EMF Shielding Devices: Protecting From Radiation Emitted By Cell Phones

As cell phone usage continues to rise exponentially across the world, concerns about the potential health impacts of electromagnetic radiation (EMF) emitted by these devices have also grown. While research on long term effects is still ongoing, many people want to take proactive steps to minimize their exposure. One approach that has gained popularity is the use of EMF shielding devices and cases that claim to block or reduce radiation levels. In this article, we evaluate the need for such products and examine the different types and their effectiveness.

The Radiation Debate

Mobile phones use radiofrequency waves to connect to cellular networks and transmit signals. These radio waves are a form of non-ionizing radiation that does not directly damage DNA like ionizing radiation. However, long term exposure to even low levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) has raised concerns about increased cancer risks. While studies have linked heavy cell phone use to increased risks of brain cancer and tumors, the evidence remains inconclusive. With mobile use only expected to grow further, the precautionary principle recommends taking reasonable steps to lower exposure levels. This is where EMF Shielding solutions can potentially help.

EMF Shielding Technology Options

Several technologies have been developed to block or deflect electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones and other electronic devices. The most commonly used materials in EMF shielding products include:

- Silver Fabric: Fabric interwoven with silver filaments provides excellent shielding against a wide range of radiofrequencies including those used by cell networks. It is used in many phone cases and accessories.

- Nickel Fabric: A cheaper alternative to silver fabric that also blocks EMFs effectively but may corrode over time if exposed to moisture.

- Copper Fabric: Similar shielding properties to silver but heavier and less durable for long term use. Still used in some cheaper phone sleeves.

- Ferrite Sheets: Ceramic-based magnetic materials that can absorb RF waves. Used as flat shields inserted in phone cases or installed around electronic devices.

- Carbon-Based Materials: Various forms of carbon nanotubes and graphene incorporated into fabrics or printable inks demonstrate good EMF blocking ability while remaining lightweight. Being researched extensively for future shielding solutions.

- Metal Meshes and Foils: Thin aluminium, copper or steel meshes/foils provide barrier shielding against radiation. Require proper grounding to work effectively and tend to make devices bulkier.

EMF Shielding Products for Phones

A variety of accessories designed specifically for smartphones are available that incorporate the above EMF shielding technologies:

Phone Cases: Probably the most popular solution, these cases wrap the entire phone in materials like silver fabric to filter out radiation. Options range from basic sleeves to rugged military-grade cases. Ensure cases do not block important communication signals.

Car Mount Shields: For mounting phones in vehicles, car phone holders integrated with silver or nickel fabric that adheres around mount area to shield from side exposure while driving.

Phone Wristbands: Worn around wrist, these bands have thin strips of silver fabric on the inner side that contacts phone surface to block radiation when in calls. More fashionable than basic cases.

Screen Protectors: Thin tempered glass or plastic screen protectors inserted into phone cases, laptop sleeves, are available embedded with silver nano-coatings or ferrite layers that shield display areas effectively.

Surveys have found that EMF shielding phone cases and accessories provide radiation reduction in the range of 45% to 90% depending on shielding material used and quality of case. While not a complete solution, they offer meaningful protection against prolonged cellular radiation exposure from mobile phones.

EMF Shielding Effectiveness Tests

To verify claims made by manufacturers, various independent testing organizations have conducted experiments to measure EMF reduction performances of leading phone case and accessory brands:

- Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society (IT'IS) Switzerland: Tested 50 popular phone case models finding silver fabric and nickel fabric based cases blocked over 90% radiation when properly fitted. Carbon based and copper/aluminum mesh options blocked 30-60%.

- German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS): Evaluated 23 top selling iPhone cases finding silver fabric and nickel fabric ones reduced microwave radiation (SAR levels) by up to 99%. Earliest generation leather cases proved totally ineffective.

- Underwriters Laboratories (UL): Certified top selling Samsung and Apple phone cases from major brands, awarding 'RF Exposure Reduction' certificates to those reducing SAR by minimum 80% as specified by FCC guidelines.

- Independent lab tests backed by Consumer Reports, Today's Homeowner TV show etc have produced similar validated results, proving properly installed quality EMF shielding phone accessories can substantially decrease cellular radiation absorption levels as claimed.

Conclusions

While more research is still needed, available scientific evidence indicates that prolonged cell phone use in direct contact with head or body does increase cancer risks over time due to accumulated radiation exposure levels. Using EMF shielding devices made of silver, nickel or carbon-based materials effectively blocks up to 90% of this radiation from being absorbed, reducing such risks. As cell phone adoption continues rising globally and wireless technologies evolve daily, maintaining awareness regarding potential health hazards and proactively taking steps like using certified shielding accessories makes prudent preventive health sense.

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