Is electromagnetic radiation associated with smartphones harmful, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
In this article, I will tell you what I found about this topic and discuss how we can interpret these results in the context of smartphone use.
Technical devices such as smartphones use several different technologies to communicate wirelessly with each other and with the Internet.
The most common of these, apart from cellular networks such as 4G and 5G, are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Both use electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range (about 2.4 GHz) to communicate.
In general, electromagnetic radiation can take many forms: from radio waves to light, from x-rays to gamma rays.
To assess how dangerous electromagnetic radiation is, it is important to distinguish between its frequency and strength.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals operate at frequencies that are considered safe because they are lower than other harmless emissions such as light.
However, just as you can get sunburned by strong light sources such as the midday sun, strong microwave radiation can cause damage to cells and organisms.
After all, we can cook food using extremely strong microwave radiation in microwave ovens.
Table of Contents
Is Bluetooth Less Radiation Than WiFi?
Both Bluetooth and WiFi Provide non-ionizing forms of radiation that are less dangerous to us.
One important thing to know is that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work with non-ionizing forms of radiation.
This means that these radio waves do not have enough energy to affect or change your DNA, the building blocks of life. Altering your DNA is bad, as it can open the door to life-threatening diseases.
Several studies have shown that even non-ionizing radiation can have small measurable effects on cells and tissues, but its seriousness is still much debated.
Is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Safer?
None of these 2 wireless communication Bluetooth and WiFi are safe, but the negative impact is little.
The fact is that all three methods of wireless communication – cellular network, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth – use radio waves.
We keep our cell phones turned on most of the time, so our cell phones emit radio waves all the time (unless you put it in airplane mode).
Thus, cell network coverage is the main source of radiation. But It does not mean that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth don’t add more radiation.
But their contribution is smaller, given that the signal strength is weaker than that of cellular signals.
Thus, their potential impact is also smaller. This “weakness” of the signal is still a matter of debate given that it is not absolute and depends on a number of factors, including signal strength and distance from the body.
How Does Distance Influence on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
These radio waves obey the inverse square law when it comes to distance.
This means that by increasing the distance between your body and the device, you can reduce exposure exponentially.
For example, if you double the distance, the exposure will decrease by a factor of four.
If you think in this vein, then the greatest danger is just talking on the phone. When talking on the phone, you bring the phone very close to the skull, and therefore to the brain.
The area of contact with your body is maximum, so talking on the phone poses a greater risk of radiation.
Similarly, when you use Bluetooth headphones and turn them on to listen to music, you again establish direct contact with the device.
Thus, you’d better not use a Bluetooth headset if you need to minimize exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
Is it Better to Connect by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
The answer to the question of whether it is Better to Connect by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not so simple.
For example, if you turn them off and continue to use the cellular network for calls and the Internet, you will still be exposed to significant radiation exposure.
Also, since Bluetooth devices such as headphones or smart bands are wearable items, you are putting yourself at greater risk due to this direct contact.
Finally, when it comes to choosing between cellular data and Wi-Fi, it’s definitely better to choose Wi-Fi as the strength of Wi-Fi signals in terms of SAR value is much less.
Moreover, you will significantly save on the battery, which is always good…
Short Summary
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are transmitted using electromagnetic waves in the 2.4 GHz band, called microwave radiation.
- The potential danger of electromagnetic radiation depends on both its frequency and strength.
- Studies show that very strong microwave radiation can cause cell damage and to a small extent cause cancer in animals. However, the results of these studies cannot be transferred to realistic scenarios in humans, as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals are much weaker in strength.
- There is currently no evidence of adverse health effects (such as cancer) caused by people using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or mobile phones.
FAQ
What Is More Harmful Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?
It’s definitely better to choose Wi-Fi as the strength of Wi-Fi signals in terms of SAR value is much less.
But, remember that mobile communications are 800 times more harmful than wi-fi or Bluetooth.
Imagine: wi-fi gets at 10m maximum (walls reduce the signal), and the mobile has to get to the “tower”, which is 10 km or more than the mobile phone – and this means electromagnetic radiation from the mobile is 800 times stronger and more harmful.
Can I Sleep Next to a Wi-Fi Router?
It is better not to put a Wi-Fi router in the bedroom
The router, like other devices that receive radio signals, emits electromagnetic radiation, which, although it can affect human health, is not so significant.
The frequency of electromagnetic radiation of a home router is in the range from 2.4 to 5 GHz.
Where Is It Safe to Install a Router In An Apartment?
It is recommended to place the router on a table, cabinet, shelf, low cabinet, or hang it on the wall at a height of about 1 to 2 meters. This arrangement of equipment will ensure the best coverage of the Wi-Fi signal.
At What Distance is Wi-Fi Harmful?
The router must be at least 1 meter away from the person, then the signal loses 50% of the radiation power (so not strong), if your router is at a distance of 2 meters from the person, then the signal loses almost all of its radiation (not to be confused with signal strength).
