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Inventor Randall Dale Chipkar says his “electromagnetic-shielding motorcycle seat” can reduce certain types of cancer among motorcyclists. (Pictured: 2008 Honda VTX1300C with stock seat). (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company, Inc.)

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Canada — A Canadian inventor has won a patent from the United Kingdom for a motorcycle seat he says blocks electromagnetic radiation from the engine that could cause health problems, not the least of which is cancer.

Inventor Randall Dale Chipkar says his “electromagnetic shielding motorcycle seat” stops various forms of extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation that, at close range, is unnatural and potentially health-damaging. He says many organizations agree ELF electromagnetic fields are a possible carcinogen; a similar concern has been raised about extended use of cell phones.

“Many motorcycles generate excessive ELF EMF radiation up through the seat, penetrating directly into the rider’s groin and torso,” Chipkar says in a press release. He adds, “The prostate is of major concern, as it is one of the closest delicate glands invaded by the radiation. The colon and neighboring organs are also at risk.”

Chipkar says ELF EMF radiation can penetrate steel and even lead, and that only “highly processed” materials such as those used by Chipkar as a shield under the conventional seat foam will prevent the EMF radiation from reaching the rider. None of his allegedly EMF-shielding seats are in series production — the Canadian inventor says, “I am now open to licensing or even selling some of my worldwide patents as long as I am assured the seats can reach consumers immediately. Hopefully, this new seat will revolutionize the motorcycle industry to keep riders safer.”

Chipkar, author of a book entitled Motorcycle Cancer? says it also is possible to retrofit existing seats, and his Web site also has a link to find authorized seat dealers who can supply a seat fitted with the EMF-shielding material.

What this means to you: Considering the outsized risks just from riding, whether or not your privates are being electromagnetically toasted probably is the least of your worries. — Bill Visnic, Correspondent