How to block magnetic waves?

The use of these technologies is evolving rapidly and their number is constantly increasing. Whether we like it or not, we are constantly exposed to electromagnetic fields. This subject is relatively recent and research on the effects of electromagnetic waves on humans is therefore relatively underdeveloped. Many people wonder about their potential harmful effects. We can therefore wonder about the materials that block these magnetic waves, in order to reduce exposure.

What is a magnetic wave?

Electromagnetic waves are caused by the vibration of an electric field and a magnetic field. They propagate in the air, but also in a vacuum, and can transport energy, as well as information. These magnetic waves can thus be of natural or artificial origin. Indeed, lightning, the earth and even sunlight emit electromagnetic waves. This is also the case for many human activities which notably involve the transmission of data.

The power of magnetic waves varies and depends on their frequency, that is to say the number of oscillations of the wave in one second, expressed in Hertz. Thus, the more energy a wave has, the higher its frequency. There are two types of electromagnetic waves:

• Electromagnetic waves with ionizing rays: these are high frequency waves such as gamma rays, X-rays, or ultraviolet rays. They interact with matter and can thus cause more or less serious cell damage in the event of prolonged exposure. Sources of ionizing radiation include tanning lamps, nuclear radiotherapy, and phototherapy.
• Electromagnetic waves with non-ionizing rays: these low to medium frequency radiations are not powerful enough to modify matter and are therefore considered more harmless. Visible light, infrared, and even radio frequencies are part of this category. Sources of non-ionizing radiation include computers, cell phones, microwave ovens, radars, MRIs, wireless internet boxes (wifi), and even Bluetooth devices.

Sources of exposure to electromagnetic waves are therefore numerous and can be found both inside and outside homes.

Are electromagnetic waves harmful?

High and low frequency electromagnetic waves therefore affect human biological tissues and DNA in different ways. Indeed, low frequency electromagnetic waves can cause stimulation of the nervous system and muscles. Radio frequency waves can cause heating of biological tissues, also called the thermal effect. On the other hand, this does not necessarily mean that these effects are harmful to health because the human body is constantly stimulated and therefore has adaptation mechanisms. It is also important to add that the effect of waves on the body diminishes significantly the further one moves away from the source of emission. In addition, the standards in force in France set limit values ​​below which the quantity of energy contained in the waves is negligible and therefore not dangerous. Every year, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) also carries out checks which show that environmental exposure to radio waves is well below regulatory limit values.

However, magnetic waves remain a controversial subject which is the subject of numerous studies and which is far from reaching consensus within the scientific community. Indeed, numerous studies have been carried out on this subject for several years, and the results vary. Furthermore, for several years, many people have reported suffering from various symptoms such as headaches, problems with attention, sleep, or even memory, linked to the magnetic waves emitted by various everyday devices. This phenomenon is called electrohypersensitivity (EHS). However, although this phenomenon is well recognized, the current state of science does not make it possible to demonstrate a cause and effect link between these symptoms and exposure to electromagnetic waves. Other potential effects of electromagnetic waves are also debated within the scientific community, such as the risk of cancer, childhood leukemia, or the appearance of neurodegenerative diseases. This is why the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer)) has classified radio frequencies and extremely low frequency fields as possible carcinogens. However, current studies do not confirm that electromagnetic waves have a harmful effect on health. Indeed, we currently do not have enough perspective on this subject to demonstrate its long-term effects.

How to protect yourself from waves in a house?

Electromagnetic waves to which we are exposed therefore come from various sources, whether from the outside via power lines, transformers, means of transport, or from the inside through household appliances for example. The most powerful waves come from devices located inside homes. However, this is usually a brief, localized exposure. Outdoors, the most powerful waves come in particular from very high voltage power lines and transformer premises. When a home is close to these infrastructures, or simply for prevention, it may be wise to block the waves coming from outside. There are therefore several solutions that can be implemented at the time of construction, but also afterwards.

What materials block waves?

There are several materials, often used in construction, whose properties prevent electromagnetic waves from penetrating homes.
This is particularly the case for fiber-reinforced concrete and anti-wave metal mesh. The combination of these materials makes it possible to manufacture anti-wave concrete blocks. They can be used for all walls and thus protect houses from external waves. In fact, the concrete absorbs high frequency waves, while the metal mesh helps attenuate low frequency waves.

Other materials are capable of blocking waves and can be used to insulate a room in an already built home:

• The anti-wave fabric: this fabric is made from metallic fibers which help to block waves. It can be used to make many anti-wave objects such as curtains, bedding, clothing, or even throws. It thus contributes to the insulation of rooms in a home, but also to directly protect people from waves.
• Anti-wave paint: the composition of this paint allows it to block both high frequency and low frequency waves. It can be applied to many surfaces such as cement or wood and used outdoors as well as indoors on walls, floors and ceilings.
• Anti-wave wallpaper: Just like with anti-wave paint, this wall covering makes it possible to insulate a room from waves from the inside through simple work.
• Anti-wave protection films: There are anti-wave protective films that can be placed on the interior surface of windows to block magnetic waves passing through them. These screen films protect against high-frequency electromagnetic waves coming from the outside using fine metal particles, while allowing light to pass through.
• Armored conduits or electrical conduits: they make it possible to neutralize 99% of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by external waves.

There are also objects such as boxes preventing waves from the wifi router from passing through or even magnetic correction devices, which help combat exposure to electromagnetic waves. Moreover,the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) gives recommendations for limiting exposure to radio frequencies, such as using a hands-free kit for telephone calls and controlling children’s exposure to cell phones and tablets.

We are therefore constantly surrounded by waves. However, there are solutions to protect yourself from this. In order to know your level of exposure to electromagnetic waves and act accordingly, it is possible to request a measurement on the ANFR website. This process is free, and can be carried out both for housing and for establishments open to the public (ERP) and public places.

Marianne Albrieux
Photo of Une: ©Adobe Stock