If you use a laptop either for school or work every day, you don’t tend to think too much about the dangers of EMF radiation that emit out of one. To take precaution, you can consider looking into getting a laptop radiation shield.
These shields are basically thin pads made from various materials that help to block EMF radiation along with any sort of magnetic, electric, or radio frequencies.
They are designed to shield EMF emission by providing a protective layer between you and your laptop or tablet, which is especially ideal if you like to set your device on your lap rather than your desk often. Not only do they help block radiation, but it also helps to block any harmful heat.
Below, we’ll discuss some of the most highly rated laptop radiation shields so you can get an idea of which one might work best for you. We’ll also briefly go over the dangers of EMF radiation over a long period of time and alternatives to prevent such risks.
SYB Laptop Pad
The SYB laptop pad is able to block up to 92% of WiFi, unsafe Bluetooth signals, and Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) radiation, along with blocking 99% heat. Its design is very slim and quite durable so you can take it with you anywhere in your backpack, purse, or laptop case.
Its size is approximately 13.75″ x 10.6″ and 1.4 pounds so this version is meant for smaller laptops and tablets. It also features an anti-slip grip so your device stays secure and won’t slip around as you work. If you’d like a bigger version, there’s a 17″ version now available with both a blue and gray color option.
While this pad shields radiation, you don’t have to worry about it interfering with your laptop, tablet, or WiFi’s normal operation. It also won’t cause overheating for it simply deflects the radiation and heat from the bottom of your laptop and away from your body.
Inside the pad are three protective layers. The first layer is an ultra durable cover while the second layer consists of high resistance alloy. The third layer is made of ferromagnetic steel and aluminum plating that forms a shield to protect you from EMF radiation. Additionally, these materials are completely toxin free and have been tested and approved by an FCC accredited lab.
Because of its simple design, the SYB laptop pad is very easy to clean. All you have to do is take a damp cloth and wipe it. Some users say the pad tends to stick to surfaces because of its material, but this shouldn’t be an issue if you have a cloth underneath.
In terms of its look, the design of the pad tends to make some users feel dizzy due to its busy/wavy pattern, but you can flip it over to the plainer side.
SafeSleeve B-15 Shielding Lap Desk
SafeSleeve is a highly recommended brand because of their quality products and helpful customer service. Available in a 13″ and 15″ size and weighing around 1.2 pounds, the SafeSleeve laptop desk is one of the more popular options since it functions as both a shield and a high-quality case. This makes it easy to transport and protect your laptop as you take it with you either to school or work.
Able block up to 99% of radio frequencies and up to 92% extremely low frequencies, you can use the SafeSleeve in three different ways. When you’re not using your tablet or laptop, you can have your device inside the case and stowed away in your bag with the front folding piece facing your back for protection. Ambient levels of radiation can still emit from your laptop even when it’s not in use.
When you’re working at your desk, you can place your device on the pad with the folding piece open and use that as a mousepad. The mousepad doesn’t give you a lot of room but it’s still a nice addition.
You may question why you need a pad between you and your device when at your desk (assuming it’s wooden), but just because there’s slightly more space in between doesn’t mean you are less susceptible. Be mindful that the pad doesn’t have any sort of gripping material so your laptop may slide around if you’re not careful.
Lastly, you can place your SafeSleeve case underneath your laptop for when you’re browsing or working while sitting on the couch. It’s sturdy enough for you to use as a lap desk, and because it’s optimized to allow airflow, it cools your laptop and protects your body.
DefenderShield Laptop Case and Sleeve
One of the best laptop radiation pads on the market as of now is the DefenderShield laptop sleeve. It uses three layers of different materials that block, divert, and absorb 100% of harmful radiation emissions from your laptop or tablet. It additionally blocks any potentially dangerous heat coming from the bottom of your laptop that can in turn cause laptop-induced dermatosis, a type of rash that’s linked to skin cancers.
Although very thin, the DefenderShield laptop pad is sturdy and measures at 15.5 x 10.5 x 0.5 inches and weighs around 13 ounces. With this, it can fit any tablet or laptop up to 17 inches and the outer part of the pad is made of a ribbed and rubbery material so your device doesn’t easily slip off. You can choose any color from charcoal grey, iris purple, or teal.
When placing the pad on your desk, you can hardly notice it’s there because of its simple and rather inconspicuous design. It doesn’t have a fold out mousepad like the SafeSleeve mentioned, but nonetheless it doesn’t take up too much space in your backpack, briefcase, or laptop bag and has a padded compartment for your comfort and your device’s protection.
The DefenderShield pad is made from layers of non-toxic materials for the most optimal radiation blocking efficiency. According to DefenderShield themselves, every material used is equipped with unique radiation shielding factors that are specially designed to work together to significantly decrease any and all EMF emissions from 0 to 10 GHz.
HaraPad EMF Protection Laptop Shield
The HaraPad is a very basic laptop radiation shield that not only blocks radiation emissions but also the harmful heat from your laptop or tablet. Its flat surface allows your laptop’s heat dissipation channels to have air flow freely away from your body and the laptop itself, which is ideal for cooling your device if you use it often and for long periods of time.
In terms of color, you can either choose from black acrylic or real wood (walnut) and it comes in different sizes ranging from 13″, 15″, 17″, or you can a choose large one for your desk at 25″. The pad is a bit hefty but its sturdy and high quality build will last you quite a while through daily use. Although, be wary of the wood option for some users complained that it warped from the heat of their laptop after a few months.
The design is quite simple yet elegant and can go with any sort of office desk arrangement. Its nice and stiff surface provides steady structure for your laptop or tablet and is composed of lead and tungsten-free electromagnetic radiation protection to provide a protective layer between your device and your body.
If you want a more comfortable experience as your using your pad on top of your lap, you can also get a 15″ comfort cushion specifically made for the HaraPad here.
Is Laptop Radiation Something to be Concerned About?
There are three types of EMF radiation to consider:
- Magnetic
- Electric
- Radio frequency
Laptops that are connected to WiFi can emit all three types. Even though cell phones emit more EMF radiation than laptops, that doesn’t mean laptops are any less harmful. It’s mostly the heat coming from your laptop that can be potentially harmful to your body whether it results in burnt skin or male fertility issues.
According to Dr. Mark Perloe, a medical director at Georgia reproductive Specialists, men experience a temperature rise of up to 5 degrees in their testicles when they place a laptop directly on their lap. With this, you can damage the DNA of sperm, affecting fertility and also increasing the chances of a miscarriage.
The extremely close proximity of EMF radiation can also affect you if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Aside from using an EMF blocking pad, you can also opt for an EMF protection blanket which is a comfier choice. You can use these as baby blankets after your baby is born to help protect them in the crib. SYB sells one that’s made of hypo-allergenic cotton on the outside so that it’s soft and safe for use. Inside the blanket is a thin metal mesh of silver that blocks radiation frequencies.
In terms of heat, laptops can get pretty hot underneath which should be a familiar experience if you use your laptop for extended periods of time. Laptops aren’t able to cool themselves efficiently, which causes them to reach extreme temperatures and sometimes to the point of burning your skin, also known as “toasted skin syndrome.”
Other Alternatives to Protect Yourself
To further protect yourself and others from EMF radiation, you can take these following steps:
1. Monitor Laptop Usage
If you’re at your laptop all day, try taking breaks in between your usage time for the less you’re exposed, the less danger you’ll be putting yourself in. Unless you’re electro-hypersensitive, you won’t really feel any physical symptoms, but it’s important to remember that the damage from EMF radiation is cumulative.
2. Turn Off WiFi If Not in Use
If you’re not going to be needing the WiFi, it’s very simple to turn it off. Many laptops even have a button where you can click the WiFi symbol and turn it off from the pop-up box. Doing this simple task can lower the amount of EMF radiation exposure from your laptop significantly for a better peace of mind.
Conclusion
Sometimes you can’t keep from using a laptop, but you can use different shields to keep you safe from EMF exposure.