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Scientists Warn That Apple AirPods Might Be Dangerous

Scientists Warn That Apple AirPods Might Be Dangerous

A United Nations and World Health Origination petition is warning against using wireless devices such as AirPods

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Back in 2016, Apple announced it would be doing the unthinkable by launching the newest iPhone without headphone jacks. Rather than stress about with all those tangled wires, you'd instead need to use wireless Bluetooth headphones known as AirPods.

Good stuff.

But now a United Nations and World Health Origination petition is warning against using wireless devices such as AirPods, over fears regarding potentially dangerous radiation.

As many as 250 experts from more than 40 countries have expressed 'serious concern' over the radiation emitted by wireless devices, known as the non-ionising electromagnetic field (EMF).

"Based upon peer-reviewed, published research, we have serious concerns regarding the ubiquitous and increasing exposure to EMF generated by electric and wireless devices," the petition says.

"Numerous recent scientific publications have shown that EMF affects living organisms at levels well below most international and national guidelines."

Apple replaced the traditional headphone jack on its models in 2016.
PA

The petition also noted The International Agency for Research on Cancer recently determined that EMF is 'possibly carcinogenic' to humans.

Jerry Phillips, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Colorado, told lifestyle columnist Markham Heid, writing for Medium: "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."

However, not everyone shares the same concerns.

Kenneth Foster, a professor of bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania, insists that the evidence, when viewed in the whole, actually suggests there is no harm in the use of EMF-emitting devices.

He said: "There are many thousands of papers of varying quality and relevance to health that point in all sorts of directions."

Apple logo.
PA

Foster also said cherry-picking data to prove a supposed link to health conditions shows the arguments have 'no credibility'.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) epidemiologist Leeka I. Kheifets has also previously said wireless headphones are to a degree 'a positive development', as they draw people away from putting a powerful phone to their ears.

"We haven't done all we need to do in terms of looking at this technology's health effects and we need to do more," Kheifets said, speaking to the Los Angeles Times in 2016.

"It's worth it to be cautious, and part of being cautious is to use some kind of earpiece. And exposure from the Bluetooth device would be very, very low."

LADbible has contacted Apple for comment.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Phones and Gadgets, News, Technology, Apple