Human health and electromagnetic radiation: The role of knitted yarns, fabrics, and garments – a critical review

The usage of electronic devices connected with Wi-Fi has raised several concerns regarding electromagnetic pollution. Prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation has been associated with adverse effects on human health. Reported health issues include increased risk of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and infertility. Protection against these harmful effects is essential, and textiles offer a promising solution. Since textile fabrics are in direct contact with the human body for extended periods, they must be soft, flexible, and non-toxic to ensure comfort and safety. The use of advanced conductive fibers can effectively attenuate harmful electromagnetic radiation. The aim of this review is to examine the impact of low-frequency electromagnetic radiation on human health and to explore the potential role of advance fibers and knitted fabrics in attenuating such radiation. This study also investigates the health issues associated with long-term exposure to low frequency range electromagnetic radiation. Various end use applications of knitted electromagnetic shielded fabrics, along with the materials used in their structures, were studied. Key parameters, as well as the machinery used in their production, were analyzed. The literature indicates that knitted fabrics hold significant potential for electromagnetic shielding applications due to their breathability, flexibility, elasticity, and the ability to control loop.