Are Bluetooth headsets safe?

Bluetooth headsets have been around for over a decade, yet many are still reluctant to use them. It may have something to do with not wanting to look like an extra in a sci-fi movie, but there’s also the recurring question: Are Bluetooth headsets safe?

It’s kind of in our nature to worry about new technologies and whether they’re going to doom us all in some unforeseen way. People love a good dystopian tale. Bluetooth headsets…well, let’s just say they don’t make the best candidates for such a tale. If anything, they may actually reduce some of the risks associated with other tech. How so?

To answer that, let’s look at two things people tend to worry about:

• 1. Are Bluetooth headsets safe for your health?
• 2. Are Bluetooth headsets safe for driving?

People worry that wearing a radio-transmitting gadget on their head is going to cause some health issues. Let’s face it: Despite what comic books may have us believe, radiation rarely gives you superpowers. It’s generally something we want to stay away from.

But is radiation from Bluetooth headsets something to be worried about? The short answer is no – if you ask the scientists who study it. To understand why, let’s talk briefly about cell phone radiation studies first.

Cell phone radiation has been extensively studied. Scientists wanted to evaluate the potential health risks, especially when it came to cancer. What did they find?

American Cancer Society offers a thorough overview of all the studies to date. The basic consensus is that current research does not point to any obvious link to health issues from cell phone use. To quote a few expert agencies mentioned in the article:

“The majority of studies published have failed to show an association between exposure to radiofrequency from a cell phone and health problems”
– Food and Drug Administration

“At this time we do not have the science to link health problems to cell phone use. Scientific studies are underway to determine whether cell phone use may cause health effects.”
– Center for Disease Control and Prevention

“There is no scientific evidence that proves that wireless phone usage can lead to cancer or a variety of other problems, including headaches, dizziness or memory loss.”
– Federal Communications Commission

Nevertheless, more research is ongoing and people are encouraged to exercise caution and limit their exposure, especially when giving cell phones to children.

What does all of this mean for Bluetooth headsets? Well…