These days, Bluetooth earbuds and wireless headphones have become a part of everyday life. From office calls to the gym, travel, and even listening to podcasts while sleeping, people use them for hours. But with their increasing use, a question is also being discussed: Can prolonged use of Bluetooth earbuds increase the risk of brain cancer?
Actually, Bluetooth technology works through radio frequency (RF) radiation. This is why many people are afraid of it, because the word “radiation” conjures up thoughts of diseases like cancer. However, experts say that the radiation emitted from Bluetooth devices falls into the category of “non-ionizing radiation,” which is quite different from dangerous ionizing radiation like X-rays.
According to Dr. Ken Foster, Professor Emeritus of Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania, the radiation emitted from Bluetooth devices is much lower than that of mobile phones. He told Health that even if a person uses wireless earbuds for hours, their radiation exposure is considered less than talking on a phone.
Experts say that ionizing radiation can damage the body’s DNA and increase the risk of cancer. However, Bluetooth devices use non-ionizing radiation, which does not have enough energy to damage cells in the same way. This is why no research has yet proven a direct link between Bluetooth earbuds and brain cancer. However, scientists also believe that more research is needed on wireless devices and RF radiation. Currently, available studies have found no concrete evidence that Bluetooth earbuds cause brain tumors or cancer.