Earlier this year, Sandra Fernandes, an influencer who describes herself as a “detox coach” and “holistic momma,” promoted a peculiar-looking, curved metal straw on her Instagram. Dubbed the “frequency straw,” she claimed it could block electromagnetic frequencies from your phone charger. Her assertion, however, is based more in pseudoscience than science.

The EMF straw joins a broader industry of so-called ‘EMF-blocking’ products, including stickers, jewelry, and clothing. Yet despite their popularity, these items have no proven efficacy. The Federal Trade Commission has repeatedly warned against such products for deceptive advertising.

While there is some evidence that prolonged exposure to high-frequency radiation can cause cellular damage, the concern over non-ionizing radiation from everyday devices remains largely unfounded. Research into the health effects of cell phones is ongoing, but few studies have reported a relationship between non-ionizing EMFs and cancer.

The frequency straw sold by the company Frequense retails for $50 and claims to be infused with 11 harmonic frequencies that ‘harmonize your cells and recharge your energy from the inside out.’ Despite this, it does not state any of these benefits on its product description. The Pitcocks, founders of Frequense, have over 23 years of experience in network marketing but did not respond to requests for comment.

Consumer anxiety over EMFs is being exploited by many in the wellness industry. Even M.I.A., the musician, has jumped aboard with her clothing line, Ohmni, which she claims blocks “99.99 per cent of Wi-Fi, 4G, and 5G.”