According to an NIH study, holding a cell phone to your ear for just 50 minutes can significantly alter brain wave activity, due to electromagnetic radiation emitted by the cell phone being absorbed by brain tissue. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, is part of a growing body of research that is finally raising awareness about the dangers of frequent, unprotected mobile device use.
Unfortunately, though, in today’s world of instant communication, 13-hour work days and, let’s be honest, really cool cell phone apps and features, the idea of sacrificing our mobile devices to protect our health isn’t an attractive—or even practical—option. The good news is that there are a few health-conscious companies creating products to help protects mobile device users from harm.
Since we initially reported on the dangers of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, we’ve been on a year-long search to find the best ways people can protect themselves. In our office, many of us use grounding mats
From uncomfortable ear pieces to brightly colored charm necklaces and bracelets, we were rather disappointed with the “solutions” on the market. But we recently discovered one of the best products we’ve come across in a long time: the electromagnetic radiation deflecting Pong cell phone cover.
Using groundbreaking technology, Pong is the only smart phone cover tested and confirmed by the FCC to effectively reduce electromagnetic radiation absorption by up to 95%.
Seriously? So what is it and how does it work?
Developed by UCLA professor of physics, Dr. Alfred Wong, Pong uses passive antenna coupling technology to deflect and redirect electromagnetic radiation, shifting it away from the user’s head and body. Dr. Wong stumbled upon this concept while in Alaska researching the Northern Lights. He discovered that to activate the Northern Lights, they were using 1/1000th of the radiation power now used for cell phones. Knowing that this magnitude of radiation could be absorbed by the brain was alarming to him, and he immediately began researching ways to deflect electromagnetic radiation away from the head, rather than allowing the brain to absorb it.
In an interview with SoCalTech.com, Dr. Wong said, since “cell phone radiation is an electromagnetic wave, and can be coupled without having contact.” He went on to explain that he, “put [the Pong antenna] in the proximity of the original [cell phone's] antenna inside the phone, so that it will couple the electromagnetic waves at some distance…We basically draw the energy out of the back of the phone, away from the user. What we invented is something that looks like a ladder, and pulls that radiation out and sends it out along the back of a phone case, so that the radiation can escape away from a user.”
Is Pong compatible with your phone?
Pong has made cases compatible with Apple’s iPhone and iPads, Blackberry’s Bold and Curve, Samsung’s Galaxy, HTC’s Evo and Motorola’s Droid.
How much does a Pong case cost?
They run anywhere from $49.99 – 59.99.
Are there other products similar to Pong for less?
In our research, we were only able to find one other brand that produces an “anti-radiation” phone case however it was not less expensive. Pong’s technology is patented, so whether or not there will be other manufactures with the same impressive lab results is to be determined (the above brand only tested to protect to 90% reduced SAR). We’re hoping Pong will eventually partner with cell phone manufacturers directly so that some day, every cell phone will come with built-in protection. Until then, the Pong Research cell phone cover is our best suggestion.
Are they bulky or ugly?
We would, of course, recommend Pong based on the function of their product and the integrity of their company, regardless of how their phone covers looked. But luckily, they’re sleek, simple in design and come in several colors!
