When Bluetooth technology first became available for consumers, I was always caught off guard by the people in the grocery store who appeared to be having a conversation with themselves. They’d be in the milk aisle talking about their mother in law! The technology does make our life easier, but could Bluetooth be putting us at risk for a brain tumor as well?
Bluetooth is dangerous because like regular WiFi, it transmits using Radio Frequency (RF) Radiation, using the exact same frequency your microwave oven uses to cook your food. There are literally hundreds of 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 was finally forced to classify it as a “possible carcinogenic” in 2011.
Bluetooth is basically WiFi designed for individual devices to communicate with each other and share data, rather than to connect you to the internet. A common theme we hear today is that Bluetooth is safe because it is typically a lower powered signal than regular cellphone RF Radiation. But this is a misnomer for 2 reasons.
First, according to Kevin Mottus of the US Brain Tumor Association, within the RF Radiation portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the higher the frequency, the more dangerous it is to living organisms. Bluetooth is a higher frequency than most cell phones.
And second, a constant low powered RF Radiation signal is more dangerous than a more powerful short duration RF Radiation signal. Bluetooth emits RF Radiation constantly as long as it is on, and it is a slightly higher frequency than 4G cell service. (5G is a much higher frequency than Bluetooth.)
(Before we get into the rest of this article I just want to mention two things. First, you may wish to also see my related article entitled “How To Protect Yourself From Bluetooth Radiation – A Helpful Guide!“. And second, many people that come to this site are also interested in emergency preparedness. If you are interested in this subject you might want to check out EmergencyPrepGuy.com. It has really good information on all types of emergency preparation. )
A False Bluetooth Claim
A false claim that is often made is that “there is no studies showing that Bluetooth is harmful to humans”. People say this because there are so few studies done specifically on the “Bluetooth” signal. A lack of studies does not prove something is safe. As I mentioned above there have literally been hundreds of peer reviewed scientific studies on RF Radiation in general since the 1960’s. And they link RF Radiation to more ailments than just cancer. They also link it to DNA damage (especially in infants and fetuses), crib death, male infertility and other things.
In the below video I use a meter called a “High Frequency Analyzer” to measure the amount of RF Radiation emitted by a pair of Bluetooth Earbuds. I highly recommend that you take a couple of minutes to watch the video. It is short but informative. You will be surprised at how much radiation is emitted from something so small. But seeing is believing and knowledge is power.
The ferrite beads that I demonstrate in the above video is really one of the most important things you can do to protect your brain from RF Radiation. Always at least use a corded headset with a Ferrite Bead at the bottom and it will keep you much safer.
An “air tube headset” with a ferrite bead is the safest way to talk on your phone (next to having it on speaker phone and sitting on the table). I show what I think are the best air tube headsets in my article “The 9 Best Air Tube Headsets – My Top Picks!“. A corded headset without the ferrite bead is almost as dangerous as a Bluetooth headset, because the radiation runs right up the cord and into your ear.
Bluetooth Radiation and Your Health
So, what does all this RF radiation mean for your health? Bluetooth technology is linked to rare brain tumors, dizziness, sleep issues, anxiety, depression, birth defects and more. Again see the scientific studies page of this website for links to studies that show that Bluetooth causes these health problems.
RF radiation has a thermal effect on the body. That means RF radiation has the properties to change our cell structure and make us more susceptible to disease and other health problems. The below video shows some products that have been scientifically proven to neutralize the harmful effects of Bluetooth, 5G and other forms of EMF Radiation.
Common Bluetooth Health Risks “Debunked”
Two of the most common “debunking” you hear about the dangers of Bluetooth are that since 1. Bluetooth is a non-ionizing form of electromagnetic radiation, and 2. that Bluetooth uses a low powered signal that does not travel very far, it is perfectly harmless. These are two of the main claims made for example in the articles entitled “Is Bluetooth Safe? The Truth Behind Radiation Concerns” by the editor at headphonesty.com, and “Myths and facts: Can Bluetooth be dangerous?” by the technology blog blog.teufelaudio.com. So let’s talk about these claims and see if they are right!
Non-Ionizing Radiation
This is probably the claim we hear the most, that only ionizing electromagnetic radiation is dangerous (such as x-rays and gamma rays). This is what we always hear from government, technology or technology industry funded non profit organizational sources. It seams they all have an incentive to push the “its harmless” narrative.
However there are literally hundreds of independently funded non governmental sources and peer reviewed studies that say just the opposite. These link especially the microwave portion of non ionizing electromagnetic radiation to things like cancer, brain tumors, breast cancer, crib death, and infertility. Bluetooth devices (coincidentally) use the exact same frequency that your microwave oven uses to cook your food.
In the video below, microwave radiation expert Barry Trower first talks about his career and credentials, but by about the 6 minute mark in the video he goes into discussing all of the various harmful health effects he has witnessed caused by this radiation. If you are interested in this topic at all his video is very informative and worth watching.
Low Powered Signal That Doesn’t Travel Far
The idea in this claim is that since the typical Bluetooth signal travels less than 30 feet, it isn’t as bad as your WiFi router for example. This is the dumbest argument I have ever heard. Hello we stick Bluetooth devices in our ears, literally centimeters away from our brains!
With Bluetooth they don’t have to travel far because these devices are always not only close to each other, but physically close to us. When traveling many people have two or more Bluetooth devices (their phones on Bluetooth mode) connected to the the Bluetooth stereos in their car. Each of these devices are within a couple of feet from us, if not right next to our bodies.
The final part of this claim is that Bluetooth is a low powered signal. This is true. However in some of the studies I link to on the scientific studies page of this website it shows that a low powered signal in close proximity to a person’s body causes more harm than a higher powered signal for either a shorter duration or a farther distance away. We typically keep Bluetooth devices close to our bodies and on for extended periods of time.
Reducing Bluetooth Radiation
So, by now you’re probably ready to throw out all your Bluetooth products. While it may seem dramatic, eliminating the source of RF radiation is the only way to eliminate your exposure. But, remember Bluetooth devices are only one source of RF radiation exposure in your life. If you still carry around a cell phone you are still exposing yourself to harmful RF radiation.
Bluetooth isn’t the only way to communicate hands-free. There are several air-tube devices on the market that use a different kind of technology and reduces your RF radiation exposure. Here’s how the air tube headset differs from your typical headset:
“A conventional headset has a wire cable. Wire has metal in it. This metal conducts the radiation coming from your cell phone allowing it to easily travel up the wire and into your head. Wired headsets can act as an antenna attracting ambient EMFs, transmitting radiation directly to your brain, thereby increasing your exposure.
The air tube headset uses hollow air tubes to conduct the sound from your cell phone, or other device, using “sound waves.” Electricsense.com.
For more information about the various headset options, check out another blog post here. I’ve done all the research for you to make your switch from Bluetooth to radiation free head-sets as easy as possible.
There is still a lot of unknowns about Bluetooth Technology Radiation. We do know this technology is being integrated into most high-tech devices in your home. Baby monitors, scales, watches, computers, shoes, the list goes on and on. I just read an article about a high tech front door lock that is connected via Bluetooth to your phone.
That’s amazing and terrifying all at the same time. Watches are now connected to your computer to track your sleep patterns and heart rhythm. A pair of sneakers can now connect to an app on your phone that tracks your speed and distance on the track and compares it to data from your last workout. The applications for Bluetooth technology are truly endless. This technology can serve a very beneficial purpose, think of all the information it can gather and what we can do with that information.
For example, if you’re trying to lose weight, having a Bluetooth capable watch connected to your phone, may very well track your heart rate during specific activities. You can then make adjustments to increase your heart rate, boost your metabolism and meet your goals. But, what if the very technology helping you lose weight is actually causing you to gain weight, feel depressed and messing with your sleep schedule? That would be counterproductive. I think there is a time and place for modern-technology, only if it is safe to use.
It’s clear based on expert opinion we need to limit our Bluetooth radiation exposure. It’s easier said than done, especially in our culture where we it’s standard to multitask all day, every day. I recently read an article where several doctors admit to telling their patients to never use Bluetooth or hold their cell phone up to their head. These same doctors also say they limit their time on the phone and prefer to text over talking. Small changes to reduce your radiation exposure everyday will add up in a big way. Let me know how it goes!
How Does Bluetooth Work?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology used specifically for transmitting data between modern day high tech devices. I’m not an engineer, but basically when you enable the Bluetooth option on your phone and your headset, they connect and share information. This is how you are able to make a phone call with a wireless set. Get it? Because the signals between the two devices are typically low frequency, some industry experts will tell you Bluetooth is perfectly safe to use.
However, many researchers and doctors believe there is simply no safe level of RF radiation, especially when the source of the radiation is attached to your ear. A recent article on Emfacademy.com does a really good job of explaining the concerns with Bluetooth radiation:
“It is true that most Bluetooth devices emit less radiation that the government regulatory agencies “safe” standards of SAR, or Specific Absorption Rate. However, the amount of radiation exposure that these agencies consider safe is FAR off from what science says is actually safe for the human body. One issue is that researchers tend to focus on the fact that Bluetooth technology is non-thermal and non-ionizing radiation, and point to that as a reason for it not being harmful.
However, science does show is that non-ionizing radiation is certainly harmful, and the fact that it is non-thermal has no impact on EMF and microwave radiation dangers. When you use a Bluetooth Headset, you are exposing your brain, your eyes, your ears, and many other organs to EMF radiation. Even though research shows that the Specific Absorption Rate (how fast radiation is absorbed by the body) of Bluetooth headsets is about .25 W/Kg, this is still high enough to cause significant damage from prolonged use,” Emfacademy.com
There are several different classifications of Bluetooth. Each classification uses a different amount of power to transmit data. Class 1 Bluetooth devices use the most power and emit the most RF radiation. Class 1 Bluetooth devices includes laptops and computers. Class 2 Bluetooth uses slightly less power and are used in applications such as wireless mice, headsets, cell phones and keyboards.
Class 3 Bluetooth devices use the lowest amount of power and therefor don’t emit as much RF radiation as a Class 1 device. If you insist on using a Bluetooth device double check to see what classification it falls into. Of, course going without Bluetooth is probably your best bet, but sometimes it’s just not possible. There are however, headsets, that don’t use Bluetooth and eliminate the RF radiation. But, remember your cell phone is still emitting harmful radiation, even if your headset is not. Just something to think about.
Bluetooth in Your Car
We know Bluetooth headsets are dangerous, but what about all that modern-day technology in your car? Most brand-new vehicles have all the bells and whistles. You can make phone calls from you steering wheel! It’s amazing. But, just like with the headsets, exposing yourself to low doses of RF radiation over a long period of time can be really dangerous. How much time do you spend in your car?
We live in the country and I spend well over five or six hours a week just running errands to the grocery store, post office and bank. That’s a lot of time and a lot of exposure to RF radiation. One study found just two hours of exposure to RF radiation, like that from a Bluetooth, can cause irreversible cell damage.
If this study is accurate, and I’m spending at least five hours in the car a day, that means every time I make a hands-free phone call, I’m putting myself at risk. I think I’ll pass on making phone calls in the car for now. While this article is about Bluetooth technology, please note your car also may have WIFI capabilities too.
If you have GPS and one of those high tech fancy screens, your car is full of all sorts of RF radiation. WIFI typically emits higher levels of RF radiation than Bluetooth technology. Combine the two sources of RF radiation and you’ve got yourself a car full of health risks. Excuse me for a minute while I search for a 1956 Chevy on Craigslist. While I love a brand-new car, I don’t think all the bells and whistles are making my life any better.
For information about the RF radiation emitted from the Bluetooth in your car please see our article entitled Is The Bluetooth in My Car Dangerous? There are a lot of other devices in our homes that emit RF Radiation. A great article talking about the worst culprits is my article “The 7 Worst Radiation Dangers In Your Home” .