By Kayla DeKraker
Most of us use Bluetooth everyday to connect our headphones, cars and other devices, but did you know that there are several risks involved with the technology?
First, Bluetooth drains our phone’s battery. If you don’t have access to a charger, this could become an issue if your phone dies while you’re out and about and need it. Simply turning Bluetooth off when you’re not using it can save your battery life.
Bluetooth also poses a security risk. Some virtual attackers can access your data and personal information if the Bluetooth function is left on. Additionally, the technology can allow apps to track your activity on your phone.
But the health risks caused by Bluetooth are even more concerning.
Jerry Phillips, a biochemistry professor at the University of Colorado, explained how the Bluetooth connection in AirPods and other wireless earbuds may harm us physically.
“My concern for AirPods is that their placement in the ear canal exposes tissues in the head to relatively high levels of radio-frequency radiation,” he said.
However, Dr. Michael Schulder, director of Northwell Health’s Brain Tumor Center, disagrees.
“There has not been a major bump in tumors to suggest that cell phones are causing it [the tumors] and we know that the Bluetooth radiation is less than cell phones themselves,” he said.
While the connection between Bluetooth use to cancer isn’t certain, Health.com says “more studies are needed.”
However, it never hurts to be safe, and you can take steps like turning off Bluetooth and using airplane mode to reduce your exposure to EMFs and radiation.
Being unaware of your surroundings when wearing Bluetooth headphones, though, poses more of a risk than any potential cancer diagnosis in the future.
Dr. Ken Foster, professor emeritus of bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania, said, “If you’re walking around with your earbuds blasting, and you walk out in front of a car, that’s a lot more dangerous than some theoretical tumor 20 years down the road.”
Whatever the health risks, the CDC recommends that headphone use should be limited to one hour per day. They also recommend listening at a lower volume and using both earbuds so you aren’t tempted to turn one up really high.
Life doesn’t come without risk, but minor changes can help us live healthier lives.
Read Next: Is Too Much Screen-Time Harmful for Our Children’s Brain Function?
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