How Metal Braces, Earrings, and Implants Can Amplify Wireless Radiation Exposure, Study Says

In today’s world, where wireless devices have become integral to our daily lives, few people realize that the metal in or near our bodies can significantly amplify our exposure to wireless radiation. This isn't just a small concern—it’s something backed by several studies that show how metal can reflect and refocus wireless radiation, leading to much higher Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) levels in the body. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has even acknowledged that electrically conductive objects in or on the body, like braces, implants, and jewelry, may interact with radiofrequency (RF) energy in unpredictable ways.

How Metal Frames and Jewelry Increase Radiation Absorption

Research has shown that metal objects like eyeglasses and jewelry can significantly impact SAR levels. For instance, a study found that the SAR measured in the eye closest to a phone increases when metal glasses are worn. Similarly, peak SAR levels can be up to 25% higher when a phone operating at 900 MHz is used near an ear pierced with a metallic earring. Another study examined SAR levels in the leg and reproductive organs when a cell phone was placed in a pocket alongside a metal keychain. The findings revealed that the presence of a metallic ring significantly increased SAR levels inside the testicle by more than 20% at 1.8 GHz.

The Impact of Metallic Implants on Radiation Absorption

Metal implants inside the body—such as dental implants, pins for broken bones, hip replacements, and brain implants—have been found to increase SAR levels as well. Studies have shown that metal inside the body can elevate SAR levels, particularly in the brain, posing serious concerns that regulatory agencies have yet to address. A 2023 study titled "Electromagnetic Field Exposure to Human Head Model with Various Metal Objects at Sub-6 GHz Frequencies" found that metal objects like spectacles, dental implants, and earrings can increase SAR values in external biological tissues, while also acting as a shield for deeper tissues.

Wireless Radiation and Metal Release: A Toxic Combination

Another study found that the exposure of patients with amalgam restorations to RF from  Wi-Fi devices increased mercury release from the amalgam. In response to these findings, some researchers have hypothesized that maternal exposure to electromagnetic fields in mothers with dental amalgam fillings could cause elevated levels of mercury and be a trigger related to the increase in autism rates. 

Wireless radiation doesn’t just affect SAR levels; it can also interact with metals in the body, leading to increased exposure to toxic substances. For example, studies have shown that radiofrequency radiation can cause dental amalgam fillings to release higher amounts of mercury—a known toxic and carcinogenic metal. Research has demonstrated that exposure to MRIs and microwave radiation from mobile phones can result in higher mercury released from these fillings.

Even more concerning, studies have found that RF exposure from Wi-Fi devices can increase mercury release from amalgam fillings. Some researchers suggest that this increased release of mercury could contribute to the rising rates of autism, especially in children whose mothers have dental amalgam fillings and are exposed to electromagnetic fields during pregnancy.

Another study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics found that wireless radiation significantly increased nickel concentrations in the saliva of individuals wearing dental braces. The study noted that participants who spent more time on their cell phones had higher salivary nickel levels, with women being particularly affected due to their more frequent phone use. Given that nickel can have carcinogenic effects even at minimal concentrations, the combination of wireless radiation and nickel exposure presents a significant public health concern, especially for teenagers with braces.

Why Current SAR Testing is Inadequate

Despite these alarming findings, current SAR testing methods do not account for the presence of metal in or on the body. The standard SAR test dummy lacks metal objects such as dental fillings, braces, earrings, or implants, all of which could significantly increase radiation absorption. Yet, people regularly use cell phones near metal objects on or in their bodies, making this an urgent issue that needs to be addressed.

For example, underwire bras could pose a risk when women place cell phones in their bras or lean close to wireless devices. The metal in these bras may amplify radiation penetration, yet this is another scenario where current SAR testing falls short. Although the FCC opened an inquiry into human exposure to radiofrequency radiation back in 2012, which specifically raised concerns about medical implants, no concrete action has been taken to update safety regulations.

Protecting Yourself from Radiation: What You Can Do

While regulatory agencies lag in updating safety standards, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to wireless radiation:

1. Limit Phone Use: Especially when wearing metal accessories like earrings, glasses, or braces.

2. Use Speakerphones: This keeps the phone away from your head, reducing radiation exposure.

3. Avoid Carrying Phones Close to the Body: Keep your phone in a bag or on a desk rather than in your pocket or bra. 

4. Use EMF Protection: Consider using devices designed to reduce ELF-EMFs, such as Bodywell, in high-exposure environments. The key benefits of using Bodywell include:

1. Thermal Reduction: Bodywell products can reduce thermal absorption by up to 20%, helping to minimize heat-related effects from EMF exposure.
2. Reduction in SAR: Bodywell products have demonstrated an 80% reduction in SAR, significantly lowering the amount of radiation absorbed by the body.
3. pH Recovery: Prolonged EMF exposure can disrupt the body's pH balance. Bodywell products help recover pH levels by 100%, maintaining the body's natural equilibrium.

With the exponential rise in cellphone use, particularly among teenagers, understanding the risks associated with metal objects in or near the body is crucial. Until safety standards catch up with the latest research, it’s up to individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from potential harm.