What is electromagnetic shielding?
Electromagnetic shielding is a practice or process to protect a device or environment from electromagnetic radiation. It is also used as a conductive barrier that encloses the emitter of radiation to protect it from external environmental interference. Electromagnetic shielding works as insulation that has the ability to reduce or prevent the transfer of electromagnetic radiation. This insulation for electromagnetic shielding is done using several types of metals and fabrics that are capable of blocking the radiations. For example, the electromagnetic energy surrounding the high output device and separating it from the environment is responsible for protecting the sensitive device from outer electromagnetic fields in the environment. As we know, electromagnetic radiation caused by the environment is unpredictable. The world needs electromagnetic shielding to remove this threat.
Types of electromagnetic shielding
Electromagnetic shielding is of different types. The type of electromagnetic shielding mainly depends on the type of generation of the radiations. For electromagnetic shielding, you can use both solid metals and perforated shields made of metals and different materials and design types.
EMI enclosures
EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) enclosure is one of the most common types of electromagnetic shielding. This type of shielding creates a Faraday cage effect [1] around the device or object and protects it from the surrounding radiation. EMI enclosures can be done with both solid and perforated shields depending on the type of electromagnetic waves and the application.
A major example of an EMI enclosure is a microwave oven that uses a perforated enclosure. It is because you can see inside but the holes are so small that the waves cannot escape from it. The application of EMI enclosure uses a Faraday cage that is usually bulky and adds additional weight to a device. This makes EMI enclosure impractical for use on a small scale like for phones, PCs, and tablets.
EMI coatings
EMI coating is a process that involves covering a device with paint mixed with conductive metals that are responsible for making a shield. EMI coating is a friendly technique and you only need to brush them on the surface of the device to make them work and block radiations. Unlike EMI enclosures, they do not take any extra space or weight. The only limitation of EMI coating is that it only needs a single scratch to erase the paint and protection will be compromised.
EMI filters
EMI filter is a famous form of electromagnetic shielding that is used to block high-frequency radiation and allows only low-frequency radiations to pass through them. As high-frequency radiations are more harmful it is used to filter out high-frequency radiations like UV and X-rays. The main application of EMI filters is integrating them into the power sources and switches by protecting them from high-spectrum radiations. EMI filters cannot block all types of electromagnetic radiation so they can only be used in certain situations.
Foil shielding tape
Foil Shielding tape is a common type of electromagnetic shielding that uses thin pieces of conductive metal like copper and silver with an adhesive to cover the device and shield it from electromagnetic waves.
The shielding tapes are easily available in the market, flexible in use, and form-fitting, so they can be an easy method to use for EMI shielding in all situations. Foil Shielding tape can be cut or shaped into any size. Moreover, they carry no weight. All of these qualities make it an ideal choice for EMI protection when working to block emf on a domestic level. This method is cost-efficient and versatile as tapes can fit the equipment perfectly resulting in less waste.
The following are some of the metals in which foil tape is available,
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Lead
- Silver
- Stainless steel
It is worth noting that before buying a tape, you should consider the tensile strength of the tape so that you can avoid damage to the shield.
Conductive fabric shielding
The use of fabric in electromagnetic shielding isn’t just the traditional use of fabrics. In EMI protection, the fabric used is more like a metallic textile-type fabric that has somehow similar physical properties to that of conventional fabric.
In conductive fabric shields, fabric substrate like nylon or polyester combined with metal or nothing but metal is used to block unwanted radiations. Conductive fabric can be designed by changing the composition of the materials used to make it so it can be an effective method to use in different situations. Fabric protection does not ensure strong protection against electromagnetic waves; however, it can be used in situations where a moderate amount of protection is needed. Also, surface corrosion is a major thing to watch out for when working with metallic fabrics.
What to look for in an EMF shielding material or fabric?
EMF blocking materials can be of different types and compositions. However, you can choose a good EMF blocking material by considering the following factors:
- Thickness of fabric/metal
- Conductivity
- Type of metal
- Type of material
- Military-grade of the material
- If in a roll or bolt, pay attention to dimensions
- Effectiveness for high-frequency radiations (1 GHz – 10 GHz)
All of the above-stated factors are crucial in determining the quality of the radiation blocking materials. As there are thousands of different applications of electromagnetic waves, choosing an EMF blocking material depends on your needs. An EMF blocking material should fulfill your essential needs, be cost-efficient, and be easy to use for your desired results.
Materials that can block EMF
Here’s a list of some of the effective materials that can help in blocking EMF.
1. Green Tourmaline
A Green Tourmaline is a form of crystal that is used to overcome electromagnetic hypersensitivity and lessen the detrimental effects of the EMF. This special type of crystal has the ability to block EMF with a strong capacity for energy transformation. Green Tourmaline can absorb and convert negative EMF energy into positive energy. It can help protect against EMF, although it does not eliminate its effects.
Key features/Benefits
- Promotes Financial Growth
- Improves Intellectual Abilities
- Strengthens Communication Skills
- Cures Ear, Eye & Skin Disorders
Disadvantages
Tourmaline is not dangerous unless it is swallowed as it is hard crystal unable to digest. It is not soluble in water and should not be tested because it may detract from its attractiveness.
2. Black Tourmaline
Black Tourmaline acts as a combating crystal against the EMF by lowering its effects. Black tourmaline absorbs the negative energies and electromagnetic waves inside them thus creating a grounding effect for the protected material.
The black tourmaline crystals are used to protect against electromagnetic forces because of their compositions of having a high concentration of iron. Iron is specifically good at absorbing and harmonizing EMFs. It has the ability to change the frequency of EMF radiations[2].
Black tourmaline helps enhance the body’s natural electrical field – thus making a more grounded hindrance against harmful radiation in our surroundings. So for EMF eradication, black tourmaline is an extremely powerful antioxidant that means the oxidative stress from EMF exposure can be nullified from this stone, and similarly, it reduces the empathic stress. The ability to absorb the strong vibrations and transform them into lower vibrations thus can take in the electromagnetic frequencies and reduce them down into much less frequency.
Key features/Benefits
- Good replacement for stress and tension
- Allows for clearer and more rational thoughts
- Inspire a positive attitude
- Increase physical vitality
Disadvantages
Black tourmaline does not have any proven disadvantages. It is recommended to use it for external purposes only. If placed near magnetic devices it can be attracted to them due to the high concentration of iron.
3. Orgonite
One of the prime qualities of orgonite is its ability to defend against the detrimental effects of EMF radiation. Electronic equipment such as cellphones, laptops, televisions, and other similar devices emit hazardous radiation that is harmful to one’s health. Higher frequency ranges are used by electrical grids, satellites, and the Gwen tower, all of which pose a health risk to organisms. Orgonite aids in the neutralization of harmful radiations, ensuring the safety of your family[3].
Furthermore, orgonite does not require any external sources of excitation, such as batteries or other forms of energy. These are crystals that are self-driven and extremely powerful. The compressed energy remains active when the material is under pressure due to its particular structure and composition.
Key features/Benefits
- Healing properties
- Protects from invisible areas of energy
- Perfect for home and offices
- Beautiful design and colors
Disadvantages
Orgonite does not pose any drawbacks. It only has numerous advantages. You can have as much orgonite as you want due to its easy availability. However, having too much of anything is harmful, collecting too much energy using orgonite can be harmful to you.
4. Abalone Shell
Experts in the EMF field have discovered that certain materials, such as quartz, tourmaline, orgonite, and seashells, can absorb and neutralize the greater vibrations and radiations around them. As a result, they’ve developed many techniques for making goods like necklaces and orgonite pyramids from tourmaline seashells that may be used to shield oneself from EMF. Materials like Abalone Shells can reduce the effects of EMF waves by lowering their frequencies. Similarly, Abalone shells have antioxidant effects as well as a sense of peace and calmness while blocking the EMF radiations to a noticeable extent.
Key features/Benefits
- Enhance feelings of peace
- Supports communication and cooperation
- Muscle tissue protection
- Strengthens the nervous system
Disadvantages
Abalone shells have very few drawbacks. Although it is a neutral element, pregnant women and persons allergic to marine fish and seashells should avoid it, and abalone shell overdose can cause major health problems. Aside from that, the price is high when compared to other seashells.
5. Copper
Copper can help in reducing the EMF effects if it cannot block the radiations completely. The blocking properties of copper are determined by the material thickness and composition. Copper with a certain thickness and composition might help in blocking or interfering with high-frequency radiations such as radio waves. Copper is a conductive material that can reflect and absorb the radio waves and consequently interfere with their transmission. The sub-category of copper known as the copper mesh is commonly used against most wavelength radiofrequency radiation and other EMF radiation.
Due to its strong conductivity and absorbing capacity, copper can be highly effective at blocking, or shielding radiofrequency radiation and magnetic waves.
It is most widely available and is one of the most reliable metals when it comes to blocking and shielding EMF radiation. It possesses the ability to attenuate magnetic and electrical waves. The use of copper mesh for electromagnetic shielding is mostly in hospital MRI machines in hospitals, computer equipment, server rooms, etc.
Key features/Benefits
- Highly effective in attenuating magnetic and electrical waves
- High conductivity
- Can help in reducing the effects of high-frequency waves
- Applicable in different situations
Disadvantages
Copper is a highly conductive metal and usually costs more than the alternative shielding alloys of pre-tin plated steel or copper alloy 770. Corrosion is one of the main disadvantages of copper.
6. Pre-Tin Plated Steel
Pre-tin plated steel is another metal-based EMF blocking material that is ideal because of its low-cost and high efficiency. Pre-tin plated steel works well from lower frequencies in the kHz range through frequencies into the lower GHz range. The plating of tin over the steel is done to provide corrosion protection for the steel to prevent rusting as well as providing a great solderable surface to attach the shield to the traces on the surface board. This material is primarily used to block lower frequency radiations that are usually less harmful.
Key features/Benefits
- Variable thickness available
- Change harmful high-frequency waves into low-frequency waves
- Low-cost
- Rust and corrosion free
- High efficiency
Disadvantages
The extra layer of steel-plated gets more space is some of the disadvantages of pre-tin plated steel. Other than that, it is one of the most favorable materials for EMF shielding.
7. Aluminum
Due to its high conductivity, non-ferrous properties, high strength-to-weight ratio, Aluminum is an ideal metal for interfering with EMF waves. Aluminum poses a few fabrication issues because of its unstable chemical composition. Still, Aluminum has nearly 60 percent of conductivity when compared with copper so does its ability to interfere against electromagnetic radiations. As Aluminum is a great conductor the magnetic field penetrates the aluminum, so aluminum does not block magnetic fields. However, it helps in interfering with the EMF forces and lowers their frequencies.
Key features/Benefits
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- High conductivity
- Non-ferrous properties
- Prevent radio frequency waves
Disadvantages
Aluminum poses a few fabrication issues because of its unstable chemical composition. Moreover, aluminum is a relatively expensive metal making it not an ideal choice for blocking EMFs.
8. Cotton EMF Shielding Fabric
As discussed earlier, cotton EMF shielding is a form of fabric that helps in protecting equipment from the electromagnetic fields produced by other electronic devices. Cotton EMF shielding fabric can be designed according to the different levels of electromagnetic fields with each producing a specific strength of radiation. It is a premade product sold in markets mainly worn by workers in labs and factories. Moreover, it is a good option for indoor use and comes as items such as sheets, curtains, or clothing. Polyester is an example that is similar to cotton EMF shielding fabric.
Key features/Benefits
- Variable designs
- Premade product
- Ideal for indoor use
Disadvantages
Apparently, there are no disadvantages of cotton EMF shielding fabric but the only limitation of this material is that it can block only a limited amount of EMFs which is not good for all situations where strong EMFs are involved.
Why is it important to block EMF?
We are currently in an age of continuous development, where science is presenting new solutions every day. New devices are born every single day. The devices are able to interfere with each other if they are not shielded properly and can disturb the normal functionalities.
It becomes important to do EMF shielding of devices so that they can perform in a proper way. The aim of EMF shielding is two-fold function. It can isolate a device’s energy so it doesn’t affect anything else and blocks external energy from getting in. Without proper shielding, these electronic devices wouldn’t function as designed or may even stop working altogether. Moreover, some EMF radiations in certain areas can be harmful to humans[4].
In today’s technologically advanced world, it becomes nearly impossible to prevent ourselves from the effects of EMFs. The technology used today mostly relies on these waves to function on some basic level. Phones, laptops, and tablets, every smart device emits some amount of electromagnetic energy. These devices use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks to be able to connect to the internet and share information. The main problem with such devices is that they are designed with zero resistance for EMFs making them dangerous for humans as it leads to prolonged exposure to EMFs. Moreover, these devices operate at high-frequency EMFs so it is easier for them to penetrate human tissue and wreak havoc. EMF shielding of any type can help in reducing these harmful waves to a significant level.
[1] https://cpcases.com/news/what-is-electromagnetic-shielding/
[2] https://trulyexperiences.com/blog/black-tourmaline/#What-Is-Black-Tourmaline-Good-For
[3] https://www.luvinlife.com.au/blog/understanding-the-potential-benefits-of-orgonite/