We discuss the realities and fallacies around Bluetooth and wired headphone radiation so that you can listen without concern. Do bluetooth headphones cause cancer? and many other questions can be disturbing your mind right now. Read the entire article below for a clearer understanding.
Regardless of whether they’re wired or wireless, headphones have become a necessary item in our life. Nobody can blame you for being concerned about wireless headphones’ safety, though, given concerns that their radiation causes cancer.
Even worse, as you look for the facts about this, you’ll be flooded with frightening websites warning that also your wired headphones could be fatal! Is it possible to say farewell to your preferred listening options?
Obviously not! We can logically assess the risks even when we are aware that headphones do create some radiation. Discover the facts and fallacies about Bluetooth vs wired headphones radiation with the help of this article.
Electromagnetic Radiation: What is it?
Like all forms of radiation, electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is an energy form. Radiation may appear terrifying and conjure up thoughts of destructive nuclear power plant breakdowns and atomic bombs, but the truth is far different.
‘Radiation is energy travelling as waves and particles. In nature, electromagnetic radiation occurs in a variety of forms. One illustration is visible light.’ As stated by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
In other words, radiation is a necessary component of life. Radiation is present in the Sun’s beams, the food in your microwave is heated by radiation, and even sound radiation is a topic of research. Both harmful and non-damaging radiation exists.
Hundreds of individuals are seen taking advantage of the sun’s radiation.
We mostly discuss EMR when referring to technological gadgets like headphones. As the system’s atoms consume the energy, this is produced.
Note: If you read about this subject, you might also run across the phrase EMF. The meaning of this comparable word is Electric and Magnetic Fields. These radiation fields are located close to EMR emitters.
How many types of EMR?
There are two different forms of EMR. It is crucial to consider the two main categories of EMR:
- EMR using ions (Ionizing EMR)
- EMR without ions (Non-ionizing EMR)
EMR that is ionising has higher energy and can harm DNA and cells because it can take electrons out of atoms. The sun, X-ray devices, and nuclear waste are some examples of sources.
Non-ionizing EMR, on the other hand, is significantly safer because of its low energy levels, which cannot change atoms. It consists of Bluetooth gadgets, mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and power line radiation.
Note: The second kind of EMR, known as non-ionizing EMR, is produced by both your Bluetooth device and wired headphones.
Concerns with non-ionizing EMR
Even though the majority of experts think non-ionizing EMR is safe, many people are nevertheless concerned because it is still seen as “radiation.”
In fact, non-ionizing EMR is now categorised as potentially carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This indicates that there is not only insufficient evidence to rule it out as a potential carcinogen but also insufficient evidence to support a suspicion that it is.
Simply put, the IARC believes that your Bluetooth device’s non-ionizing waves are just as likely to cause cancer as your aloe vera hand cream.
Therefore, neither the possibility of non-ionizing EMR causing cancer has been definitively proven nor refuted. Although it has been approved for prolonged usage, the hazards may exceed the advantages.
The direct comparison of Bluetooth and wired headphone radiation levels is another frequent cause for concern. The argument states that since linked headphones are not transmitting a signal, they are not emitting radiation. This is false, however, as wired headphones only transmit extremely low frequency (ELF) – low radiation Bluetooth headphones, a type of weak radiation that is significantly safer than standard non-ionizing EMR.
Should people be concerned about headphone radiation?
No. Although some types of radiation, particularly those that originate from headphones, can cause cancer, not all forms of radiation do.
Heat is a far more widely accepted cause of non-ionizing EMR destruction in headphones, and it can be hazardous at high levels.
The fact of the matter is that lower-level emitters, like cell phones and headphones, do not release enough heat to be harmful, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There are no reliable studies demonstrating that brief contact with low-heat radiofrequency waves harms people significantly.
What prompted the radiation from headphones to worry?
Some folks are still apprehensive despite all the studies that are available.
The petition from an EMF scientist requesting safety from non-ionizing EMF exposure is the key reason why so many news websites have covered it. The major goal of this organisation is to demand greater research into the safety of EMF waves.
But there is debate about these so-called scientists. They dispute data from credible scientific journals, the EPA, cancer.gov, international committees, and more, to name a few.
Concern for those who suffer from an ailment known as electromagnetic hypersensitivity is yet another severe red signal. This condition is pseudoscientific and cannot withstand double-blind tests.
Anti-EMR/EMF organisations also cite a study that suggests a connection between some forms of EMF exposure and risk to mouse brains. The majority of reliable sources today, however, demonstrate that these findings are not applicable to people.
Are wired headphones safe? Including Bluetooth one? The overwhelming majority of scientific research demonstrates that both Bluetooth and wired headphones’ radiation is harmless.
Do Bluetooth headphones cause cancer?
When several studies suggested that prolonged exposure to radiation from cell phones may be associated with brain tumours, cognitive decline, male infertility, and other health issues in 2015, the rumour about the risks of radiation from digital devices like cell phones, WiFi, and baby monitors gained traction.
People started to wonder if their Bluetooth speakers and headsets could lead to brain cancer, testicular cancer, and other health issues after the general public learned about the research.
The quantity of radiation emitted by Bluetooth devices is 10 to 400 times lower than the amount emitted by cell phones, according to a 2019 study by the California Department of Health.
Another study examined the use of mobile phones among 5,000 persons who had brain tumours and came to the conclusion that adult brain tumours are not caused by mobile phone use.
What the Experts Believe
The International Agency for Research on Cancer lists radio-frequency radiation from wireless devices as a potential cause of cancer, despite statements to the contrary from the CDC, FDA, and Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Are wired headphones safer than Bluetooth?
RF radiation released by wireless headphones can be detrimental to your health over prolonged periods of time. This is due to the fact that RF radiation is absorbed by your brain and has been linked to cancer in studies conducted in the lab.
There may be agents that have the potential to cause cancer, but as of yet, no definitive answer has been provided. However, additional research is required to determine the long-term impacts, thus it is safer to use wired headphones whenever possible or at the very least, only seldom (especially for children).
3 Strategies to Reduce Radiation
Both Bluetooth and cable headphones are safe, as was previously stated. Because of this, further safeguards against radiation from your headphones are not necessary. Despite this, marketers for anti-EMR and anti-EMF goods frequently employ scare tactics to advertise products intended to “lessen radiation exposure.”
We’ll look at some of the goods that opponents of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) promote and talk about the reality of their actual applications in the talks that follow. Although a lot of these items and concepts have some intriguing qualities or advantages, shielding you from the risks of EMR isn’t one of them.
1. Use ferrite beads
The USB wire’s ferrite bead is there to safeguard computer hardware for EMR, not the end user.
Ferrite beads are frequently recommended for lowering EMR and are utilized in electronics for just that reason. Obviously not to safeguard the final customer, but to safeguard the circuitry itself.
In fact, adding a ferrite bead to your audio equipment will lessen the possibility that radio frequency interference will cause your headphones to emit high-pitched whines and hums.
Be cautious when making purchases. Some websites will use fear to try to sell ferrite beads as a panacea for EMR-related problems. Genuine sellers of ferrite beads emphasize verifiable information and enhanced audio and video quality.
2. Opt for air tube headphones
Air tube headphones are the next frequently suggested item by EMF and anti-EMR campaigners. In order for air tube headphones to function, the sound must be generated distant from your ears. Without the need for internal cables, the music then ascends through empty tubes to your ears.
Air tube headphones are only advised if you desire them for their cool appeal rather than for their health and safety, though.
Although there is no established mechanism through which the frequencies of common headphones can increase the risk of cancer.
3. Limit Bluetooth headphones use
The suggestion is to just wear your Bluetooth headphones less frequently. This is a terrific concept because it can prevent ear damage rather than because Bluetooth gadgets emit hazardous frequencies.
While Bluetooth is generally safe, we can’t say the same about excessive or inappropriate earbud use.
From the perspective of overall ear safety, limiting your everyday use of headphones and earbuds is excellent, especially when it comes to protecting your hearing. Your ears will suffer if you are exposed to loud noises frequently. Again, in terms of radiation and sound safety, Bluetooth and wired headphones score equally; the only thing that matters is the volume in your ears.
Conclusion
The strongest scientific evidence shows that your headphones are reliable. Emitted frequencies or radiation from Bluetooth vs. corded headphones are not a concern.
You exhale with satisfaction after the fake physicians and snake oil merchants are silenced. Although much has been discovered, there are still many unanswered concerns regarding the safety of headphones.