Protecting your unborn baby from harmful radiation—that's the claim made by makers of a new line of clothing for moms.
It is called "Belly Armour" and promises to block the radiation that comes from wireless gadgets and WiFi networks. But does it work?
Erica Wright, who is expecting her first baby, is trying it out. But the mom to be is also juggling a job, school, and life in the middle of the digital world.
"I always want to be connected to everything and everyone so I always have a phone on me. I usually have my laptop with me. I'm always on my laptop and my phone and switching off between the two of them."
One of Erica's first maternity gifts was a Belly Armour blanket. The product promises to protect moms and their unborn babies from 99 percent of non-ionizing radiation. That's the everyday radiation that comes from electronic devices including cell phones, computers, TVs, and WiFi networks.
The company that manufactures Belly Armour claims the level of birth defects, cancer, and autism has risen over the past decade along with the increase in exposure to everyday radiation.
Maternity shop owner Ken Vuong said that Belly Armour is a first of its kind. He adds pre-orders came in before the product even arrived in the store.
Available as a T-shirt or a blanket, the product is lined with silver fibers that are supposed to neutralize electromagnetic waves. The makers say you can see it working. Just wrap a cell phone in the blanket and watch the signal disappear.
"Personally I think it's a good idea," said Vuong. "I wish it was around three years ago when we had our first kid."
Others are less convinced of its importance.
"In my opinion, it's not necessary," said radiologist Dr. Imtiaz Qureshi. "These product lines and companies are preying on consumers' fears.
