Bluetooth devices emit low levels of nonionizing radiation. Exposure to low amounts of this type of radiation is not harmful to humans.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source, routine exposure to nonionizing radiation is “generally perceived as harmless to humans.”
In this article, we explain why some people are worried about Bluetooth headphones, like iphone bluetooth headset. We also look at the evidence regarding the safety of these devices.
What is electromagnetic radiation?
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health SciencesTrusted Source, electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is an invisible area of energy. Both natural and synthetic objects can emit EMR.
When an object emits EMR, it sends out waves of electromagnetic energy at different frequencies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, the higher the frequency of the radiation, the higher its energy levels.
There are two main categories of EMR:
Ionizing EMR
These waves of EMR are of relatively high frequency and have the potential to damage human cells and DNA.
The term “ionizing” means that the EMR is able to remove electrons from atoms. This capability is why ionizing EMR is more harmful than nonionizing EMR.
Sources of ionizing EMR include:
sunlight
sunbeds
X-ray machines
radioactive waste
Nonionizing EMR
These waves of EMR are of relatively low frequency and do not generally cause adverse effects in humans.
Sources of nonionizing EMR include:
Bluetooth devices
cell phones
computers
WIFI networks
energy smart meters
microwaves
power lines
MRI machines
Are they safe?
It is important to remember that there is not a lot of research on the specific issue of Bluetooth headphone or bluetooth earphone usage. Most research appears to focus on exposure to high level nonionizing radiation.
The CDCTrusted Source state that nonionizing radiation is only dangerous when a person comes into intense, direct contact with it. This scenario is uncommon and typically only a concern for those who work on instruments and devices that are large sources of nonionizing radiation.
A 2019 paper explains that there is a deep divide among researchers investigating the health implications of nonionizing EMR.
Some researchers suggest that nonionizing EMR can be dangerous, while others disagree. The paper states that the scientific reports can be controversial and contradictory.
Nevertheless, there appears to be growing evidence to suggest that nonionizing EMR may carry some health risks.