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First of all, before we talk about radiation protection it is necessary to understand:
What is non-ionizing radiation?
Non-ionizing radiation, unlike ionizing radiation (light, X-rays, gamma radiation, etc.) is characterized by the fact that a single particle in it does not have enough energy to dislodge an electron from its place around the atom and therefore a single particle does not have enough energy to change the material immediately.
Despite this, it would be incorrect to say that exposure to non-ionizing radiation is not dangerous.
The scientific body showing change, injury and damage as a result of exposure to non-ionizing radiation is getting stronger and although the scientific debate still exists, it is highly recommended to reduce exposure to this type of radiation as well.
One of the ways to reduce exposure (for example, to reduce the use of products that emit radiation or to stay away from radiation sources) is radiation protection or shielding.
The essence of shielding is blocking or absorbing the radiation on its way to the body or to the space where the body is located.
Very low frequency non-ionizing radiation
In the low range of non-ionizing radiation is a range called accordingly: “very low frequency” or in English “Extreme Low Frequency”. The sources of radiation in this area are mainly electrical systems, high voltage lines, electrical cabinets, transformers and electrical equipment. They all operate at the mains frequency which is 50Hz.
The characteristic of the low frequency range is that it is very difficult and complex to brake and stop the magnetic field at these frequencies, but on the other hand the low frequency magnetic field fades relatively quickly in the distance. The result of this is that when you are exposed to radiation from a household electrical device, usually a safety distance of half a meter will significantly reduce your level of exposure. On the other hand, if the radiation source is very strong, such as a high voltage line, the shielding options will be very limited.
radio-microwave (RF) radiation
In the relatively high frequency range (usually from 100KHZ – 300GHz) are all the broadcasting and wireless equipment. The lower sub-band is called “radio waves” and the higher sub-band is called “microwaves”. Sometimes the whole field is called “radio radiation” or “micro radiation”.
Typical sources of radiation are: cellular antennas, cellular phones, wireless communication systems, wireless computer networks, wireless computers, tablets, wireless phones, wireless electricity, gas and water meters and more.
The main characteristics of the high frequency domain is that it is very directional and can be blocked relatively easily. An example of this is that a normal block wall can block between 50% and 90% of this radiation depending on the type of blocks and the transmission frequency.
Therefore, in a built-up area there will be reception from a wireless phone only up to a distance of 50 meters.
On the other hand, in an open area the reception will be much further (up to 300 meters).
Before the shielding and after the shielding – performing a radiation test
Performing a radiation test before the shielding is necessary to find the radiation sources and to plan and evaluate the necessary types of shielding and how to install them.
A radiation test after the shielding is necessary to make sure that the shielding was designed and installed correctly, to make sure that it does manage to meet the task and to make sure that there are no “surprises in the field” that we didn’t think about during the planning.
Before shielding and after shielding – reduce internal radiation sources
It is important to clarify that performing radiation shielding for rooms, offices and walls and then using radiation emitting equipment inside the protected space is not a wise thing to do. Due to technical considerations (reflections and absorption difficulties) it is very useful to reduce the internal sources of radiation before and after shielding.
Low frequency radiation shielding, 50Hz power grid
Relatively few materials can absorb or deflect low frequency magnetic fields and the cost of these materials is usually relatively expensive.
In contrast, low frequency magnetic fields decay after a relatively small distance.
We will use these two properties when we come to protect against low frequency radiation.
The materials used will have special magnetic properties that will return (deflect) or absorb the field.
Since the magnetic field will try to find its way around this obstacle, we will always try to make the obstacle big enough so that along the way the magnetic field loses its strength and power.
In any case of passive shielding of low frequency radiation (for active shielding see below) we will use a variety of metals with different magnetic properties, one on top of the other depending on the strength of the field and the source of the radiation.
Usually, these are Mu Metal aluminum plates or transformer steel plates with special magnetic properties, Silicon Steel, RM steel.
Another material is foil to block low frequency radiation.
The foil is thin and flexible and contains several thin layers of different metals. The foil can be adapted for use in a relatively flexible manner.
The effectiveness of the foil for stopping low frequency magnetic fields is relatively low compared to other solutions, but its great flexibility allows it to be used in situations where it is not possible to use the large and heavy metal plates or other similar solutions.
Sometimes it is possible to improve radiation levels even without shielding, by making changes to the electrical infrastructure or moving the radiation source away from people who are exposed to it.
Shielding electrical cabinets
Shielding of an electrical cabinet is done to allow people to stay in the cabinet environment without being exposed to the low-frequency magnetic and electric fields emitted from it.
When you want to lower the radiation levels before the cabinet, shield its doors.
When you want to lower the radiation levels behind the cabinet, there are 2 options: install shielding between the equipment and the electrical control that are in the cabinet and the wall (preferable, but requires disconnecting the electrical cabinet to perform the work) or install the shielding on the back of the wall on the other side of which the cabinet is installed (requires the use of more material, but does not require intervention or disconnection of the electrical cabinet).
Protection of walls, floor and ceiling
Shielding walls, floor and ceiling on the other side of which there is a low frequency radiation source, such as a transformer room, electric motor, electric compressors, main underfloor cable under the building, etc., usually requires the installation of shielding panels on most of the wall and usually also, partially, on adjacent walls.
After the installation of the protection materials, a covering is usually installed to restore the normal appearance to the room.
When it comes to floor protection, it is customary to install parquet over the protection.
Transformer room shielding will usually be done inside the room, by special panels or tiles consisting of several types and layers of metals and which are installed on the walls, ceiling and/or floor.
In this case, the way the transformers are connected to the power grid is of great importance.
A proper connection can lower the levels of magnetic and electric fields emitted, while a less-than-good connection can create much stronger fields.
Active radiation protection
Active shielding (shielding of the low frequency radiation), will usually be carried out along high voltage lines adjacent to office or residential buildings.
The shielding is done by sensing the magnetic fields that develop adjacent to the power line and creating magnetic fields that are opposite in direction to the fields that the line creates.
In this way we will actually offset and divert the field from the power line in such a way that this field will not affect the structures adjacent to it. For more information about active protection click here
Protection using G-IRON ® FLEX
Unique shielding for shielding magnetic fields from 5 Hz to 150 kHz
High frequency radiation shielding
Unlike low-frequency radiation shielding, most electrically conductive materials can deflect high-frequency radiation, so the variety of shielding materials against high-frequency radiation is greater. Starting with special fabrics, aluminum and metal grids, metal surfaces, conductive paints, window coatings, metal cases and more.
There is also a relatively large variety in the field of absorbent materials, but most of them are very expensive and intended for the professional market and not for the home market.
A radio-radiation absorbing material for home use is radio-radiation-blocking tape and we will expand on it later.
To remind you, even a block or concrete wall manages to stop some of the high frequency radiation.
We will take this fact into account when shielding houses and buildings from high frequency radiation.
Natural shielding for radio radiation will be living vegetation.
Any green vegetation can stop (both reflection and absorption) part of the radio radiation.
Therefore, remember, a green environment is also an environment with less radio radiation!
As with low frequency radiation shielding, here too when the radiation levels are high several layers of shielding are needed.
You can choose the types of materials in the different layers so that each layer is different and complementary to the previous layer, as for example, in the case of shielding a window with radio radiation blocking foil, as a first layer, and radio radiation blocking curtains, as a second layer.
Window protection
The profiles of the window made of aluminum or wood, and aluminum shutters (if present) are also able to stop some of the radiation at some frequencies.
On the other hand, the glass surfaces in the windows transmit all the high-frequency radiation without interference, so it is necessary to protect them.
Window shielding can be done in 2 ways: a transparent coating for the glass window or a fabric curtain that blocks radiation over the entire opening.
Transparent foil for glass
The transparent coatings for glass are usually made of layers of transparent plastic sheets on which aluminum chips are sprinkled.
There are coatings on the market designed to stop radio radiation and they are usually very dark. There are also less dark coatings, which are not designed to stop radio radiation but are able to do so, to some extent.
Coatings designed to stop radio radiation have been tested in laboratories, so you can and should ask to review the test reports.
Generally, the brighter a glass coating, which is designed and tested to stop radio radiation, the higher its cost.
The foil must be stuck on smooth glass and to avoid air bubbles, an expert installation team must be used.
Curtains made of radiation blocking fabric
Another way to stop radio radiation from entering through your windows is by using curtains made of radio radiation blocking fabrics.
There are today in the market, a variety of opaque fabrics, a variety of mesh fabrics, in a selection of different types and compositions of the fabric as well as a selection of colors.
Each type of fabric has a different level of stopping and you should check this by looking at the technical data of the fabric.
The choice of fabric for curtains is based on practical requirements such as the color of the fabric, the degree of opacity (opaque fabric or mesh fabric), in the case of mesh fabric then the size of the holes is also significant, and finally the level of stopping of the fabric must also be examined. Usually the fabric must be purchased separately and only then make a curtain out of it.
When planning radiation shielding using a curtain, it is very useful to make sure that the curtain itself will be larger than the opening itself (at least half a meter on each side – right, left, top and bottom).
Shielding walls by radiation blocking paint
Radiation blocking paints are usually based on a conductive material (usually coal or carbon base) and are plastic paints.
The painting of the wall creates a complete conductive surface and thus strengthens the wall’s ability to reflect radiation.
Before painting, stick grounding strips on the wall to make sure the paint has good conductivity and discharge.
At the end of the process, it is recommended to drain the paint into the soil itself.
Connecting the paint to the electrical ground in the electrical outlet is not recommended (usually there are small currents on the electrical ground).
The use of conductive paint (actually reflects the radiation) is recommended on exterior walls.
There are also radiation blocking paints based on special materials developed for the purpose.
These colors are usually more expensive but they can also be used inside buildings (without fear of refund problems).
Generally, radiation blocking paints come in a black shade, but you can paint over the paint layers, in any white or colored color.
In cases where radiation levels are high, you can use several layers of radiation blocking paint to get a better effect.
Protection of internal walls by radiation absorber tuft
The wallpaper blocks (absorbs) the radiation and is the ideal protective material for interior walls. It can be stuck to the wall like any tuft (the smoother side towards the wall) and after the glue has dried you can also paint it any color you want. Because the material absorbs radio radiation, it is perfect for home use and will prevent a situation of refunds from additional radiation sources inside the room.
Floor protection
Generally, a floor will stop more radiation than a wall, but there are still cases where it is necessary to protect a floor from radio radiation (for example, when the neighbor uses cellular or wireless communication equipment).
When such a need arises, it can be done by tufting, fabric or paint.
We will install the shielding on the floor and then cover the shielding with carpets, parquet, or any type of floor covering – to protect it over time.
Ceiling protection
For ceiling protection we will use taffeta or paint.
It is usually customary to also protect the walls supporting the ceiling, at least one meter from the ceiling towards the bottom.
abilities
Blankets made of mesh fabric that blocks radio radiation are an accessory that is usually used in the homes of people who are sensitive to radiation, to create a sleeping environment as free from radio radiation as possible.
Normally, shields are used after radio radiation shielding has been installed in the house, since the house itself does not contain any sources of radiation.
Not every person will feel comfortable inside Kila and this must be taken into account before the purchase.
There are veils in a variety of sizes, in the form of a pyramid or a box, and in a variety of fabrics. Since the fabrics from which the containers are made contain metals, it is necessary to make sure before the purchase that the buyer is not sensitive to the types of metals that the container contains.
clothes
There are a variety of opaque fabrics and a variety of mesh fabrics that block radio radiation in the market today, in a variety of types and compositions of the fabric, as well as in a variety of colors. Each type of fabric has a different level of stopping and you should check this by looking at the technical data of the fabric.
Fabrics that block radio radiation, actually reflect the radiation and do not absorb it.
You can use radiation-blocking fabrics for clothing, curtains (see above), as a temporary solution for blocking radiation and for other needs.
dressed
Clothing made of fabrics that block radio radiation makes it possible to reduce the user’s exposure to external radio radiation. The clothing is mainly intended for those sensitive to radiation and for people who are immediately affected by exposure to radio radiation.
The range of clothing available today (2021) includes hats, coats, shirts, pants, tank tops and underwear.
Clothing that blocks radio radiation will not suit every person.
Everyone will feel different when they wear this or that item, so matching the items to the user is of great importance.
In conclusion…
There are 3 known ways to reduce the population’s exposure to electromagnetic radiation:
Establish shielding in the vicinity of the radiating object, in the area of the radiation transmission source.
Establish protective measures around population concentrations.
In extreme cases of very high radiation concentrations – move the population to an alternative living area.
When we choose to perform radiation shielding against non-ionizing radiation that may be dangerous to health with prolonged exposure, it is important to choose a company that has a diverse portfolio of solutions, knowledge, experience and expertise in the field.
It is important to perform radiation tests before and after the installation as well as examine possible solutions both according to the attenuation efficiency of the solutions and according to the practicality of the solutions in daily use.
Remember, radiation protection is not a simple or cheap thing and it is important and you should do it right from the first step!
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