A pendant that claims it can block out 5G radiation actually causes harmful radiation, according to authorities in the Netherlands.
The warning comes from the country’s Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS). On Thursday, it issued a consumer alert about 10 products that claim to offer radiation-shielding and “negative ion” properties. All 10 products actually emit ionizing radiation, ANVS says, citing a recent study from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
“Only low levels of radiation have been measured on these specific products. However, someone who wears a product of this kind for a prolonged period (a year, 24 hours a day) could expose themselves to a level of radiation that exceeds the stringent limit for skin exposure that applies in the Netherlands,” the ANVS says.
Ionizing radiation is dangerous because it can destabilize the electrons from your atoms, causing them to detach. The effect can lead to cell damage, and long-term health problems such as developing cancer, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Nevertheless, merchants have been selling negative ion products for years now, claiming the low-level radiation can strengthen the immune system and boost energy levels.
Dutch authorities are urging consumers to avoid wearing the 10 consumer products, including a so-called “Quantum Pendant” you can find on Amazon, eBay, and Etsy for around $10.
The listings on eBay and Etsy also claim the pendant can absorb 5G radiation or block out electromagnetic radiation from cell phones, radio, and GPS.
Still, there's no evidence 5G is a harm to your health. The technology relies on existing cellular technologies. For example, AT&T's low-band 5G actually taps cellular frequencies that've been around since 1983. Meanwhile, T-Mobile's low-band 5G uses UHF TV bands, which have been in use for over half a century.
The other products Dutch authorities tested included bracelets, a necklace, and a sleep mask that offer negative ion properties. “The ANVS has informed all known vendors of these products in the Netherlands that their sale is prohibited and that they must stop trading in these products immediately,” the agency adds.
US state authorities have also been warning consumers about the danger of negative ion products. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality points out the same products can emit harmful radiation by incorporating uranium or thorium.
“We found unacceptable levels of radioactive material in some of the products tested,” the website for the Washington State Department of Health adds. “Although being exposed to these items for short periods of time do not pose an immediate health threat, we want to make sure people are not exposed to unnecessary radiation.”