Radiation proof clothing fails to protect mums to be says Chinese scientist

Maternity clothing made with “silver ions” that claim to protect unborn babies from daily doses of electromagnetic radiation can actually increase the wearer’s exposure from sources like mobile phones according to Chinese experts.

Experiments conducted by a Chinese Academy of Sciences recommended laboratory found the clothing, which has been popular with pregnant women in China for 20 years, actually increased radiation exposures by trapping them in like a greenhouse.

Researcher Chen Feng said the garments proved effective in blocking 90 per cent of electromagnetic waves coming from the front but let in radiation from parts of the body not covered by the clothing.

“Experimental results show that under real life circumstances…the anti-radiation clothing intensifies the radiation,” Dr Chen told a popular news program on the state-owned CCTV network, which aired an investigation into the anti-radiation clothing industry last December.

“When the electromagnetic waves get inside the garment from other directions, there would be no outlets for them to be dispersed. You are actually exposed to a higher level of radiation influence,” Dr Chen said.

The makers of the radiation proof clothing have defended their products, which claim to block 99.9999 per cent of emissions from computers, televisions, mobile phones, microwaves or any other modern electronic device, saying they are “valid for electromagnetic shielding.”

However in the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has advised US consumers to avoid products that claim to “shield” users from mobile phone radiation.

According to the FTC, the nation’s consumer protection agency, there is no scientific proof that so-called shields significantly reduce exposure from cell phone emissions.

The World Health Organization has also said, “The use of commercial devices for reducing radiofrequency field exposure has not been shown to be effective.”

Dr. Chen Qingsong, an expert on electromagnetic radiation at Guangdong Prevision and Treatment Center for Occupational Hygiene, said the maternity wear was unnecessary because electromagnetic radiation was strictly regulated in China.

“National standards for electromagnetic radiation from home appliances has been set up in 1998 with a top limit of 12 volt/meter, which is far less than a western standard,” Dr Chen said.

“If a TV, a computer, a micro-wave oven and a hairdryer are turned on at the same time, their combined radiation is still harmless to human health.”