Wireless technology is in vogue today. It allows
communication without the use of cables. We all use Wi-Fi to connect to the
internet on our laptops, mobile phones….wireless keypads, mouse, head phones,
speakers, routers, are familiar generic terms.
Technology has undoubtedly made life comfortable and
easier for us. However, the impact of technology on human health is not yet
fully known. It’s still a subject of research and hence, is a cause for
concern.
Wireless technology uses electromagnetic waves as do the
mobile phones.
The safety of wireless headphones, particularly of
Apple's AirPods, has come under scrutiny. A major concern with the use of these
devices is the risk of cancer due to exposure of tissues in the head to
relatively high levels of radio-frequency radiation.
In 2011, the WHO’s International Agency for Research on
Cancer (IARC) lassified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as
“possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for
glioma (malignant brain cancer) associated with wireless phone use.
Class 2B means there is limited evidence of
carcinogenicity in humans, but sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental
animals. Also, there is strong evidence that the agent exhibits key
characteristics of carcinogens.
More than 200 scientists from 42 countries had called for
protection from non-ionizing electromagnetic field exposure in a petition in
2015, where they stated: “… We are scientists engaged in the study of
biological and health effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF).
Based upon peer-reviewed, published research, we have serious concerns
regarding the ubiquitous and increasing exposure to EMF generated by electric
and wireless devices. These include–but are not limited to–radiofrequency
radiation (RFR) emitting devices, such as cellular and cordless phones and
their base stations, Wi-Fi, broadcast antennas, smart meters, and baby monitors
as well as electric devices and infra-structures used in the delivery of
electricity that generate extremely-low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF
EMF)...”
They further stated: “Numerous recent scientific
publications have shown that EMF affects living organisms at levels well below
most international and national guidelines. Effects include increased cancer
risk, cellular stress, increase in harmful free radicals, genetic damages,
structural and functional changes of the reproductive system, learning and
memory deficits, neurological disorders, and negative impacts on general
well-being in humans…”
The concerns with AirPods are that since they are
inserted in the ear, they are closer to the acoustic nerve and brain tissue
which are susceptible to the effects of microwave radiation. They also emit
near-field magnetic induction. The safety of exposure to these radiations in
the long-term is yet to be established. Also, their SAR or Specific Absorption
Rate is high. SAR is a measure of the rate of radiofrequency energy absorption
by the body from the source (cell phone). The permissible maximum SAR value
for mobile phones in India is 1.6 Watts per Kg 1 measured over 1 gm of tissue.
But, there is another view on this, which says that
exposure to radiofrequency waves is minimal with AirPods as the antenna “sticks
out from the ear and lies a half-inch or so above the head... it does not
radiate energy into the ear”.
There has not been new research on health concerns with
AirPods or Bluetooth. And, what evidence there is has only shown conflicting
data. Scientists are still trying to unravel the long-term safety of using
wireless and Bluetooth technology.
The jury is still out…
Tips for safe mobile phone use
·
Use headphones with cords
·
Use hands-free devices
·
Keep your phone away from
the body … radiation drops down to less than 1% when the cell phone is at a
distance of 18 cm (7 inches) from your body
·
Use speakerphone whenever
possible to reduce exposure to radiofrequency waves
·
Most importantly, reduce use
of mobile phones to the minimum possible
(Source: Medscape)
Dr KK Aggarwal
Padma Shri Awardee
President Elect Confederation of
Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania
(CMAAO)
Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications
President Heart Care Foundation of
India
Past National President
IMA
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