What Materials Block Radiation?

Radiation is a form of energy that is emitted from sources such as the sun, electronic devices, and medical equipment. It can be classified into two main types: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms or molecules, while non-ionizing radiation does not. Radiation can be harmful to our health, causing cancer, DNA damage, and other health problems. That’s why it’s important to know what materials can block radiation.

The effect of radiation depends on the type and dosage of exposure. Sometimes, the impact can be immediate, while other times, it may appear later down the line. For instance, if there’s an intense dose of ionizing radiation due to a nuclear meltdown, anyone who comes in close proximity with the facility can experience radiation poisoning. Moreover, people who were less directly exposed may develop cancer later in life. Similarly, occasional use of a cell phone may not cause any significant health issues. However, I know that regular usage over several years can result in the development of a brain tumor.

Statistically speaking, I don’t need to worry about the first example I brought up, which is the nuclear meltdown. Instead, I am more likely to be exposed to radiation in relatively small doses, regardless of the type of radiation, which can be problematic when they occur frequently over time.

There are many ways I can protect myself from various types of radiation. In this guide, I am going to focus on what types of materials are effective at blocking radiation. Depending on the type, anti-radiation materials can be hung on walls, applied to a surface, or used to create a bed canopy or blanket. To add some context, I will also briefly touch on the different types of radiation, as different materials are going to attenuate (or block) different frequencies.

Ionizing vs Non-Ionizing

Ionizing radiation has a lot of energy. Its waves are very close together and tightly wound. All of that energy gives ionizing radiation the power to split an atom, and it’s the reason it is used in, say, an atomic bomb. Naturally, ionizing radiation is produced by the sun and the cosmos. X-rays are another common form of ionizing radiation, frequently used in medical procedures. On the other hand, non-ionizing radiation has a lot less energy. Its waves are much more spread apart and slow-moving. This type of radiation does not have enough energy to split an atom, although it can still cause heating of bodily tissue. Non-ionizing radiation takes the form of radiofrequency waves such as telecommunications signals and WiFi, microwaves, and extremely low-frequency waves used by power lines. For our purposes today, the distinction between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation is important because they fall on opposite ends of the electromagnetic spectrum. Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation encompass different frequencies. Their wavelengths look — and behave — differently. That means what blocks one type may not have as much of an effect on the other.

For a more detailed explanation about ionizing and nonionizing radiation, you check out our article here.

Materials That Block Ionizing Radiation

“Graphic: Ionizing Radiation” by NRCgov is licensed under CC BY 2.0

To minimize the potential long-term effects of exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation, there are three fundamental steps that can be taken. The first step involves reducing the duration of exposure, as longer exposure times result in higher radiation doses. The second step is to increase the distance between oneself and the radiation source, thereby minimizing direct exposure. Lastly, employing protective materials to shield against radiation is crucial.

Now, let’s explore the materials that offer protection against ionizing radiation.

• Dense metals, like lead, are commonly used for shielding during procedures such as dental x-rays. These metals effectively block radiation from reaching sensitive areas like the thyroid gland and reproductive organs. While lead is frequently utilized, other heavy metals such as tin, tungsten, and antimony can also serve as effective shielding materials.

• Concrete, particularly in older buildings designated as fallout shelters, can provide substantial protection against ionizing radiation. These structures were constructed with thick concrete walls during the Cold War era to safeguard residents in the event of a nuclear bomb. The dense composition of concrete acts as a barrier, mitigating the impact of the bomb’s radiation.

• Water, although a thin layer may not offer significant protection, can attenuate various forms of ionizing radiation at greater depths. Even visible light has limitations in terms of how deep it can penetrate, highlighting the shielding capacity of water against energetic ionizing radiation waves.

Materials That Block Non-ionizing Radiation

When it comes to blocking non-ionizing radiation, a different approach is necessary. Since we are regularly exposed to non-ionizing radiation, the focus should be on reducing exposure in the areas where we spend the most time, particularly our homes.

Protective materials can be employed to line walls, absorb smart meter radiation, create anti-radiation bed canopies, and serve other purposes. There are various pre-existing products available, or you can opt to make your own. If you choose the DIY route, the primary consideration is the selection of materials.

Here are a few effective materials:

• Galvanized steel: Known for its high conductivity, is commonly used in EMF radiation-blocking products. It can be utilized to create DIY covers for smart meters or WiFi routers. Galvanized steel sheets can be found at most hardware stores, such as M-D Building Products‘ 28-gauge steel sheets that can be easily cut to a custom size.

• Aluminum: Another conductive metal commonly used in EMF protection products is aluminum. It is readily available and cost-effective, making it suitable for DIY projects. Basic aluminum foil can be used to make covers or cases. For more heavy-duty applications, consider Rhino Aluminum’s Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil Roll, which is commercial-grade and 25 microns thick.
  
  

• Copper: Copper, a key component of EMF paint and Faraday cages, is highly effective in blocking radiation due to its high conductivity. Amradield’s Copper Fabric is an option for creating copper protective clothing or sheets, blocking radiation from sources like smart meters and WiFi.
  
  

• AL60 Wall Shield: This versatile roll of protective material is made from 18-micron metal and effectively blocks RF-EMF radiation. It is suitable for indoor applications like wall coverings and cable shielding. Certified electricians should handle grounding after applying AL60 to the wall with a spray adhesive and sealing the seams with aluminum tape. It can also be used to create custom items like wallets or sleeves.

• Reflectix: Reflectix is a multi-layered material that consists of aluminum foil, polyethylene, and insulating bubbles. With a thickness of 5/16 inch, it provides effective RF-EMF radiation blocking capabilities.
  
  

• EMF Paint: For room shielding purposes, EMF paint can be considered. It contains conductive metals like copper and can be applied to walls, followed by a silicone-based paint for the desired color. Brands like Yshield offer highly effective paint that is 99.995% efficient after two coats.
  
  

• EMF Fabrics: For canopies and clothing, soft and flexible materials are needed. EMF protective fabrics made of cotton or other fabrics interwoven with conductive metals like copper are suitable. Mission Darkness’ Titan RF Faraday Fabric is one example of such fabrics.
  
  

By utilizing these materials, we can effectively reduce our exposure to non-ionizing radiation and create a safer living environment.

Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Radiation Blocking

The effectiveness of radiation blocking depends on several factors, including:

• Thickness of Material. The thicker the material, the more effective it is at blocking radiation. A thicker material provides more opportunities for the radiation to be absorbed or scattered.
• Density of Material. The density of the material can also affect its effectiveness at blocking radiation. Denser materials, such as lead, are more effective at blocking radiation than less dense materials.
• Atomic Number of Material. The atomic number of the material can affect its effectiveness at blocking radiation. Materials with higher atomic numbers, such as lead and tungsten, are more effective at blocking radiation than materials with lower atomic numbers.
• Energy of Radiation. The energy of the radiation can also affect the effectiveness of the shielding material. Higher energy radiation, such as gamma rays, require thicker and denser materials to effectively block them.
• Type of Radiation. The type of radiation also plays a role in the effectiveness of the shielding material. Different materials are more effective at blocking different types of radiation.

Final Thoughts

To decrease the overall radiation levels in your household, especially regarding non-ionizing EMF radiation, the utilization of anti-radiation materials can be highly beneficial. If you feel inclined to take further action, a recommended starting point is investing in an EMF meter. These devices enable you to detect non-ionizing radiation within your home, and our comprehensive guide on EMF Meters For Any Budget provides valuable information to help you choose the right one.

Additionally, our guide on Whole House EMF Protection offers valuable tips on other steps you can take to reduce radiation, such as transitioning to wired internet and installing dirty electricity filters.

In larger areas, local EMF home inspectors may be available to identify EMF hotspots in and around your house. These inspectors can assist in reducing the overall EMF levels in your home. For more information, refer to our detailed guide, EMF Home Inspections: Your Complete Guide.