Advancements in technology make things quite convenient for everyone. Case in point, Bluetooth headphones can be used to wirelessly engage with people. Bluetooth gives us the luxury of communicating hands-free. Think about Apple’s Airpods. As handy as these Bluetooth earbuds are, you are putting a device that emits radiofrequencies (RF) literally right beside your brain. Radiofrequencies, such as those radiated by Bluetooth headphones, emit EMF radiation, which is causing an increased risk of developing a number of health issues, cancer being one of them.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a radiofrequency (in the 2.4 – 2.485 gigahertz range) capable of transmitting texts, video, music, data, and more from one short distance to another seamlessly and instantly. In addition, according to EE Times, the Airpods ‘communicate’ between each other using NFMI technology, or ‘near field magnetic induction’. To date, not many scientific studies have explored the risks associated with this technology.
RF radiation that is emitted from any Bluetooth device is a variation of EMF radiation, which is non-ionizing. Studies show that non-ionizing radiation can have a negative effect on your body.
Though they don’t emit as much radiation as smartphones do from their broadcasting frequencies, Bluetooth devices remain a radiation source. This is of consequence, as Bluetooth headphones are intended to be placed in our ears, and subsequently, beside our brains. The microwave radiation is moving back and forth not only between the earphones and the phone but also between both earphones, consequently travelling right through your head.
According to the inverse square law of physics, if we were to stay twice as far away from the radiation source, we reduce exposure on ourselves to it by a quarter. As such, distance is a huge asset to us, as far as prevention and protection go. Without anything dividing the space between radiation and our brains, we leave ourselves vulnerable to radiofrequencies.
Is Bluetooth Safe?
The telecom companies argue that the Bluetooth technology is safe as the radiation emitted from Bluetooth devices is within FCC prescribed standards, which means that the SAR for such devices is under 1.6 watts per kilogram. The SAR, or Specific Rate of Absorption, is a measure of the body’s maximum exposure to microwave radiation.
It is important to note, that the FCC guidelines on minimum exposure levels were adopted in mid 90s and were only aimed to protect from the short-term heating exposure. The guidelines were predominantly based on recommendations from the scientists who were mostly financed by the industry itself. Since then, numerous independent studies have evolved evidencing severe health risks associated with the long-term exposure to microwave radiation even at low levels. As such, the FCC guidelines have been continuously challenged by the scientists.
Research Linked to Bluetooth Causing Several Health Issues, Including Brain Cancer
Even though technology is moving at a rate faster rate than ever. Researchers and scientists endeavor to keep regulatory agencies informed about the potential danger that such technology brings.
The WHO (World Health Organization) classifies Bluetooth radiation (among other forms of EMF radiation) as potentially carcinogenic. Their studies revealed that RF radiation could increase the risk of several brain cancers, such as acoustic neuroma and glioma, by up to 40%. People who use Bluetooth devices often are most vulnerable to this risk. Although they acknowledge that more research is still required, there is a strong link between EMF radiation and various health risks like brain cancer and others.
Dr. Andrew Goldsworthy in his study paper “The Biological Effects of Weak Electromagnetic Fields” in 2012 clearly outlined how EMF radiation from cell-phones, WiFi, and Bluetooth leads to irreversible damages to DNA and an increased risk of cancer and a loss of fertility.
He also explains that radiation exposure close to the head, like that from Bluetooth earbuds and cell-phones, leads to weakening the blood-brain barrier, that can further cause neuronal damage.
The National Toxicology Program in America conducted $25 million worth of research to find out the ways Bluetooth radiation affected male lab rats. According to the study, male rats that were exposed to a couple of different forms of RF radiation ended up with a greater chance of developing glioma, as well as heart schwannoma (a malignant tumor), in comparison to unexposed rats.
Number of other studies, including the study by the Swedish National Institute for Working Life, have found correlation between regular use of cell phones and increased risk of brain cancer.
What steps can we take to keep ourselves protected from radiation-emitting devices, then?
Bluetooth Headphone Alternatives
After Bluetooth debuted, all models essentially had the same design. They contained a pair of earbuds united by one wire that contained a small transmitter, which is where most of the devices’ radiation emitted from. Wires in these original models were hung at the back of the neck, and as such, there was a bit of distance between emitted radiation and our brains.
While these models still posed a threat, they were a better alternative in contrast to our options today. Modern Bluetooth earbuds like Airpods are not connected by a wire; rather, they are to be placed right in our ears. Consequentially, data is transmitted right beside our heads, increasing the radiation amount we are vulnerable to.
Headphones with Wires
Conventional wired headphones are a better alternative when it comes to Bluetooth devices. This is because wired headphones distribute some radiation a fair distance away from our brains.
That is not to say that these types of headphones are radiation-free. RF radiation is still emitted from them. However, electrical signals are sent by an audio source up to the headphones. Sound is released after that signal makes contact with the earbuds. EMF radiation continues to be emitted throughout your headphones and wires, though.
Airtube Headphones
The best possible alternative you can get when it comes to Bluetooth devices are Airtube headphones.
The main distinction between a regular headset and Airtube headphones (such as these ones produced by DefenderShield) is the manner in which sound is transmitted to our ears. Regular headphones (such as the one included with your smartphone) are fully wired, limiting your head’s exposure to EMF radiation. Conversely, Airtube headsets have a tube that transmits high-quality sound to our heads from small speakers without any radiation hitting your brain. In fact, there aren’t any electrical elements within 12 inches of our heads.
The main reason wired headphones should be used is to keep radiation a fair distance away from your head. Thanks to the technology of Airtube headphones, all types of radiation – whether it be magnetic or RF – are blocked from penetrating our brains.
Airtube headphones are just as effective as other headsets. Some of them come with microphones embedded into the cords, usually under the tubes, making them a type of hands-free accessory. Many Airtube headphones use 3.5 millimeter jacks. If your device doesn’t have this kind of jack, dongle adapters can be a third-party solution.
In Closing
Although increased brain cancer risk doesn’t come from Bluetooth headphones alone, the correlation between the two is quite apparent. Scientists believe that it will take another two or three decades before we discover the full effects of Bluetooth radiation exposure.
While we are only beginning to realize how hazardous these types of devices can be, but we will learn their full detriment in the future.
Ultimately, technology should be used responsibly, and that means you need to be proactive. If Bluetooth earbuds are something you use on a regular basis, think about protecting yourself with a safer option.
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