IEMA Informs Consumers
about Pendants Containing Trace Amounts of Radioactive
Material
Continuous wear may result in
radiation exposure to skin
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[May 22, 2018]
SPRINGFIELD
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is informing
consumers that some homeopathic pendants using negative ion
technology contain trace amounts of naturally occurring radioactive
materials. While the pendants do not pose an immediate health and
safety concern, continuous wear over long periods of time may result
in a slightly elevated skin exposure to radiation.
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Negative ion technology embeds negative ions in personal products
and is currently being advertised as a means to maintain health and
improve emotional well-being. Products using this technology include
pendants, colorful silicone wristbands and athletic tape. The
pendants using negative ion technology are often advertised as
Quantum Pendants and Scalar Energy Pendants.
“We are committed to protecting the public from unnecessary exposure
to ionizing radiation,” said IEMA Acting Director William P.
Robertson. “While the radiation levels in these pendants are very
low, we believe consumers have the right to know they are being
exposed to radiation. They can then make an informed decision about
whether or not to continue wearing the pendant and, if so, how to
reduce exposure.”
In response to an inquiry by an Illinois consumer, the agency
analyzed a pendant in its radiochemistry laboratory and determined
it contained naturally occurring radioactive materials, namely
thorium and uranium. The source of the naturally occurring
radioactive materials in the pendants appears to be from volcanic
rock or monazite sands.
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IEMA recommends anyone who chooses to continue wearing the pendants should take
steps to reduce exposure to the limited radiation present. Those steps include
limiting the time you are in contact with the pendant and wearing the pendant
over clothing instead of directly on the skin. Consumers who discontinue wearing
the pendants can safely dispose of them in the trash.
IEMA and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have determined some
pendants being distributed and sold nationally and internationally contain
enough naturally occurring radioactive material to warrant increased regulatory
controls. IEMA and the NRC will be working with distributors of the pendants in
the U.S. to ensure proper controls are implemented.
[ILLINOIS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
AGENCY]
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