Cactus and orchids cannot block radiation: the belief that succulents protect against radiation is a misconception

Radiation protection can be achieved in two ways: one is blocking and the other is absorption. We can use the principle of shielding by surrounding an object with a conductor so that external electromagnetic fields cannot enter. Another method is to use materials that absorb radiation to absorb the radiation and protect the target. Cacti can absorb radiation. Some office workers in office buildings like to place a pot of lush green cactus next to their computers. Aside from personal preference, most people value the cactus for its special ability to "protect against computer radiation." However, reporters rarely see cacti next to the computers in the office of the Horticulture Department at Beijing University of Agriculture. Professor Yao Yuncong of the Horticulture Department said that cacti grow in deserts with intense sunlight and can withstand damage from sunlight and ultraviolet rays. But what sunlight produces is a kind of "radiant energy," which is different from the radiation rays produced by computer screens or other electrical appliances. Radiation rays are a kind of energy wave that travels in a straight line. At present, no substance can make radiation rays turn, and the statement that they are "absorbed" is clearly inaccurate as well; it should be changed to "blocked." So far, no research report has demonstrated that cacti are better than other plants at absorbing radiation rays. Therefore, placing a pot of cactus next to a computer to absorb radiation and reduce harm to the body is entirely an inference and has no scientific basis. Although placing a pot of cactus in front of a computer cannot block radiation rays, the lush green color can relieve eye fatigue and help people relax mentally. For computer users who strain their eyes and minds all day long, it is indeed a good way to "please the eyes."        Compared with placing green plants, drinking a little green tea is an even simpler and easier trick for blocking computer radiation. A study from the University of Hawaii once showed that drinking more green tea plays an important role in preventing radiation. Tea leaves contain relatively large amounts of lipopolysaccharides, which can improve the body's hematopoietic function. After lipopolysaccharides are introduced into the human body, they can enhance the body's nonspecific immunity within a short time, thereby effectively preventing radioactive substances from invading the body and providing significant protection for hematopoietic function.       It can be seen that, compared with cacti, green tea is the "expert" at protecting against computer radiation. In addition, mung bean soup contains substances that help excrete toxins from the body and accelerate metabolism, and it can also effectively resist various forms of radiation pollution. It should be noted that because electromagnetic radiation has a "cumulative effect," one should not sit in front of a computer for too long and should move around often, which will be beneficial to health.