When you buy your Bluetooth headset, you may come across an article that talks about the dangers of Bluetooth waves. 

In this article, we are going to check the accuracy and correctness of this issue and see if you should really be concerned about this issue or not?

In this article, we are going to tell you what Bluetooth really is. So if you have any questions about the safety of this technology or if you think that the waves are dangerous, then we suggest that you do not miss the rest of this article.

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth was introduced in 1989 and was able to gradually expand and replace cables in many cases. Until 1999, the first wireless headset was the first to use this technology. Since then, Bluetooth has been found on laptops, cell phones, headphones, speakers, keyboards, printers, and more. In fact, this technology has been able to cover a wide range of short-range connections.

Bluetooth uses a packet-based protocol. Using master / slave architecture, this technology can simultaneously connect 7 devices on a Paikont platform (a type of network). Through a radio communication system, these devices can interact with each other wirelessly.

Depending on the Bluetooth class used, this technology can still work up to 300 feet away. Of course, this also depends on the conditions between the devices, for example, walls, other signals and… Bluetooth uses electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Radiation may be mentioned here, but you do not need to worry. Here’s how EMR works.

How Do Electromagnetic Radiations Work?

EMR is the invisible energy emitted by objects at different frequencies. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), higher EMR frequencies also provide higher energy levels.

There are two types of EMR: ionized and non-ionized EMR. Both of these EMRs come from natural and artificial sources. Ionized EMR is found in X-ray and direct sunlight devices. This type of EMR can separate electrons from atoms, which poses potential risks to the human body.

Non-ionized EMR, on the other hand, uses lower frequencies and therefore produces less energy. Appliances that emit this type of radiation include light bulbs, smartphones, televisions and, of course, Bluetooth devices.

Is Bluetooth radiation dangerous?

All Bluetooth devices emit low-level non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. Research on the safety of non-ionized EMR may not be very consistent, but in some cases there is consensus.

According to the National Cancer Institute in the United States, the only recognizable biological effect of radio frequency radiation on the human body is heat. Due to its low energy levels, non-ionized EMR also does not have enough energy to break chemical filaments or remove electrons. In addition, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that non-ionized EMR in small doses can have little (or no) adverse effect  on the human body.

Should we be concerned about the dangers of Bluetooth waves?

As long as the emitted frequencies are less than the limits set by the Federal Communications Committee (FCC), then it can be said that your Bluetooth device will not be safe in daily use. The FCC emits a specific rate of absorption (SAR) (or how much radio frequency energy is absorbed by the body (in watts per kilogram or milliwatts per square centimeter)).

In the United States, for example, this limit is set at 1.6 watts per kilogram. In Europe, however, this figure is 2.0 watts per kilogram for mobile devices. For example, the SAR value for the Apple AirPad is 0.466 watts per kilogram. However, making calls through the Apple AirPad is safer than the phone itself.

How do we know that the waves in our device are not harmful?

If you want to know how secure your Bluetooth device is, then one way is to use SAR information. There are several ways to check this value.

Refer to device settings

Many devices display the SAR value in their settings. On devices like iPhone and iPad, you need to go to “Settings> General> Legal> RF Exposure”.

Of course, you can also use the USSD code to find the SAR that belongs to your device. In this regard, you must dial “# 07 # *”.

Visit your device manufacturer’s website

If your device is manufactured by a large manufacturer, then the easiest way is to search for “your device name + SAR value” on the Internet. Most manufacturers also put the information of their production devices on their website.

For example, Samsung has provided a dedicated page to find the ranking of its production devices.

FCC Database

If you could not find the SAR specifications of your device through search engines, then you can go to the FCC website and see the list of approved devices there. To do this you need to go to the FCC database and then enter the FCC ID of your device.

For mobile phones, you can see the FCC ID on the cover, back of the battery or in the manual. Use the FCC Equipment Authorization section of the FCC website to find out if your device meets SAR standards.

Also read: Do mobile radio waves affect birds?

How to safely use Bluetooth devices

Above we discussed the dangers of Bluetooth waves. Naturally, the use of Bluetooth devices can also have its own advantages. Below we are going to tell you several ways to use these devices safely.

Stay away from your phone when using it

When making a call using your phone, make sure that the phone is at least one centimeter away from your ear. If possible, try using less energy-efficient Bluetooth earphones instead of the built-in speaker.

Make children less exposed to Bluetooth waves

When it comes to children, you need to be more careful about using these devices. Children are still growing and are therefore more sensitive to radiation than adults.

Choose your device carefully

If you can, then always choose a device with a lower SAR rating when shopping. Also try to buy products from companies that have become more compliant with FCC standards over time. Such companies are always trying to produce products that can pass rigorous tests.

Use Bluetooth devices with caution

Above we tried to address the dangers of Bluetooth waves. Naturally, there will always be this concern. If you are unsure about the safety of your device’s Bluetooth radiation, you can check your device’s FCC certification to get started. Most of the time, devices that have been able to meet the standards will not be dangerous to the consumer.

When it comes to safety, it is best to always be cautious. Of course, when we say be careful, this does not necessarily mean that you should not enjoy the experience of working with your device. Finally, it is better to take a few more minutes before buying your gadget and see if it meets the relevant standards or not, and it is also better to observe safety in the way of using it.