Have you formed an opinion on the heated online discussion regarding the safety of Bluetooth devices?

The internet has been abuzz about the health effects of these beloved gadgets lately. The debate’s origin: a public appeal on the health effects of non-ionizing radiation by scientists in 2015.

The question of Bluetooth’s effect on the brain is yet to be concluded. According to the FDA and NCI, Bluetooth emits non-ionizing radiation, which they consider is safe. But other experts note the potential health risks of chronic radiation exposure, hence calling for further research.

In this article, we’ll examine the scientific evidence that argues that Bluetooth devices are safe.

We’ll also address the arguments that contradict the stance of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the safety of your cordless devices.

Read on to learn more about your Bluetooth gadget’s radiation and its effects. Also, check out my article – Wifi Vs Cell Phone Vs Bluetooth Radiation

What Is Bluetooth technology?

Bluetooth technology facilitates the short-range data exchange amongst electronic devices. It has a 30 feet connectivity range, effectively replacing cables on keyboards, gaming controllers, internet connectivity, and file transfer devices.

Most smartphone users use this formidable technology to connect their music apps to their speakers. iPhone users that love to dance in the rain adore their Bluetooth powered AirPods.

Most wireless earphones or speakers fans say that their light wireless devices have ruined their love for wired listening gadgets forever. And with good reason.

This communication innovation lessens wire and cable clutter. It automatically connects electronic devices, making them interoperable.

Why Does Bluetooth Release Radiation?

The sun, household appliances, X-ray imaging, sunbeds, mobile phones, and radioactive gases from the earth’s deeps emit radiation. Bluetooth trans-receivers operate in the same range as Wi-Fi and microwaves. They produce radiofrequency radiation as they release energy.

There are two different forms of radiation; ionizing and non-ionizing kinds. Exposure to ionizing radiation is dangerous to human health. On the other hand, the debate on the safety of non-ionizing radiation, such as radiofrequency emission, is still on.

The FDA website states that routine exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as the radio frequency kind from Bluetooth devices and cell phones, is harmless to humans. The frequency and wavelength of radiofrequency electromagnetic rays are low, making them perfect for TV, radio, and cell phone broadcasting.

While ionizing radiation from radioactive material and nuclear fission can break down chemical bonds and damage cells in living things, non-ionizing radiation cannot.

Having said that, the NCI admits that your body can absorb the radiofrequency electromagnetic energy emissions from devices but states that a myriad of studies on the effects on these rays has shown no evidence of carcinogenic risk in humans.

As an illustration, data by the European Commission’s SCENIHR says that while mobile phones expose the brain tissues to radiofrequency emissions, it does not cause harm to humans. Their report also states that as per epidemiological studies, this form of non-ionizing radiation does not increase the risk of brain tumors.

Why Do Some Scientists Criticize EMF Radiation?

The Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) scientist’s public appeal made to the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for strict EMF exposure guidelines.

This group of scientists claims that exposure to EMF could have a wide range of harmful effects.

They say that there are studies that support the fact that exposure to radiofrequency radiation can lead to reproductive issues, genetic damage, cancer, and neurological disorders.

Are There Studies That Prove Bluetooth Can Cause Brain Cancer?

The cancer researchers at the NCI admit that an interphone study shows a link between chronic cell phone users and tumors that grows in the spinal cord and brain. Phone users with close to a decade of cell phone use could also be at a higher risk of acoustic neuromas or benign tumors of the inner ear.

There are lots of conflicting studies out there on the relationship between brain tumors and radiofrequency radiation. That is why the NCI lays the blame for inconsistent findings on the patient’s recall bias and inaccurate reporting.

The digital technology of which Bluetooth technology belongs is unique. It uses lower power levels than their counterparts.

Even better is the fact that a wireless Bluetooth device distances you from your phone. With most studies hinting at a relationship between brain tumors and proximity to cell phones, you can say that hands-free phone use could keep your brain healthier.

How to Determine the Amount of Radiation From Your Bluetooth Gadget

All gadgets have FCC information on their specific absorption rate (SAR). SAR measures RF energy absorption from devices. Check out my guide for checking SAR.

The SAR measurement of a device ensures that manufacturers stay in the confines of FCC regulations. FCC approval implies that your device will not exceed the acceptable RF exposure threshold.

Bluetooth devices should, for instance, have a maximum SAR of 1.6 watts per kilogram. AirPods only have a 0.446 watts per kilogram SAR.

Precautions That Can Lower Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure

Some experts are wary of the effects of placing wireless and Bluetooth devices on the body. While these gadgets emit less radiation than cell phones do, emissions are only one small part of the brain health equation. There is absorption to consider as well.

As noted, some studies hypothesize that there could be a connection between RF radiation emitting devices and brain cancer. These emissions could seep into your body through proximity or contact.

Joel M. Moskowitz, a wireless radiation researcher and Berkeley’s Center for Family and Community Health director, says that when on your head, Bluetooth devices only expose you to a half or a third of the radiation emitted by cell phones.

That said, Moskowitz warns that prolonged use of AirPods will expose your brain to substantial EM radiation. Check out my article on radiation from AirPods.

So here are some precautions you should take when using these devices:

• Using the speakerphone feature on your devices when listening to your favorite podcasts or music.
• Being careful about exposing young children in their nervous development stage to radiation. While there are no studies that associate non-ionizing radiation exposure to the brain tumors in kids, children are naturally more sensitive and vulnerable to its effects.
• Their heads are also smaller, so they have a higher proportional exposure to RFM radiation than adults do.

Your children also have many years ahead of them. You do not want them to accumulate exposure to radiation at an early age.

• Use wired headphones if you need to have headphones on for long periods.
• Use a corded keyboard and mouse if you are on your computer all-day.
• Connect your cell phone directly to your car stereo with a cord.
• Use a meter to test your device’s level of radiofrequency radiation.

The Bottom Line

New studies on the effects of RF exposure to the brain are coming up every other day. So far, a number of studies report that emissions from Bluetooth devices are safe.

Still, there are some experts who insist on further research especially on the effects of long-term exposure to the radiation from wireless devices.

As all Bluetooth technology users await a conclusive end to this frenzied debate, you can stay safe by taking precautionary measures. Use corded devices if your devices are in high use.

The KINDEN Binaural Anti-Radiation Air Tube Headset (see it on Amazon), for instance, is brain-protective, smart, safe, and small. These dual metal headphones will filter up to 99.99% of RF radiation. They are, therefore, safe for pregnant women and children.

Check out this device which practically converts regular headphones into radiation-free air tube headsets.