Travellers heading to China are being reminded to exercise caution when purchasing so-called “energy stone” bracelets, amulets and other mineral souvenirs after multiple cases of radioactive products were detected by Chinese customs authorities.
Over the past few years, customs officers have intercepted several “health stones”, “energy stones” and decorative accessories that emitted radiation far above normal background levels. Laboratory tests found that some contained thorium-232, a naturally occurring radioactive material classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as carcinogenic under certain exposure conditions.
Some Items Found To Exceed Radiation Limits
One of the most widely reported cases involved a passenger carrying a so-called “health stone” that triggered radiation alarms while passing through customs.
Authorities later found that the item’s radiation level exceeded the surrounding background level by more than 1,000 times.
In another incident, an “energy tower” purchased for its supposed health and good luck benefits was found to contain radioactive substances after also triggering radiation detection equipment at an airport.
Health Claims Not Supported By Science
Many of these products are marketed as being able to improve sleep, boost energy, enhance health or provide protection against bad luck.
However, experts have repeatedly stated that there is no scientific evidence supporting such claims.
Instead, prolonged close contact with radioactive materials may increase unnecessary radiation exposure over time, depending on the material and dose. Chinese authorities have advised consumers not to purchase products making unverified health claims, especially those made from unknown minerals.
Reports Of Wearers Feeling Unwell
In one case reported by Chinese media, a traveller told customs officials that her daughter had worn an “energy stone” pendant for about three months and had experienced frequent unexplained nosebleeds.
While officials suspected the radioactive item may have contributed to the symptoms, no definitive medical conclusion was announced.
The pendant was later confiscated after testing showed radiation levels more than 1,000 times above the surrounding environment.
Buy Souvenirs From Reputable Retailers
Experts say tourists do not need to avoid all gemstone or bead bracelets.
Instead, consumers are encouraged to purchase jewellery and souvenirs from reputable retailers and to be cautious of products marketed with exaggerated claims such as “negative ion”, “quantum”, “energy”, “health”, or “radiation healing”.
Authorities have stressed that genuine gemstones sold through established retailers are generally not associated with these incidents, which mainly involve products falsely promoted for mystical or health benefits.