This year, the popular wireless headphones of Apple’s AirPods are often seen everywhere, having sold 28 million pieces worldwide. But, do you have any idea that those wireless headphones could pose a cancer risk?
A team of 250 experts has expressed some serious concerns about the risks of using AirPods and other wireless headphones to the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Basically, wireless devices, including AirPods, abide by the legal limits of electromagnetic frequency (EMF) radio waves. However, the 250 experts are concerned that the limits are too lax.
Jerry Phillips, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Colorado explained that wireless devices, particular headphones, are a big concern because of the fact they are inserted in the ear canal.
Phillips stated, “My concern for AirPods is that their placement in the ear canal exposes tissues in the head to relatively high levels of radio-frequency radiation.”
The researchers wrote:
“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.”
They demand that the existing guidelines must be reinforced and people should be informed about the risks associated with EMF radio waves.
This particular subject is extremely controversial. Several previous studies proving a connection between mobile devices and cancer have been brushed off.
According to a Medium post, other researchers say there is no risk, with Kenneth Foster, a professor of bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania, stating “these arguments have no credibility.” Meanwhile, Yahoo has approached Apple for comment.
