You may have heard rumors that Bluetooth headphones and earphones, like Apple AirPods, Beats Studio Buds, and others, can causebrain cancer. But are these concerns founded?
Cell phonesand other devices give off a form of energy known asradiofrequency(RF) waves. As a result, some people have raised concerns about the safety of cell phone use. However, that doesn’t mean Bluetooth devices are harmful or that WiFi, cell phones, televisions, and computers cause cancer.
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This article covers what the research says about Bluetooth and cancer. It will also go over what you should know about radiation, WiFi, cell phones, and other devices.
Are Bluetooth Headphones Safe?
When the general public became aware of the research, it made people question whether their Bluetooth headsets and speakers could cause brain cancer,testicular cancer, and other health problems.
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The studies prompted more than 200 scientists from around the world to petition the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN). The researchers asked these organizations to impose stricter guidelines for electromagnetic radiation.
The controversy around Bluetooth and cancer was reignited in 2019 in tandem with the growing popularity of AirPods and other wireless Bluetooth headsets. There was also a flurry of media reports that referred back to the scientists’ 2015 petition to the WHO/UN.
Devices and Radiation
Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is a form of energy. It comes from natural and man-made sources and can vary in strength from low to high energy. EMR takes many forms, includingmicrowaves, radio waves, andX-rays.
There are two main types of EMR:
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, radiation exposure—whether throughradiation therapyor other sources—may increase the risk factors for developing a type of brain cancer calledmeningioma.
A meningioma is a tumor that slowly grows on the surface of your brain. While it is the most common type of tumor that forms in the head, about 80% of meningiomas arebenign, or not cancer.
Some people believe that non-ionizing radiation is harmful to the human body and cancause meningiomas. However, the research has not shown evidence of this effect in humans.
Bluetooth Headphones and Cancer
It might be hard to remember life before everyone started using Bluetooth headphones, but they were only introduced into the market in 2004.
Though the rumors that Bluetooth devices cause cancer spread like wildfire, there is currently no evidence that Bluetooth devices increase the risk of developing cancer.
Another study evaluated cell phone use among 5,000 people withbrain tumorsand concluded that mobile phone use does not cause brain tumors in adults.
What Causes Brain Tumors?
In the UK, a large study involving 800,000 assigned females came to a similar conclusion: the study found mobile phone use is not associated with the increased incidence of brain cancers.The National Cancer Institute has clearly stated that there is no evidence that radiofrequency radiation can cause cancer.
Even with this evidence, there remains some uncertainty in the scientific community.
What Experts SayAlthough the CDC, FDA, and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) say that there is no evidence of cancer from cell phone use, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies radio-frequency radiation from wireless devices as a possible cause of cancer.
What Experts Say
Although the CDC, FDA, and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) say that there is no evidence of cancer from cell phone use, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies radio-frequency radiation from wireless devices as a possible cause of cancer.
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Summary
Radiofrequency radiation (RFR), used for wireless communications is increasing fast. At this time, there is little to no evidence to support a causal relationship between exposure to RFR and human cancers.
That said, the long-term risks of RFR exposure are still relatively unknown, particularly in vulnerable populations, such as children. More research is required on the long-term effects of RFR exposure.
To reduce your risk of RFR exposure, consider using your electronic devices—including your Bluetooth headphones—in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends wearing Bluetooth headphones for no more than one hour per day. However, the guideline is more aboutprotecting your hearingthan avoiding radiation exposure.
The Hearing Health Foundation recommends using over-the-ear headphones instead of earbuds to avoiddamaging your hearing.
Wired headphones put out less radiofrequency (RF) waves compared to Bluetooth. However, they do emit a small electromagnetic field (EMF). Small amounts of RF and EMF are not currently linked to health concerns.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Carlberg M, Carlberg M.Pooled analysis of Swedish case-control studies during 1997‑2003 and 2007-2009 on meningioma risk associated with the use of mobile and cordless phones.Oncology Reports, 2015;33,3093-3098. doi:10.3892/or.2015.3930Foster K, Moulder J.Can Wi-Fi affect brain function?. Radiation Research. 2015;184(6),565-567. doi:10.1667/RR14282.1EMFScientist.org.International appeal: Scientists call for protection from non-ionizing electromagnetic field exposure.American Society of Clinical Oncologists.Risk factors for brain and spinal cord tumors.National Cancer Institute.Cell phones and cancer risk.Wall S, Wang ZM, Kendig T, Dobraca D, Lipsett M.Real-world cell phone radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposures.Environ Res. 2019;171:581-592. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2018.09.015Swerdlow AJ, Feychting M, Green AC, Leeka Kheifets LK, Savitz DA; International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Standing Committee on Epidemiology.Mobile phones, brain tumors, and the INTERPHONE study: Where are we now?Environ Health Perspect. 2011;119(11):1534-8. doi:10.1289/ehp.1103693Benson VS, Pirie K, Schüz J, Reeves GK, Beral V, Green J; Million Women Study Collaborators.Mobile phone use and risk of brain neoplasms and other cancers: Prospective study.Int J Epidemiol. 2013;42(3):792-802. doi:10.1093/ije/dyt072World Health Organization.IARC classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans.Hearing Health Foundation.Earbuds vs. over-the-ear headphones: Which should you use?World Health Organization.Radiation: Electromagnetic fields.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Carlberg M, Carlberg M.Pooled analysis of Swedish case-control studies during 1997‑2003 and 2007-2009 on meningioma risk associated with the use of mobile and cordless phones.Oncology Reports, 2015;33,3093-3098. doi:10.3892/or.2015.3930Foster K, Moulder J.Can Wi-Fi affect brain function?. Radiation Research. 2015;184(6),565-567. doi:10.1667/RR14282.1EMFScientist.org.International appeal: Scientists call for protection from non-ionizing electromagnetic field exposure.American Society of Clinical Oncologists.Risk factors for brain and spinal cord tumors.National Cancer Institute.Cell phones and cancer risk.Wall S, Wang ZM, Kendig T, Dobraca D, Lipsett M.Real-world cell phone radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposures.Environ Res. 2019;171:581-592. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2018.09.015Swerdlow AJ, Feychting M, Green AC, Leeka Kheifets LK, Savitz DA; International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Standing Committee on Epidemiology.Mobile phones, brain tumors, and the INTERPHONE study: Where are we now?Environ Health Perspect. 2011;119(11):1534-8. doi:10.1289/ehp.1103693Benson VS, Pirie K, Schüz J, Reeves GK, Beral V, Green J; Million Women Study Collaborators.Mobile phone use and risk of brain neoplasms and other cancers: Prospective study.Int J Epidemiol. 2013;42(3):792-802. doi:10.1093/ije/dyt072World Health Organization.IARC classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans.Hearing Health Foundation.Earbuds vs. over-the-ear headphones: Which should you use?World Health Organization.Radiation: Electromagnetic fields.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Carlberg M, Carlberg M.Pooled analysis of Swedish case-control studies during 1997‑2003 and 2007-2009 on meningioma risk associated with the use of mobile and cordless phones.Oncology Reports, 2015;33,3093-3098. doi:10.3892/or.2015.3930Foster K, Moulder J.Can Wi-Fi affect brain function?. Radiation Research. 2015;184(6),565-567. doi:10.1667/RR14282.1EMFScientist.org.International appeal: Scientists call for protection from non-ionizing electromagnetic field exposure.American Society of Clinical Oncologists.Risk factors for brain and spinal cord tumors.National Cancer Institute.Cell phones and cancer risk.Wall S, Wang ZM, Kendig T, Dobraca D, Lipsett M.Real-world cell phone radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposures.Environ Res. 2019;171:581-592. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2018.09.015Swerdlow AJ, Feychting M, Green AC, Leeka Kheifets LK, Savitz DA; International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Standing Committee on Epidemiology.Mobile phones, brain tumors, and the INTERPHONE study: Where are we now?Environ Health Perspect. 2011;119(11):1534-8. doi:10.1289/ehp.1103693Benson VS, Pirie K, Schüz J, Reeves GK, Beral V, Green J; Million Women Study Collaborators.Mobile phone use and risk of brain neoplasms and other cancers: Prospective study.Int J Epidemiol. 2013;42(3):792-802. doi:10.1093/ije/dyt072World Health Organization.IARC classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans.Hearing Health Foundation.Earbuds vs. over-the-ear headphones: Which should you use?World Health Organization.Radiation: Electromagnetic fields.
Carlberg M, Carlberg M.Pooled analysis of Swedish case-control studies during 1997‑2003 and 2007-2009 on meningioma risk associated with the use of mobile and cordless phones.Oncology Reports, 2015;33,3093-3098. doi:10.3892/or.2015.3930
Foster K, Moulder J.Can Wi-Fi affect brain function?. Radiation Research. 2015;184(6),565-567. doi:10.1667/RR14282.1
EMFScientist.org.International appeal: Scientists call for protection from non-ionizing electromagnetic field exposure.
American Society of Clinical Oncologists.Risk factors for brain and spinal cord tumors.
National Cancer Institute.Cell phones and cancer risk.
Wall S, Wang ZM, Kendig T, Dobraca D, Lipsett M.Real-world cell phone radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposures.Environ Res. 2019;171:581-592. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2018.09.015
Swerdlow AJ, Feychting M, Green AC, Leeka Kheifets LK, Savitz DA; International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Standing Committee on Epidemiology.Mobile phones, brain tumors, and the INTERPHONE study: Where are we now?Environ Health Perspect. 2011;119(11):1534-8. doi:10.1289/ehp.1103693
Benson VS, Pirie K, Schüz J, Reeves GK, Beral V, Green J; Million Women Study Collaborators.Mobile phone use and risk of brain neoplasms and other cancers: Prospective study.Int J Epidemiol. 2013;42(3):792-802. doi:10.1093/ije/dyt072
World Health Organization.IARC classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Hearing Health Foundation.Earbuds vs. over-the-ear headphones: Which should you use?
World Health Organization.Radiation: Electromagnetic fields.
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