Wireless headphones, like Apple’s famous AirPods, could be responsible for neurological disorders, according to a petition signed by 250 scientists.
The appeal submitted to the United Nations (U.N.) was led by the International Electromagnetic Field Alliance which works at nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
Scientists warn wireless headphones like AirPods could result in neurological disorders
“The exposure to EMF is generated by electric and wireless devices,” the scientists claim. These include AirPods, Bluetooth devices, along with smartphones, and Wi-Fi, which produce radiofrequency radiation (RFR).
People of all age groups commonly use these devices to listen to music, podcasts, and even audiobooks.
Initially, the scientists released the appeal in 2015 and later updated it in 2019. It is an international petition from scientists involved in studying the harmful health effects of nonionizing EMF.
For many years, the health industry has claimed that nonionizing radiation is not dangerous and only ionizing radiation is harmful.
However, scientists have disagreed. “Based upon peer-reviewed, published research, we have serious concerns regarding the ubiquitous and increasing exposure to EMF generated by electric and wireless devices,” they said.
Quoting the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s classification of EMF, the scientists of the petition also stated that many scientific publications show that EMF affects organisms at levels “well below” most international and national guidelines.
What are the potential risks of exposure to EMF?
Apart from neurological disorders, there are many other potential risks of exposure to EMF. These include cancer, genetic damages, learning disorders, changes in the reproductive system, and increase in free radicals.
According to the petition, the World Health Organization is “failing to fulfill its role as the pre-eminent international public health agency.”
It notes that any damage from EMF “goes well beyond the human race, as there is growing evidence of harmful effects to both plant and animal life.”
According to the scientists, children and pregnant women should be safeguarded. Moreover, they stated that guidelines and regulatory standards should be strengthened and manufacturers be encouraged to develop safer technology.
They also highlighted that the public be informed about the potential health risks from electromagnetic energy and educated about harm reduction strategies. Additionally, health professionals should get training on treatment of patients with electromagnetic sensitivity.
