You've certainly seen negative ion wristbands before: brightly colored silicon loops boasting the capacity to improve balance, decrease pain, and replenish energy. However, there is some bad news: those who wear negative-ion wristbands are exposed to three times the amount of radiation as the typical American. The bands create a field of negative ions that can be absorbed by the body through skin contact or by inhalation. Negative ions have been known to have beneficial effects for those who wear them, including improved mood and reduced stress levels. They have also been used by doctors to treat patients with respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. But because they can be absorbed through the skin, members of the military and first responders (such as police officers) should not wear negative-ion wristbands while on duty. Wristbands themselves are not radioactive, but the ions they contain can be. Therefore, if you are extremely sensitive to radiation, you should probably avoid wearing negative-ion bands. The color of the band does not affect how much radiation it gives off. However, different materials may allow different amounts of radiation to pass through your skin. For example, iron allows more radiation than silicone to pass through it. So if you choose a band made from iron, you will be exposing yourself to more radiation than if you wore a silicone band. There are many different types of radiation, some harmful and others not.