Does Mylar Block Radiation?

I’m sure you’ve come across mylar in various forms, from shiny emergency blankets to metallic balloons and even confetti. This versatile and reflective material seems to be everywhere, making you wonder if it can also provide protection against electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation.

Well, the truth is, it’s not a straightforward yes or no answer—it’s a bit more complex than that. While mylar does have remarkable reflective properties, its effectiveness as an EMF shield is still a topic of discussion and investigation.

Mylar’s ability to reflect light has led some to believe that it could potentially redirect or block EMF radiation. However, the intricate nature of EMF radiation, with its diverse frequencies and wavelengths, poses challenges when it comes to finding a universally applicable solution.

To make informed decisions about EMF protection, it’s essential to rely on well-founded scientific research and expert guidance. While mylar may offer certain advantages in specific situations, it’s crucial to consider a comprehensive approach that includes multiple strategies for minimizing EMF exposure and utilizing proven shielding methods.

In this exploration of mylar as an EMF shield, we’ll delve deeper into its properties, potential benefits, and limitations, providing you with the knowledge you need to make informed choices regarding EMF protection.

What is Mylar?

Let’s dive deeper into the fascinating world of mylar and uncover what this synthetic material is all about. While you may already know that mylar is a type of polyester-based film, it’s worth exploring its technical name—biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, for the sake of simplicity, we’ll stick to the more commonly known term “mylar.”

To produce mylar, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is heated until it reaches a molten state. The molten PET is then pressed onto a chill roll, and a technique called drawing is employed to biaxially orient the film. During this process, the PET film is moved back and forth on heated rollers and then allowed to set. To prevent the layers of mylar from stacking on top of each other, microscopic particles like silicone dioxide are added during the cooling phase.

In some cases, mylar incorporates a metal, such as aluminum, which enhances its reflective properties, making it particularly valuable for applications like food packaging and emergency blankets.

Mylar has a rich history that dates back to the 1950s when it was initially manufactured by DuPont. It gained recognition when Kodak started using mylar in its photographic film, known as ESTAR Base. The US military utilized mylar in reconnaissance flights for image and intelligence gathering. NASA also joined the fray, employing mylar in their Echo balloon satellites during the 1960s.

In today’s world, mylar finds numerous everyday applications. It is used in food packaging, including food saver storage bags, and serves as a protective covering for important documents. Mylar bags are favored for preserving and safeguarding comic books in various archives, such as the Library of Congress. The reflective properties of mylar also come into play in winter gear, where it helps retain warmth, and in celebratory confetti made from chopped-up mylar bits. Even NASA continues to rely on mylar, this time for radiation protection inside their spacesuits.

Now that we have a better understanding of mylar and its versatile uses, let’s explore its potential for shielding against EMF radiation.

Does Mylar Block Radiation?

When it comes to blocking radiation, mylar does have some protective capabilities. Just think about why NASA incorporates it into their spacesuits. But what exactly does mylar shield against, and how effective is it in doing so?

To understand this, it’s important to distinguish between two types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing.

Ionizing radiation carries a high amount of energy and consists of fast-paced, closely spaced waves. These waves possess enough energy to split an atom’s nucleus or displace its electrons from their orbits. This type of radiation, even in smaller doses, can lead to health issues like cancer. It is recommended to minimize exposure to ionizing radiation.

In our daily lives, we are constantly exposed to small doses of ionizing radiation, such as cosmic radiation from the natural environment, as well as during airplane flights and medical procedures like x-rays. However, the doses are generally minimal.

On the other hand, non-ionizing radiation has lower energy levels. While it can’t split atoms or affect their electrons, it can cause cellular changes and generate thermal heating. Prolonged and extended exposure to non-ionizing EMF radiation, like using a cell phone for an hour per day over several years, poses a greater risk.

To block ionizing radiation, dense materials are effective, while conductive materials are used to shield non-ionizing radiation.

Mylar can fall into both categories. With enough layers, mylar can become dense enough to repel ionizing radiation, just like in the case of NASA’s spacesuits. Additionally, when combined with protective metals like aluminum, mylar can effectively attenuate or block a certain percentage of EMF radiation.

However, it’s important to note that mylar is not 100% effective in reducing EMF radiation. It offers some degree of attenuation but does not provide complete protection. Its effectiveness may vary based on factors such as the thickness of the mylar and the specific frequencies of the radiation.

While mylar can offer some shielding against EMF radiation, it’s essential to consider additional measures and products for comprehensive protection. Let’s explore further options for mitigating EMF radiation exposure.

Products with Mylar

Not many EMF protection products on the market utilize mylar, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of this lightweight and easily accessible material for your own DIY projects. Whether it’s a jacket, router guard, smart meter cover, microwave cover, computer cover, cell phone bag, or even a purse liner, you can repurpose mylar blankets and bags to create your own anti-radiation items.

Let’s focus on a cell phone bag as an example. Cell phones emit RF-EMF radiation, so storing your phone in a safe place when not in use can significantly reduce your overall exposure. You can repurpose a mylar food storage bag into a cell phone carrier, or create a case using a mylar blanket and adhesive.

Two products that can serve as a starting point for your DIY projects are the Science Purchase Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets and ShieldPro Genuine Mylar Bags.

Science Purchase Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets

The Science Purchase Mylar Blankets come in a pack of 20, providing ample material for various projects. Each blanket is 54 inches by 84 inches, allowing for customization depending on your needs. These blankets are made solely from mylar, without any padding or synthetic materials.

ShieldPro Genuine Mylar Bags

For storage purposes, ShieldPro Genuine Mylar Bags offers one-gallon genuine mylar bags. Sold in 50-count packs, these bags are made with high-quality 3.5-mil structure mylar film. Measuring ten inches by fourteen inches, they are suitable for creating a cell phone bag or a WiFi router guard.

By using mylar blankets and bags, you have the flexibility to design and customize your own EMF protection solutions. Get creative and explore the possibilities of DIY projects using this versatile material.

Testing Your Creation

Once you’ve finished building something with mylar, the next step is to ensure its effectiveness in shielding against EMF radiation. To do this, you’ll need a basic EMF meter capable of detecting both RF and ELF-EMF radiation. One recommended option is the reliable and accurate TriField TF2. For more choices, you can explore The Best EMF Meters For Any Budget guide.

With the EMF meter in hand, it’s time to test your creation. The testing process may vary depending on what you’ve made. Let’s revisit the example of a cell phone case. Start by taking a baseline measurement of your powered-on cell phone without the case. You can also use a second phone to call yours and record the EMF fluctuations during the call. This will give you an ida of the average EMF output during normal usage.

Next, attach the mylar case to your phone and repeat the measurements. You should observe a significant reduction in EMF radiation with the case on compared to without it. If you don’t notice a difference, you may need to make adjustments to the case, such as ensuring it fully covers the phone or checking for any tears or damage in the mylar.

Another example could involve a smart meter cover. Begin by taking a measurement without the cover, starting next to the smart meter and stepping back to note the decrease in EMF levels. Then, install the mylar cover and repeat the measurements, starting from the same proximity to the meter.

Regardless of the specific item you’ve created, the goal remains the same: take a baseline reading without the protective covering and another reading with the mylar device in place. If the device is effective, you should observe lower EMF levels with the mylar shielding.

Final Thoughts

Mylar may not be the most commonly used material in commercial anti-EMF products, but it offers a great option for those who prefer a do-it-yourself approach. Its affordability and lightweight nature make it an excellent choice for various DIY projects aimed at reducing EMF exposure. Whether you’re looking to create a personalized jacket with EMF shielding or line your purse with a protective layer, mylar provides versatility and ease of use. By utilizing mylar, you can customize your own EMF protection solutions and tailor them to your specific needs. So, if you’re seeking an affordable and accessible option for mitigating EMF radiation, consider exploring the possibilities offered by mylar in your DIY ventures. Remember to prioritize safety and effectiveness by testing your creations using an EMF meter to ensure optimal results.