I`ve been told that a blast from an electronic photographic flashgun
in close proximity works. Haven't tried it though. The ones originally
hidden in our wheelie bins seem to be missing.

Not likely. If the EMP were strong enough to destroy electronics, it would
probably burn the skin.

I detect a note of -- arguably justifiable -- paranoia in the original post.

Instead of worrying about RFIDs in general, one should pay attention to
where they are actually used, and tale appropriate steps to protect oneself.
For example, RFIDs in debit cards can be read at some distance, so you might
decide not to have one at all, or to wrap the card in a fold of aluminum
foil when you're not using it.