Wireless Bluetooth headphones have become an indispensable part of modern life, enabling simpler communication and consumption of multimedia content.
They are practical when walking, in nature, during exercise in the gym or in everyday situations, providing the opportunity to talk or listen to your favorite music and podcasts without disturbing others.
Their advantage is that there are no inconveniences such as untangling cables, they fit easily in boxes, and they can function even when the device is several meters away or in another room.
Despite their convenience, the growing popularity of wireless headphones has raised questions about their potential impact on human health.
Back in 2015, a group of scientists signed a petition expressing concern about the potential risks of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (EMF) used by Bluetooth devices. This radiation has been linked to a possible increased risk of cancer, but the US National Cancer Institute says there is no clear scientific evidence to support this link.
How dangerous is Bluetooth radiation?
Bluetooth devices use radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMF), which belongs to non-ionizing radiation. This radiation does not have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, making it less harmful than ionizing radiation, such as X-rays.
Bluetooth devices emit significantly less radiation compared to mobile phones. While phones use stronger signals to communicate with base stations, Bluetooth devices operate at lower energy levels, which reduces risk.
However, back in 2011, the IARC classified RF-EMF as a “possible carcinogen” (group 2B), meaning that there is limited evidence of a link to human cancer.
Wireless headphones typically operate in the 2.4GHz band, which is the same as Wi-Fi. Their radiation power is usually between 1 and 10 milliwatts (mW). By way of comparison, a mobile phone at maximum signal can emit up to 2,000 mW of radiation.
The specific absorption rate (SAR) is a measure of how much radiation the body absorbs. For headphones, the SAR value is usually well below the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other regulatory agencies (up to 2 W/kg). Radiation decreases significantly with distance. Since the headphones are closer to the ears, there is less but constant exposure.
Changes in the thyroid gland
Scientists have also investigated the possible effects of electromagnetic radiation on the thyroid gland, which is particularly sensitive to this type of radiation.
Some research shows that long-term exposure can cause changes in gland function, increase oxidative stress and promote inflammatory reactions.
Although there is currently no clear evidence of serious health problems caused by Bluetooth headphones, experts still recommend using wired headphones whenever possible, limiting the use of wireless headphones to 60-90 minutes a day, and keeping them away from the ears when not in use, reports Politikin Magazin .
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