Does Aluminum Foil Block EMF Radiation? Yes, Here’s How

Scientists have long extolled the virtues of aluminum foil. Not only is this common material affordable, but it’s quite useful, as well.

But is it true that aluminum foil can effectively block harmful radiation? More to the point, does aluminum foil block EMF and RF radiation?

In short, yes—aluminum foil is a great material for blocking EMF and RF radiation. Its EMF-blocking properties, as well as its affordability, make it an excellent material for use in attenuating unwanted EMF radiation.

In this guide, I’ll explain how you can harness Aluminum foil’s properties in order to protect yourself from harmful EMF and RF radiation.

Aluminum Foil Versus EMF Radiation

Before we get into the details of aluminum foil’s radiation-blocking properties, let’s discuss what is meant by EMF radiation.

Basically, any radiation can be split into two categories—ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation. The difference between ionizing radiation and non-ionization is that, while non-ionizing radiation transmits energy, only ionizing radiation transmits enough energy to denature the molecules it passes through. X-rays and nuclear radiation are forms of ionizing radiation, for example.

What does this distinction mean for us? EMF and RF radiation, like the kind emitted by wireless routers and smartphones, are types of non-ionizing radiation. As we discuss the “radiation-blocking” properties of aluminum foil, keep in mind that its protective properties only apply to non-ionizing radiation. To block ionizing radiation, like the kind from x-rays, professional equipment is needed.

Now, you may be asking, “What can I do to protect myself from EMF radiation?” This form of radiation is all around us, and it could be harmful for our health.

The simplest thing you could do in order to reduce your exposure to EMF radiation would be to turn off your electronic devices, like your WiFi and smartphone. Of course, this would disrupt the flow of your daily life, so the best you can do is to reduce your exposure to a minimum. If reducing your exposure to EMF radiation is your main goal, then aluminum foil is your best friend.

Aluminum Foil EMF Experiment

Since aluminum foil naturally conducts electrical currents, it is fantastic at blocking EMFs. Don’t believe me? There is a simple way to test this out in the comfort of your very own home.

Here’s a fun experiment that shows aluminum foil in action. All you need is a cell phone, a big enough piece of aluminum foil, and some time.

Set your phone down on a large sheet of aluminum foil, then wrap it up like a gift. It should be completely wrapped so that no part of the phone is visible or sticking out.

Then, call your phone with a second phone (or have a friend call) and you’ll find that the phone will have become unreachable. The reason? The aluminum material around your phone is keeping the device from acquiring a signal from nearby cellular towers. The aluminum foil has formed a complete barrier that attenuates non-ionizing radiation, including EMFs.

This experiment can be used on any device that emits or receives radio frequencies in order to work, e.g., remote controlled cars, radios, and routers. It’s a fun experiment to do when you have kids and it’s a good opportunity to teach them about EMFs.

The principles at work in this experiment are found in many of our modern devices and appliances. For example, did you know that your microwave oven uses a form of aluminum barrier to keep the radiation inside it? You’ve probably seen a screen or mesh lining on the inside of your microwave’s viewing window. This mesh is designed specifically to keep the microwaves from escaping the microwave and posing a danger to your health.

How Does Aluminum Foil Block EMF/RF Radiation?

Unlike some materials which absorb radiation, aluminum foil deflects EMFs.

EMFs and radio frequencies travel in a direct, straight line. This means that if you want to protect yourself from radiation, you will need to completely surround the device with foil. If you fail to entirely cover the device with foil, the EMF radiation will just bounce around and amplify inside of the foil covering before leaking out of whatever holes exist in your design.

One amazing thing about aluminum foil as an EMF shield is the fact that you don’t have to use layers and layers of the material just to be sure you’re shielded from radiation. A single, unbroken sheet of aluminum foil will work just as well as one that’s one or two inches thick.

Also, the fewer holes a sheet of aluminum foil has, the better. Integrity and coverage are much more important than the foil’s thickness. So long as you wrap the device completely with the aluminum foil, you can effectively reduce your exposure to EMF radiation.

There is another, more accurate way to tell if a sheet of aluminum foil is blocking radiation.

An EMF meter is a good tool to have that allows you to verify aluminum foil and other EMF-blocking materials are doing their job. EMF meters are available to buy on the web, easy to use, and they come in handy in many situations.

The meter I use for testing EMF-shielding materials is this TF2 Meter from TriField. TriField is a well-known manufacturer of EMF meters and I have found the TF2 meter to be easy-to-use and reliable.

Nothing is more satisfying than seeing my EMF meter give a zero reading.

How to Use Aluminum Foil as an EMF Shield

Now that we’ve established the basics of using aluminum foil to shield EMFs, let’s talk about some specific strategies you can use to put this material to work. Here are my favorite ways to use aluminum foil as an EMF-shielding material.

Tip 1. Shield Yourself from Laptop Radiation

As I type this article, I am sitting with my laptop resting on top of my lap. Now, if you’re new to the EMF-shielding scene, then you may not see much wrong with this. Afterall, these devices are called laptops for a reason. But those of you who have done your research know that this is a major no-no, especially for men!

You see, laptops emit tons of EMF radiation. Onboard components like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennae emit radiation in order to connect to other devices. Additionally, the electricity flowing between the components of your laptop, such as the battery and the processor, causes a low-frequency EMF.

This radiation should never be near your body, especially near your reproductive organs. That’s why I always recommend against using a laptop on your lap.

But what does all of this have to do with aluminum foil. Well, it turns out that my favorite way to use aluminum foil is as a protective layer between my laptop and my body.

What I have done is I have inserted a large sheet of aluminum foil into my laptop’s sleeve/protective case. Whenever I use my laptop, I set it on top of its sleeve, which contains the foil lining.

By establishing a protective layer of aluminum foil between my body and my laptop, I am shielding my body from any of the radiation that my laptop may be emitting downward and towards my body.

If you haven’t been able to break the habit of using your laptop on your lap, then I suggest that you use this method to give yourself an additional form of protection. It’s cheap and effective.

Tip 2. Make a Faraday Cage

Generally, I advise my readers to increase the distance between EMF-emitting devices and their primary living spaces. For example, I’ve advised readers to move their Wi-Fi routers away from their bedrooms and to avoid sleeping against a wall with a smart meter on the other side.

But what about devices that can’t be moved? Increasingly, apartments are being built with hardwired Wi-Fi transmitters stuck to the ceiling. And not everyone can reconfigure their home so that their bed is not against a wall with a smart meter.

In cases such as these, aluminum foil is a practical way to reduce your exposure to the EMF radiation.

For example, you can use aluminum foil to make a faraday cage for your wireless router. By molding a sheet of foil into the general shape of your router, and then attaching it to the router with tape, you can keep Wi-Fi signals from reaching the inside of your apartment.

If EMF-shielding paint is too expensive for you, then you can line the back side of your smart meter with aluminum foil. By placing a barrier between your smart meter and your home, you can attenuate much of the radiation and reduce your exposure.

Tip 3. Line your Pocket

As I mentioned previously, you should really avoid using electronics in contact with your body. Laptops are a common culprit for this issue, but phones are probably the number one offender.

Our phones are constantly emitting radiation. Even when we aren’t making a phone call, our phones are still connecting with cell towers and retrieving data in the form of SMS messages, app notifications, and location data. Even worse, many people carry their phones in their pocket, creating direct contact between them and a serious source of radiation.

Luckily, aluminum foil can help reduce your exposure to the radiation from your smartphone. By lining the inside of your pocket (or purse) with aluminum foil, you create an EMF barrier between your body and the EMF radiation emitted by your phone.

Important: Make sure that the aluminum foil is between your body and the device. If you place the foil on the outside of the device, instead of between your device and your body, then you may actually amplify and increase your exposure to EMF radiation. Remember, body, then foil, then device—in that order!

EMF Radiation and Aluminum Foil – The Takeaway

So, to answer the question “Does Aluminum Foil Block EMF Radiation?”, yes, it definitely does!

What makes it so appealing is the fact that aluminum foil is inexpensive and easy to acquire. Any layer of aluminum, no matter how thin will shield you or your device from EMF radiation.

The excellent conductive property of aluminum against electricity is what gives it power over radio frequencies such as EMFs. Aluminum doesn’t just absorb radiation- it blocks them out the moment the waves make contact.

Need to lessen your EMF radiation today? You can start by shutting off your Wi-Fi router in the evening when you’re about to sleep. Turn off your laptop or desktop computer and keep your smartphone out of the bedroom.

Not only will you get exposed to less EMF radiation, but you’ll get a better good night’s sleep as well.