ARPANSA Consumer Advice - 'So called protective devices may not reduce EME'
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency has published new consumer advice on protective devices and warns that some may not reduce EME.
The ARPANSA fact sheet states
Be aware that some so-called protective devices may not reduce RF EME
Mobile phone devices
These products are attached to the handset and take the form of shielded cases, earpiece pads/shields, antenna clips/caps and absorbing buttons.
A cover or device that separates the phone from the head will reduce exposure to some extent but may interfere with the phone's ability to automatically reduce its power.
Tests have shown that many of these devices can reduce your exposure when the phone is set to transmit at maximum power. However, because phones have automatic power control, these shields make the phone work harder, transmitting more power, increasing heat and reducing battery life. The incoming signal to the phone will also be reduced so the phone may not work in poor signal areas.
'Neutralising' products
Some products that attach to the phone are advertised as neutralising any harmful effects. Their claims are not consistent with current scientific knowledge and it is difficult, if not impossible, to verify any benefits.
Although sellers of some of these devices have reported biological tests to support health claims, there is no reliable evidence that such devices provide any health benefits other than by perhaps reducing people's anxiety or by a placebo effect.
ARPANSA does not recommend the use of any protective devices other than approved hands-free accessories that let you keep the phone away from the head during use.