Project Summary
Intensive growth of both the telecommunication and electronic industry in recent years is occurring. With the spreading of electronic device usage in everyday life, the pollution caused by Electromagnetic Waves (EW) is ubiquitous. Electromagnetic Waves are emitted from cell phones, Wi-Fi, microwave ovens, etc. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) demonstrates a strong negative impact on electrical devices, affects human health, and it could be dangerous for pople with implanted active medical devices. Thus, textile fabric that can absorb EW is in high demand in resolving such a life-threatening matter. Another arising problem with EWs is their effect on the working performance of electronic devices leading to untrusted signals and noise. To prevent degradation by unwanted currents and voltages, instrument obstruction, false results, and to reduce measuring time, materials able to neutralize EMI effects are highly needed. The GrInShield project will bring innovation in the field of shielding materials by exploring new nanomaterials as a protective barrier.
The goal of the GrInShield project is twofold:
1. to increase significantly the scientific excellence of the consortium by addressing a scientific issue with potential economic/industrial impact:
2. producing efficient shielding material based on nanotechnology materials for EMI protection;
to improve the administrative skills of the coordinator institution from the widening country staff through collaboration with members of the consortium from France, Germany, and Slovenia offices. By working with top-class partners, researchers from the widening country will improve scientific skills, work with cutting-edge instruments and gain frontier education, enhance project writing skills, and improve publication records, while the administration will become a competitive, dynamic and efficient instrument for preparation of international projects as well as their implementation.
Behind the idea
Intensive growth in both the telecommunication and electronic industry is occurring. With the spreading of electronic devices in everyday life, the pollution caused by Electromagnetic Waves (EWs) is ubiquitous. EWs are predominantly emitted from cell phones, Wi-Fi, microwave ovens, etc. In 2021, the number of cell phone devices operating worldwide was 15 billion, and it is expected to reach 18.22 billion by 2025.
EW interference (Electromagnetic Interference – EMI) demonstrates a strong negative impact not only on electrical devices but also affects human health1,2,3. Particularly, the danger of EMI is underlined for those with implanted active medical devices4.
Extremely low frequencies of EW are those below 300 Hz. Such EWs are generated by alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity used in most power lines, wiring, and appliances but also produced by power plants, welding machines, induction heaters as well as trains, trams, and subway systems. International Agency for Research on Cancer classified ELF magnetic fields as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” Group 2B, based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant brain cancer.
The additional issue comes from occupational exposure to EW. The question of the safety of medical workers operating on diagnostic instruments is recently raised, as well5. Risk Assessment Required is adapted from the “non-binding guide” of the European Commission in Cases for workers in telecommunications, industry, medicine, transportation, and navigational roles6. For exposed workers, EU Directive 2013/35/EU provides an obligation for Health Surveillance to prevent the possible direct short-term effects, such as involuntary contractions or temperature increase of tissues, and indirect effects, like shocks and interference1. Conversely, long-term effects are not considered, although there are indications of a possible connection between the EWs exposure and increased cancer rates7,8. Thus, precautions should be taken for the protection of vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, the elderly, and persons with chronic illness or psychological conditions. Particularly jeopardized are people with implanted active medical devices. Thus, textile fabric that can absorb EWs is in high demand in resolving such a life-threatening matter.
Another arising problem with EWs is their effect on the working performance of electronic devices, due to the ability to penetrate joints between equipment units. Particularly negative effects EMI has on measuring devices, leading to untrusted signals and noise. This issue is amplified in research laboratories. In the years that come, the progressive development of telecommunication, broadcasting systems, and the electronic industry is inevitable, which will consequently increase exposure to the EMI making it impossible to avoid.
GrInShield project attempts to address all of the above-mentioned problems and lay the foundation for a brighter future through the use of shielding nanomaterials in the protection against EMI.
References:
1. Baan R., Grosse Y., Lauby-Secretan B., Ghissassi F., Bouvard V., Benbrahim-Tallaa L., Guha N., Islami F., et al., Lancet Oncology 12(7), 2011, 624;
2. Grellier J., Paolo Ravazzani P., Cardis E., Environment International 62, 2014, 55;
3. https://www.arpansa.gov.au/extremely-low-frequency-magnetic-fields-and-risk-childhood-leukemia-risk-assessment-arimmora;
4. Modenese A., Gobba F., International journal of environmental research and public health 18 (4), 2021, 1730;
5. Stam R., Yamaguchi-Sekino S. Industrial health 56 (2), 2018, 96;
6. Hornsby N., Seedat S., Westman E., Wahlund L.O., Siegfried N., Erasmus-Claassen L.-A., Myers B., Brain sciences 11(6), 2021, 764;
7. Rodrigues N., Dode A. C., de Noronha Andrade M. K., et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18 (3), 2021, 1229;
8. Hosseinabadi M. B., Khanjani N., Ehsan Samaei S., Nazarkhani F., International Journal of Radiation Biology 95 (11), 2019, 1573;