Is Bluetooth Dangerous?

Bluetooth technology is a very convenient way of connecting devices without the need for cables. We cannot deny earbuds and other Bluetooth devices make our life easier. However, we should be aware that the EMF used to transmit signals could be as dangerous as the radiation emitted by your Wi-Fi or microwave oven. 

There are numerous peer-reviewed scientific studies linking RF Radiation to things like cancer, DNA damage (especially in infants and fetuses) and infertility. Even the World Health Organization has classified it as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”.

Bluetooth-enabled consumer electronics such as phones, cameras, televisions, speakers and headphones are everywhere. It is basically a wireless signal, although not as strong as Wi-Fi, that has been designed for a device to communicate with other devices to share data using radiofrequency.  

Different Classifications of Bluetooth

According to ScienceDirect Bluetooth uses radio frequencies in the 2.45 GHz range to transmit information. They usually transmit over short distances of generally 10 meters or less. By embedding a Bluetooth chip and receiver into products, cables that would normally carry the signal are eliminated. Bluetooth devices are currently classified in 3 depending on their transmitting range. Each classification uses a different amount of power to transmit data. 

Bluetooth Class 1 devices such as laptops and computers use the most power and emit the most RF radiation. Class 2 uses less power, things such as headsets, keyboards and cell phones use it. Class 3 uses the least power and thus doesn’t emit much RF radiation, but it has a very limited range.

Choosing an alternative to Bluetooth technology is the best way of avoiding radiation. But if you must use Bluetooth electronics it is better to check what classification they fall into.

Bluetooth Dangers From Headsets and Earbuds

Some people find it difficult to believe that Bluetooth is dangerous because it is a lower-powered signal than regular cell phone RF radiation. This is not the case. Bluetooth is an RF signal that emits lower levels of EMF radiation than your mobile phone or your Wi-Fi. Even so, Bluetooth can be harmful close to the head or inside your ears. 

Because Bluetooth wireless headsets and earbuds send RF signals very close to your head or inside your ear canal, EMF radiation is in close contact with your brain’s tissues disrupting your cells’ electrochemical communication. Therefore it is easy to conclude that prolonged use could cause headaches and dizziness. However, according to experts, it could also lead to more serious issues such as neurological disorders or DNA damage. 

This is why a group of 250 researchers from more than 40 countries have signed a petition to regulate this technology in the best interest of consumer safety. The message they are trying to get across is that EMF affects living organisms at levels well below most international guidelines. It also points to findings from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which has determined that EMF is “possibly carcinogenic” to humans.

Does Bluetooth Cause Cancer?

Cancer is a disease that usually takes years to develop thus associating it specifically to the use of Bluetooth technology is difficult. Many years of scientific research are needed to make a clear association to all the exposure we get from this new technology.

According to an article on World Health Net, the reality is that there is very little research on Bluetooth technology and related health effects. But, citing Dr. Moskowitz, director of the Center for Family and Community Health at the University of California at Berkeley:  “Use of these technologies is basically conducting a health experiment on yourself, and current regulations are oblivious to these kinds of exposures”

Protect Yourself From Bluetooth Radiation Dangers

Although we won’t be able to see the health implications of Bluetooth-enabled electronics immediately, considering the amount of time we spend around wireless signals, Bluetooth exposure could indeed be dangerous. With a bit of conventional wisdom, it is easy to assume that our health is at stake.

Protecting yourself from Bluetooth radiation is as simple as finding alternative ways of connecting devices using cords rather than Bluetooth:

• Replace your Bluetooth earbuds with traditional wired headphones. Nonetheless, do know that they’re not EMF-free since they send sound waves through a wire as electrical signals. 
• Avoid your Bluetooth headset and use your phone speaker instead in order to keep EMF sources away from your body. 
• Replace your cordless mouse and keyboard with conventional cable ones.
• Connect your mobile phone to your home speaker or car stereo with cables rather than with Bluetooth.
• Connect your smart home devices using cords instead of using wireless methods.
• Take as many “signal-free” breaks as possible, especially when you go to bed at night.

Lowering the RF radiation exposure from your Bluetooth devices is a great start. Despite this, you must be aware of the different types of EMF polluting our environment. It is important to understand all EMF sources surrounding us so we can learn how to protect ourselves not only from Bluetooth radiation but also from cell towers, Wi-Fi, and most importantly incoming 5G technology.