An increasing number of people are taking to the so-called electromagnetic-wave-proof dresses, whose effectiveness experts say has been exaggerated.

As cited in the Shanghai Evening News, experts from the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau claimed yesterday these dresses function more as a psychological comfort for the wearers than a physical shield from electromagnetic waves generated by mobile phones, TVs, computers, radio broadcast and electric home appliances.

"In fact, most of the electronic products are safe if they are up to the quality standards," the experts said, "and it is unnecessary to wear such protective dresses."

"As well, we have many scientific approaches to avoid these pollutions." they added.

For example, liquid crystal display computers give no electromagnetic radiation at all and can be used to replace the Cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors.  And even for CRT monitors, they will do no harm if we operate over 20 centimeters away from them, the experts said.

But they advised people not to take a work-break nap with their heads just resting before the monitors.

Radiation from mobile phones is small, experts added, but long-time talking over phones may be harmful.

(Shanghai Daily June 15, 2005)