computers and WiFi has been brought to the forefront by an increasing number of parents. One of the best things your church school or Sunday school can do for kids is to either avoid or use alternatives to WiFi in classrooms.
Every church leader, teacher and parent should read: Why are doctors concerned about Wi-Fi and wireless in schools? I would also recommend this video about children and wireless featuring Dr. Devra Davis. Here are testimonies that are becoming increasingly common:
- A woman in Westlake Village, CA told me her daughter began to get bad headaches after their church school installed WiFi nodes in classrooms.
- Kevin (not the author): “My daughter was sick at school whenever wireless devices were used and we discovered that she also suffers from EHS. Currently she is unable to attend school without being sick.”
- Laurie: “I am a school teacher that became very sick when my school district installed a new commercial strength wifi system…”
- Michelle: “Working full time in School buildings with enhanced and extended wireless capabilities increases health issues for me personally. I know this is bad for our health!”
Other type of EMF Pollution Affecting Children. In a previous blog I discussed some encouraging news about how reducing dirty electricity in classrooms may reduce the severity of childhood asthma. Actually, some small but encouraging studies show a variety of benefits for teachers and students when there is less dirty electricity inside school rooms!
But what about the link between dirty electricity and cancer? The La Quinta Middle School Cancer Cluster Report by Dr. Sam Milham and Lloyd Morgan indicates strong evidence of a relationship between distorted electrical power quality in classrooms and cancer.
In recent years this problem has been magnified as schools install solar systems. The culprit is the inverter because of switch mode power that creates a very distorted “non-sinusoidal” waveform.
When the inverters are tied to your facility’s electrical panel, they back-feed kHz bandwidth frequencies into your classrooms and offices. This effectively turns your school wiring into RF transmitters that are way too close to kids.
Many Building Biologists have clients who report that dirty electricity disrupts their nervous system making them feel agitated and restless. The good news is that electrical waveform correction, when done properly, can reduce this pernicious bio-irritant. I’ve had clients who have remarked they feel an immediate improvement once the panel filters are activated.
Invisible Light Flicker is another type of artificial EMF that can harm children in church classrooms. I tested a building purchased by a church in Newbury Park before the church moved-in. There were disadvantageous levels of light flicker in several of the rooms. Why does this need to be fixed?
The Issue: Some types of flicker can induce seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy, contribute to headaches, eye strain, and fatigue. It can negatively impact students with Autism Spectrum Disorder due to their visual hypersensitivity.
Another important type of EMF to detect and measure at churches and schools is a type of power line or ELF frequency known as Alternating Current Magnetic Fields. They can emanate from power lines, transformers, unshielded motors, electrical wiring errors, certain types of lighting, and current if it runs on water pipes or rebar.
Alternating Current Magnetic Fields at “low” allowable levels are considered by industry to be safe but the IARC has classified ELF fields as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” They have been linked in several studies to increased risk for Leukemia. neurodegenerative diseases and weakening of the immune system. Hollywood was able to portray part of this complex issue in a couple simple scenes from the movie The Distinguished Gentlemen, starring Eddie Murphy.
Key Point for School Leadership and Parents: The U.S. is at or near rock bottom among developed countries in protecting the health and safety of its citizens from electromagnetic fields. New technology is often untested for long-term harm to children.
Worthwhile Read: Chapter eleven from The Healthy School Handbook written by Andrew Marino, Ph.D., a highly respected biophysicists and attorney.
Learning More: https://safehomeandoffice.com/emf-pollution-and-effects-on-health/
Action Item: EMF audits ought to be conducted in each home, church and school classroom by a competent and independent EMF expert. For example, the 3-axis NFA 1000 is one of several high quality meters I personally use for this type of field measurement.
Biblical Perspective: Bible passage: be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Pastors and Church Staff
Pastors may cary an extra long-term disease burden if they routinely wear wireless microphone transmitter packs because they produce both low and high frequency EMFs.
Here is a cautionary news story about the risks of placing wireless transmitters close to our bodies—whether tucked into pockets or tucked under clothes while speaking in public.
Back in January 1997, the UK Sunday Times revealed that three detectives from the Royal Ulster Constabulary’s elite E4A unit, tasked with undercover surveillance work, tragically passed away from colon cancer. These officers reportedly carried their radio transmitters on their backs, near their kidneys, for extended periods.
What stood out in the report was that these detectives were only in their thirties—an unusually young age for colon cancer, which typically affects individuals in their fifties or older. This highlighted concerns about the potential health implications of television and news personnel with prolonged exposure to similar devices. A pastor’s occupational radiation exposure may, in some cases, be similar to those of Radio/Television Broadcasters. See here and here.
Safe Home And Office EMF Solutions
Even though EMFs are ubiquitous, many non-ionizing radiation exposures can be successfully reduced–while keeping the connectivity you need. I’ve started a special program to provide affordable EMF Safety consulting and support for faith communities. Here are the four main benefits of the program:
1) Gain a straightforward understanding of 6 types of EMF threats to avoid along with infographics that make the information easy to digest.
2) Professionally field test EMF levels at your church property and the senior pastor’s home.
3) Prioritize findings and implement practical responses to reduce undesirable EMF toxins. Solutions are presented as “good”, “better” and “best” so the church leadership team can decide an approach that works best for them.
4) Measure and increase beneficial air ions (called “NAIs”) to boost sensations of feeling ‘happy and alert’ as a result of improving the electrostatic balance of air molecules. Also, use full spectrum, low flicker, low EMI type of lighting.
If you are a pastor, reducing EMF exposures at your home, office, car and church can be such a blessing. A proper EMF assessment and mitigation can improve your sleep, your mood, your concentration, your vitality, and create a healthier environment. Ultimately, reducing EMFs is a joyous experience.
EMF Safety is part of being good stewards of creation and results in healthier built environments for your church or church school. If you’re a pastor, our assessment can be an invaluable stress reducer for you and your executive team.
Church Success Story
New Song Bible Church in Norther Idaho is one of the few churches in America that takes Electromagnetic Field (EMF) safety seriously. While they don’t have an official EMF reduction policy, the church’s Leadership Team includes an elder who previously served as the Deputy Chief of County Emergency Medical Services (Fire Dept) who is an EMF safety expert.
Keith ministers to individuals affected by electromagnetic sensitivity. Rather than pushing congregants to bring their cell phones to church and use church apps with their phones, just the opposite is true. Most members leave their phones in the car or turn off their phones before coming to church. Other accommodations are made to reduce exposures to EMF radiation during the service.
Electromagnetic pollution: contact me and I’ll be happy to help you assess its impact in your church.