Since its debut in 2016, Apple’s AirPods has skyrocketed in popularity. Aside from the obvious convenience of being wireless, AirPods provide quality audio, tap and swipe features, extended battery life, and easier portability. But the ongoing debate about the dangers of wireless headphones still remains.

According to Pitaka, wireless headphones are operated by Bluetooth. Bluetooth uses the 2.4GHz ISM bandwidth, which is the same bandwidth that WiFi uses. Radio waves used in the connection can pass through the air, pockets, and walls. Since wireless headphones rely on radio waves that move around you and pass through walls, it poses a potential threat to our bodies, particularly our brains.

Back in 2015, 247 scientists called for stricter regulations on wireless headphones. The electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation emitted by the Bluetooth device allegedly has a carcinogenic effect on humans; the World Health Organization (WHO) published a report arguing this point.

However, with further research, scientists and health professionals have found that the amount of EMF radiation emitted from AirPods is relatively small. Not to mention that the carcinogens found are also found in wireless routers, televisions, and wireless chargers.

Healthline stated that the radiation released in Bluetooth headsets is lower than the radiation in cellphones, x-rays, and ultraviolet light.

The following was advised:

Wireless devices produce non-ionizing radiation, meaning that radiation is too weak to remove electrons from atoms. The amount of radiation released by Bluetooth devices is relatively low compared to cellphones.

At this time, there’s no evidence that Apple AirPods or other Bluetooth devices cause cancer. The amount of radiation produced by these devices is relatively low compared to the amount of radiation released from the cellphones to which they’re usually paired.

As someone who doesn’t use the Apple AirPods or Bluetooth frequently, I may start letting my guard down, especially since wireless headphones aren’t any more dangerous than our everyday devices. I’ll keep you all updated on any new findings.

Until Next Time…

(Sources)

Photo Credit: Digital Spy

Claire. (2020, July 1). Are AirPods Safe? The Truth About EMF Radiation From Wireless Headphones. Pitaka. https://www.ipitaka.com/blogs/news/are-airpods-safe-the-truth-about-emf-radiation-from-wireless-headphones. 

Yetman, D. (2020, May 27). There’s No Link Between Apple AirPods and Cancer. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/do-airpods-cause-cancer.