The Most Effective EMF Shielding Materials and How To Use Them

When it comes to EMF radiation, I find that eliminating exposure isn’t always a realistic option. Even if I’m actively taking steps to reduce cell phone usage, switching to wired internet, and doing everything else possible, there are still many factors beyond my control. For instance, my neighbor’s WiFi signal or smart meter could possibly be reaching the interior of my home.

In these instances, shielding materials can be of particular value to me. Whether I choose to hang shielding material on my walls or use them to create protective items, they can reduce the amount of EMF radiation entering my home.

Throughout this guide, I’ll discuss what EMF shielding materials are and how they function. Additionally, I’ll go over some of the most popular materials available and discuss potential ways to utilize them in your home, office, and day-to-day life.

The Importance of EMF Shielding

With the ever-increasing reliance on technology in our daily lives, we’re constantly surrounded by electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While the health effects of EMFs are still a topic of debate, many people choose to take a proactive approach to minimize their exposure. EMF shielding materials provide a barrier between you and these fields, reducing their impact on your health and well-being. Let’s dive into the basics of EMF protection and explore the different types of shielding materials available.

What Are EMF Shielding Materials?

In general, electromagnetic fields are difficult to effectively block. These fields are a type of non-ionizing radiation, which, unlike its ionizing counterpart, isn’t simply discouraged by dense materials. Rather, with EMF radiation, we want to focus on attenuating the frequency. So what does that mean?

Attenuate is simply a fancy word for reduce. EMF shielding materials aim to reduce EMF radiation by blocking some of it. In order to do this, the material in question must have some level of conductivity to it. Essentially, electric and magnetic fields carry an electrical charge. When they meet a conductive surface, the electrical current is disrupted and the electric and magnetic fields are unable to pass through.

Granted, the conductive surface usually does not completely block out all EMF radiation. But it does attenuate a degree of it, depending on the material. Faraday cages are one example of attenuation at work — they allow some signals to pass through holes in the metal mesh, while other, less desirable frequencies are prevented from escaping.

Different Types of EMF Shielding Materials

EMF shielding materials work by reflecting, absorbing, or otherwise blocking EMFs from entering a specific area. The effectiveness of these materials depends on factors like their composition, thickness, and the frequencies they’re designed to shield against. It’s essential to have a basic understanding of the different types of EMF shielding materials and how they work to choose the right solution for your specific needs.

Conductive metals

Conductive metals, such as aluminum, copper, and silver, are commonly used for EMF shielding due to their ability to reflect EMFs. These metals are often incorporated into various products like foils, meshes, and even fabrics to provide effective shielding solutions. But each metal has its unique set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Magnetic materials

Magnetic materials, like ferrite beads and soft magnetic composites, are specifically designed to block or absorb magnetic fields. They’re particularly useful for shielding against low-frequency EMFs, which are often found in household appliances and power lines. These materials are typically applied to power cords, cables, or electronic devices to reduce the magnetic fields they emit.

Shielding fabrics

Shielding fabrics are made by weaving or blending conductive metal fibers, such as silver or copper, with standard textile fibers like polyester or cotton. These fabrics can be used to create curtains, bedding, or clothing, offering EMF protection without sacrificing comfort or style. They’re an excellent option for those looking for a more discreet and flexible shielding solution.

Shielding paints and coating

EMF shielding paints and coatings contain conductive metal particles, like silver or carbon, which create a protective barrier when applied to walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. These coatings are often used in bedrooms or workspaces to create a low-EMF environment, shielding against EMFs from sources like Wi-Fi routers, cell towers, and electrical wiring. They offer a more permanent and comprehensive solution but may require professional installation for optimal results.

Popular EMF Shielding Materials

While it’s true that any conductive metal can be used as an EMF shielding material, some options are more popular and cost-effective than others. For instance, I haven’t come across a Faraday cage made from pure gold, despite it being one of the most conductive metals available. This is because gold is an expensive and hard-to-find material, so it’s not the most practical option.

Copper

Copper is the 29th element on the periodic table and it’s classified as a transition metal. Despite being a metal, it’s relatively soft when found in nature. Natural copper can be reddish orange or even have pink hues. Humans have been using copper for thousands of years, for purposes such as weaponry, building materials, jewelry, coins, and even binding with other metals. 

Copper’s conductivity is another important characteristic. It’s in the same group on the periodic table as gold (group 11) and has similar conductivity. In fact, copper is more readily available than gold, making it a better choice for a shielding material.

If you’re looking to attenuate EMF radiation in your home, consider Amradield’s Copper Fabric.

This fabric is capable of reducing microwaves, radiofrequency waves, and other forms of EMF radiation, and it’s versatile and effective at attenuating frequencies between 30MHz and 18GHz. Each strip of fabric measures 43 inches wide by 39 inches long, but you can easily cut it with scissors to create a custom size.

Mylar

Mylar is somewhat of an outlier on my list, as it’s not actually a conductive metal. Rather, mylar is a polyester film that is used for a wide array of things. From emergency blankets to food packaging, mylar is even useful in shielding against EMF radiation.

Created by an industrial process, mylar starts as superheated liquid polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PET is squeezed onto a roll where it settles and heated rollers are used to draw out the newly formed film in different directions — stretching it, basically. Extreme heat is then applied, allowing the mylar to solidify. Some type of additive, from silicone dioxide to different types of metals, is then added to the film in order to make it easier to handle.

And while it is not a conductive metal, mylar is commonly used to insulate electric material. Granted, there are not many EMF protective items out there that utilize mylar. But it is quite affordable and easy to find, making it perfect for DIY shielding projects.

One option if you’re going the mylar route are the emergency blankets from Swiss Safe. Each blanket is 52 inches by 82 inches, making it large enough for many different applications. For best results, you can even double up on the mylar.

Galvanized Steel

To understand what galvanized steel is, let’s first break it down into two components.

First, steel. Steel is a manmade metal, produced by smelting (or heating) iron ore and removing some of the subsequent carbon. Sometimes, the steel is cast into ingots. More often in modern times, however, the steel is made into long slabs using a continuous casting process. The end result is a metal that is strong and also conductive.

Steel becomes galvanized, meanwhile, when a coating of zinc is applied. Usually this is done by dipping steel in a tub of molten zinc and then allowing it to cool. The purpose of this is to reinforce and protect the steel from corrosion.

Galvanized steel is usually sold in sheets. M-D Building Products sells their galvanized steel in one foot by two foot wide sheets that can easily be cut with tin snips. They recommend using special sheet metal screws to attach the sheet to a wall or other surface.

Aluminum Foil

As the name suggests, aluminum foil is derived from the metal aluminum. During production, aluminum is cast into sheet ingots and then pressed between rollers until the appropriate thickness for the foil is achieved. You can find aluminum foil in either shiny or matte. In general, the shinier the foil, the more effective it is against EMF radiation, so it’s preferable to find the most reflective foil possible.

Aluminum itself is a conductive metal, and this property is passed on to foil. Aluminum foil is most effective against higher frequencies, as lower ones may be able to pass through. Still, it is a common material to use in electromagnetic shielding and EMF protection.

RadiantGUARD

makes an excellent reflective and industrial-grade aluminum foil. Their rolls are quite large — 48 inches by 250 feet, to be exact — making them ideal for even large-scale projects. Each 1,000 square feet roll weighs in at 28 pounds, and it is commonly used as a building material. It’s also much stronger than your typical kitchen foil, and requires a hacksaw or a sharp pair of scissors to cut.

Aerogels

Aerogels are a unique, newer material that has been shown by Swiss scientists to be, quite possibly, the lightest shielding material out there. So what is it?

Essentially, aerogel is a mixture of cellulose and silver nanowires. This combination combines to create a material that is super lightweight and highly conductive from 8 GHz to 12 GHz. This newer technology is not yet readily available, but it is worth keeping an eye on.

Part of aerogel’s conductivity is due to its silver component. Silver is the 47th element on the periodic table, and it is part of that same group as gold and copper. That means that it is also highly conductive and very capable of electromagnetic shielding.

Magnetic Materials for EMF Shielding

Ferrite beads

Ferrite beads are a cost-effective and simple solution for shielding against high-frequency EMFs. They’re easy to install and can be added to existing wiring or cables. However, they may not provide sufficient protection against low-frequency EMFs, and their effectiveness can be limited by factors like the type of cable or wire they’re attached to.

To use ferrite beads for EMF shielding, simply snap or clamp them around the cables or wires where you want to reduce electromagnetic interference. Make sure the beads are snugly fitted to ensure optimal shielding performance.

Soft magnetic composites

Soft magnetic composites (SMCs) offer excellent shielding against low-frequency EMFs and can be easily molded into various shapes, making them suitable for a range of applications. However, SMCs can be more expensive than other shielding materials, and they may not be as effective against high-frequency EMFs.

To use soft magnetic composites for shielding, place them between the source of EMFs and the area you want to protect. The SMCs can be custom-made to fit specific shapes or sizes, ensuring a tailored shielding solution for your needs.

Shielding Fabrics and Curtains

Silver-infused fabrics

Silver-infused fabrics provide excellent protection against high-frequency EMFs due to their conductive properties. They’re lightweight, flexible, and can be easily incorporated into clothing or bedding. However, they can be expensive and may lose their effectiveness over time due to wear and tear or washing.

Use silver-infused fabrics to create custom EMF-shielding garments, bedding, or other items by sewing or incorporating them into your desired design. Be sure to handle the fabric carefully to maintain its shielding effectiveness.

RF-blocking curtains

RF-blocking curtains are a practical and aesthetically pleasing option for shielding against high-frequency EMFs. They’re easy to install and can effectively block EMFs from entering a room through windows. However, they may not provide sufficient protection against low-frequency EMFs and can be relatively expensive compared to other shielding options.

Install RF-blocking curtains like any other window treatment. Hang them on curtain rods or tracks, ensuring they fully cover the window to maximize their shielding performance. Be sure to close the curtains whenever you want to block EMFs from entering the room.

Shielding Paints and Coatings

EMF shielding paint

EMF shielding paint is an effective solution for blocking both high- and low-frequency EMFs. I find that it’s easy to apply and can be painted over with regular paint for a seamless finish. However, it can be expensive and may require multiple coats for optimal shielding.

To apply EMF shielding paint, first clean and prepare the surface according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, apply the paint using a brush, roller, or spray gun, ensuring even coverage. Allow the paint to dry between coats, and apply additional coats as needed for optimal shielding performance.

EMF shielding wallpaper

EMF shielding wallpaper provides an attractive and functional solution for protecting against EMFs. It’s available in various designs and can be customized to match your existing decor. Additionally, it’s easy to install, making it a convenient option for DIY enthusiasts. However, EMF shielding wallpaper can be more expensive than other shielding materials, and its effectiveness might be compromised if not installed correctly or if punctured.

To install EMF shielding wallpaper, follow these steps:

1. Measure the area you want to cover and cut the wallpaper to the appropriate size, leaving extra material for trimming.
2. Clean and prepare the wall surface, removing any dirt, dust, or grease that might interfere with the wallpaper adhesive.
3. Apply a high-quality, conductive wallpaper adhesive to the back of the shielding wallpaper according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
4. Carefully position the wallpaper on the wall, ensuring that it’s aligned with the edges and corners. Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles with a wallpaper smoother or a dry, clean cloth.
5. Trim any excess wallpaper using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge.
6. Repeat these steps for each strip of wallpaper, making sure to align the seams and patterns correctly.
7. If necessary, ground the shielding wallpaper according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to optimize its shielding effectiveness.

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions for installation and grounding to ensure the best performance from your EMF shielding wallpaper.