Bluetooth radiation is real, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should be worried about your wireless earbuds.
Technology is evolving, particularly in the area of hands-free and wireless devices such as headphones. These developments carry lots of concerns as well. One of them is whether Bluetooth wireless headphones are safe or not.
Back in 2015, a group of scientists signed a petition for serious concern over the possible health risks associated with non-ionizing electromagnetic field technology such as cancer.
All devices that have Bluetooth use this EMF technology.
Bluetooth Technology Explained
Technology developers use Bluetooth to make wireless connections between different technologies. Bluetooth uses a short-range radio frequency to connect devices that are within a certain distance.
Bluetooth devices are wireless and therefore use RF radiation. This radiation or EMR travels in waves through magnetic and electric fields. RF radiation happens in natural and artificial states. AM and FM radios, cell phones, and TVs emit RF radiation.
Bluetooth devices give off a bit less radiation than cell phones, according to Ken Foster, PhD and professor emeritus of bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania.
This exposure could increase if you use the earbuds for hours a day listening to podcasts or music. The exposure is lower than if you hold your phone up to the ear.
The Link Between Radiation & Cancer
Radiation is ionizing or non-ionizing. Ionizing radiation can move atoms around and remove electrons from the atoms. On the other hand, non-ionizing radiation can only move atoms around.
Non-ionizing radiation has less energy so the likelihood of harming your health is lower. Ionizing radiation like x-rays and radioactive waste are damaging to the DNA and the tissues.
And, the damaged cells may turn cancerous if the body fails to correctly repair or remove them. Carcinogens are substances or exposures that may lead to cancer. Radiation is a specific medical treatment is one such exposure that falls under the possible carcinogen list.
Is Bluetooth Technology Associated with Cancer?
Bluetooth technology is a non-ionizing type of radiation so it’s not linked with cancer. However, the conclusions about Bluetooth and its association with cancer are still elusive.
Research hasn’t linked RF radiation for phones with serious side effects. However, additional studies are necessary.
Worried about Wireless Device Radiation?
The US government has safety stands for the radiation that’s allowed to be emitted from consumer devices. And, bluetooth devices are well below that level even if you put them directly onto the skin.
The Apple AirPod antenna which receives and transmits radio waves doesn’t sit inside the ear canal. It’s in the area which is outside and extends below the ear.
However, to lower consumer exposure, users can remove the wireless devices from the ears or head when they’re not using them. If you want to be even more careful, stop using wireless technology and use wired headphones instead.
But, you need to know that you’re still getting similar exposure from your cell phone and other Bluetooth devices.
Wireless Headphones: Are They Safe?
Regardless of the headphones you’re using, it’s important to be careful about health risks that are more immediate than the small amounts of radiation. For example, if you’re walking and your earbuds while walking, it’s harder to listen to your surroundings and stay safe.
Moreover, headphones can be damaging to your hearing if you fail to use them responsibly. Hearing loss isn’t reversible, but it’s preventable.
The best approach is to limit your headphone use to 60 or 90 minutes per day. Don’t forget to take regular breaks and keep the volume from 60 percent to 80 percent.
You should always turn the volume down additionally if you listen longer than 90 minutes. The CDC advises noise-cancelling headphones not to be tempted to turn up the volume to block out other sounds.
These headphones aren’t a good option if you’re out for a walk or if you find yourself in some other situation where the inability to hear your surroundings poses a safety hazard.
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