You probably own a pair of AirPods or similar wireless headphones. Many people do. They make talking on the phone, listening to a podcast or watching a video so much easier when you’re trying not to disturb those around you. They’re also super convenient because you no longer have a cord getting in your way.
While the technology that makes wireless headphones possible may seem appealing, scientists claim it’s too new to trust that it’s safe. In fact, 250 scientists have signed a petition to the United Nations stating that wireless headphones might be dangerous and could lead to a variety of neurological disorders and diseases, including cancer.
One of the scientists who signed the petition is Joel Moskowitz, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley. He told The Defender that the technology is too new to know for sure whether or not it is safe. He added, “I couldn’t imagine it’s all that great for you.”
Then Moskowitz explained why he believes it’s potentially dangerous to use wireless headphones. He explained that devices like AirPods, “communicate with one another using a magnetic induction field, a variable magnetic field [one] sends through your brain to communicate with the other.” He continued, “From a precautionary standpoint, I would argue you shouldn’t experiment with your brain like this by keeping these kinds of wireless headphones on your head or in your ears.” He added, “You’re conducting a health experiment on yourself, and current regulations are completely oblivious to these kinds of exposures.”
Martin Pall, Ph.D., professor emeritus at Washington State University also signed the petition. He explained that many chronic problems that people complain about are caused by nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure through devices like AirPods.
Pall stated, “It’s the same thing that everybody’s complaining about, ‘I’m tired all the time,’ ‘I can’t sleep,’ ‘I can’t concentrate,’ ‘I’m depressed,’ ‘I’m anxious all the time,’ ‘My memory doesn’t work well anymore.’ All the things everybody’s complaining about.” He continued, “We know all those things are caused by EMF exposures. There’s no doubt about that.”
While other wireless devices like cell phones and baby monitors also use EMF technology, the scientists believe wireless headphones are particularly dangerous because they are so close to a person’s brain and are often used for long periods of time.
In addition to potentially causing people to have trouble with their memory and their ability to concentrate, other concerns these scientists mention include the possibility of EMF exposure causing cancer, cellular stress, changes to the reproductive system, and genetic damages.
Do you use wireless headphones? Are you going to continue to use wireless headphones?
