I recently had a conversation with some coworkers about the proliferation of wireless headphones, earbuds, and speakers. It seems that more and more, cell phone manufacturers are building phones without 3.5mm audio jacks and we are made to rely on wireless devices to fully use our phones.
Most of these wireless accessories, such as Apple Airpods, rely on Bluetooth in order to connect and stream data to our mobile devices. One coworker mentioned that he had read that Bluetooth devices, such as Apple Airpods, emit radiation, and that this radiation could be harmful to our health.
If you’re someone who uses Bluetooth accessories frequently, then you may also be concerned about the safety of these accessories.
But does Bluetooth emit radiation? In short, yes, Bluetooth emits low-frequency radiation in order to connect wireless devices. Not all radiation is the same, however, and so it’s important to understand the type of radiation emitted by Bluetooth before coming to conclusions about this technology’s safety.
In this brief guide, I will discuss the primary types of radiation and the relevance of radiation to Bluetooth technologies. In addition, I will go over some simple tips that you can start using today in order to cut down on your exposure to radiation from your Bluetooth accessories.
Ionizing or Non-Ionizing – That is the question.
Before we get too deep into our topic, it will be helpful for you to have some background information on the type of radiation used in modern communication technologies—a special type of radiation known as non-ionizing radiation.
Generally, radiation can be categorized as either ionizing or non-ionizing. Ionizing radiation is a powerful form of radiation capable of deforming the matter it passes through.
Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation is used in x-rays. Because ionizing radiation is so strong, doctors typically recommend that patients don’t get x-rays too frequently. In addition, x-ray technicians may use special bibs and aprons on patients in order to protect their vital organs from the x-ray’s harsh radiation.
Non-ionizing Radiation
In contrast, non-ionizing radiation is not powerful enough to change the structure of the molecules it passes through. Instead, non-ionizing radiation simply excites the matter it contacts and causes it to heat up. This heat-generating property of non-ionizing radiation is what allows microwave ovens to efficiently heat food. When you power on your microwave, it emits a form of non-ionizing radiation that heats the molecules of your food as it passes through.
Bluetooth and Radiation
When we discuss the radiation emitted by Bluetooth technology, we are referring specifically to the non-ionizing kind of radiation. The radiation emitted by Bluetooth is a low-frequency radiation that doesn’t cause the same level of damage to molecules that would be inflicted by a stronger form of radiation, such as x-rays.
Just because Bluetooth radiation is non-ionizing, doesn’t mean that it is perfectly safe for our health, though. In fact, many studies have shown that there may be a connection between low-frequency radiation from communications devices and adverse health outcomes in humans including mood disorders, hormonal imbalances, fertility issues, and various forms of cancer.
What’s more, governmental safety standards on non-ionizing radiation, like the kind emitted by Bluetooth, are generally old and outdated. For example, WHO regulations on how much radiation a device can emit were established in 1996—long before our current world of WiFi, airpods, Kindles, and wireless printers came to be.
According to many watchdog organizations, however, the government’s standards are out of touch with current medical literature and may be putting our health at risk.
Given the potential health consequences of low frequency radiation, you may be looking to reduce your exposure to this environmental hazard. Luckily, there are many easy-to-implement steps you can take to reduce your exposure to radiation from Bluetooth.
Here are the steps I’ve found most helpful as I have tried to reduce my exposure to Bluetooth radiation:
Step 1. Stop Using Wireless Headphones and Earbuds
My first recommendation is to stop using wireless headphones and earbuds. Since headphones and earbuds are constantly in contact with our heads, they may be especially worrisome sources of low-frequency radiation. In fact, several studies have suggested that using wireless communications devices near our head increases our risk for developing certain types of brain cancer.
If you cannot, for whatever reason, stop using Bluetooth earphones and earbuds altogether, then consider reducing the amount of time you spend using them. For example, you may consider only putting your Airpods in when answering a phone call, instead of wearing them throughout the day. When you’re not using them, be sure to turn them off and store them somewhere where they aren’t in contact with your body.
Step 2. Reconsider Smart Watches
Smart watches are becoming a popular fashion accessory and one of the hottest items in tech. Like wireless earbuds and headphones, however, they use Bluetooth radiation in order to function. Since smartwatches are used in very close proximity to the body, they may greatly increase our daily exposure to low frequency radiation.
Unless you really need one, consider ditching your smart watch for a more conventional watch. By eliminating this radiation-emitting device from your person, you will be cutting down on the radiation these watches continuously emit throughout the day and reducing your exposure.
Step 3. Bring Back the Aux Cord
Another common source of Bluetooth radiation in our environment comes from Bluetooth speakers. While Bluetooth speakers are a convenient way to listen to music in your bedroom, kitchen, or living room, they emit Bluetooth radiation and increase your exposure to low frequency radiation.
If you’re trying to cut down on your exposure to low frequency radiation, then consider swapping your Bluetooth speaker for one that connects to your phone with a traditional aux cord. By using an aux cord instead of Bluetooth, you will reduce the ambient EMF radiation in your environment.
Step 4. Switch Off Bluetooth on your Smartphone
When you activate Bluetooth mode on your smartphone, your phone emits low frequency radiation to locate and connect with other wireless devices. If you aren’t actively using any Bluetooth devices, then this represents a significant source of unnecessary low frequency radiation.
Instead of constantly leaving your smartphone’s Bluetooth switched to on mode, try to switch Bluetooth off unless you are using it. Smartphones are an especially pesky source of EMF radiation because we often use and store them in close proximity to our bodies. By leaving Bluetooth switched off, you will cut down on the amount of radiation emitted by your smartphone and spare yourself from unneeded EMF radiation exposure.
Step 5. Don’t Use Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Although wireless keyboards and computer mice are convenient, they emit low frequency radiation in order to connect to our computers and tablets. Since we operate these devices with our hands, they represent a significant source of radiation exposure.
Instead of relying on a wireless keyboard and mouse, consider switching to the wired versions. Not only do wired keyboards and mice emit far less radiation, but they also don’t require batteries or recharging.
Recommended Products and Conclusion
If you are concerned about your exposure to EMF radiation, then you have to check out these products below:
- Best EMF Meter: CLICK HERE
- EMF Protective Blanket for Babies and Adults: CLICK HERE
- EMF Protective Belly Band for Pregnant Women: CLICK HERE
- EMF Protected Cell Phone Pouches: CLICK HERE
- EMF Protected Laptop Case and Sleeve: CLICK HERE
- EMF Protective Clothing: CLICK HERE
In conclusion, Bluetooth device do emit low frequency radiation in order to function. While this radiation is non-ionizing, and therefore less powerful then other forms of radiation, its effects on human health aren’t entirely understood. Those looking to reduce their exposure to this form of ubiquitous EMF radiation should limit their contact with Bluetooth devices and switch to wired versions, instead.
I hope I have helped you understand how Bluetooth and radiation are related.
As always, I wish you maximum positivity and the will to become all you were destined to be.
Cheers, friend.