How radioactive are AirPods?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 22, 2026
False. While research into non-ionizing radiation emitted by Bluetooth devices is ongoing, scientists and health agencies told Reuters that AirPods meet national and international safety regulations. This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team.
How much radiation is in AirPods?
Video of EMF exposure from Apple AirPods.
The levels are up to 3500mV/m – 10 times the level of a mobile phone call.
Do AirPods have health risks?
OWNERS of in-ear headphones like Apple AirPods have been warned using them could cause serious health issues like vertigo and even hearing loss. Repeated and long-lasting use of the gadgets could lead to warning signs that are often overlooked as leading indicators of health hazards to come, it's been warned.
Why you shouldn't wear AirPods?
One word: sweat. After all, AirPods are neither sweat nor water-resistant. "Simply put, sweat—and any kind of water—will damage headphones permanently if it gets inside," our executive editor, TJ Donegan, explains.
How long is it safe to wear AirPods?
Using AirPods for over 90 minutes at a time may result in aching pain. The cartilage in your ears simply isn't meant to hold something nestled inside for hours at a time. Using earbuds for too long can cause your ears to start to hurt.
39 related questions foundHow do AirPods affect your brain?
EMF radiation, which is emitted by devices like AirPods, has been related to a number of health issues. It has also been connected to the development of ADHD, as well as the possibility that it may cause cancer or DNA damage.
Is Bluetooth safe for brain?
Since Bluetooth is in the non-ionizing group of EMR which emits low-frequency waves, it is safe for humans, and it will not pose any health risks to the brain. These frequencies are too low to change the cell structure.
Does iPhone give off radiation?
The radiation given off by iPhones isn't ionizing and is on the lower end of the electromagnetic spectrum, far from being dangerous like a UV light. Your iPhone will definitely not make you sick after using it for a few days.
Which phone has the most radiation?
Smartphones With the Highest Levels of Radiation Emissions
The Motorola Edge has the highest radiation emission with a SAR value of 1.79 watts of radiation per kilogram. That's significantly higher than most other smartphone models in the market today and close to the limits set by the EU for cellphones.
Does Airplane mode stop radiation?
Does Airplane Mode Stop all Radiation? Airplane mode terminates all wireless connections so yes, it does cut the vast majority of mobile phone radiation. Still, your phone will always emit some level of radiation provided it is switched on.
Are wired headphones safe?
Wired headphones do not emit any type of RF waves so they are the safer option if you need a pair for long-term use. They still emit EMF radiation but on a very small scale. Keep in mind other signals such as WiFi are available everywhere already and, unfortunately, EMFs are a part of our environment.
Are earbuds safe?
To ensure you don't hurt your ears, keep your earbuds at a safe volume. Experts suggest a maximum of 85 decibels (dB) for safe listening. If you can't measure this, though, it's recommended to listen at 60% or less of your device's maximum volume.
Do earbuds emit radiation?
The logic goes that since wired headphones aren't emitting a signal, they aren't putting out radiation. Unfortunately, this is false since wired headphones only put out a type of weak radiation called extremely low frequency (ELF), which is even safer than regular non-ionizing EMR.
Do wireless earbuds emit radiation?
Bluetooth wireless headphones emit relatively low levels of radiation compared to devices like cell phones, with power density exposures estimated at 10-400 times lower, according to a peer-reviewed study published in 2019 to inform public health guidance.
Are AirPods safe for kids?
AirPods: For adults only. As evidenced by the above news story, AirPods—or any small wireless earbuds—are a serious choking hazard for young kids. And even when used correctly and placed in your child's ears, they can still do damage.
Are wireless headphones safe?
One of the commonest ones being the health risks associated with the usage of Bluetooth headphones. There have been numerous reports and claims that suggest that prolonged usage of Bluetooth headphones could be scarily bad for your brain health, and may even act as a source of cancer.
Why do my AirPods hurt?
Your AirPods don't fit you properly
If you're experiencing ear pain when wearing AirPods, it could be because they are not compatible with your ear profile. Each person's ear profile has its own custom size, depth, and shape. So much so that they're viewed as more effective identifiers than fingerprints.
Can AirPods damage your ears?
Headphones and earbuds can fill your ears with satisfying sounds — but they could also damage your hearing.
Are Bluetooth earbuds a health risk?
Since it's a kind of non-ionizing EMR, Bluetooth is generally safe for humans, and will not affect our health. In fact, Bluetooth has relatively low specific absorption rate (SAR) levels, further proving that it's not dangerous to humans.
Are earbuds safer than headphones?
While both earbuds and headphones present the risk of high decibel levels and long exposure, earbuds are actually more likely to cause damage. Since earbuds sit right inside your ear and are very close to the ear canal, they naturally increase the volume by around 9 decibels.
Do headphones reduce radiation?
A wired headset will automatically decrease your radiation exposure because the phone is away from the body. Every inch you can get away from the body reduces the amount of radiation you are absorbing. A wired headset may still transmit radiation through the wire – but it is a very low level.
What are the safest headphones for your ears?
Fear Hearing Loss? Five Headphones Designed to Protect Your Ears
- V-Moda Over-Ear Noise Isolating Headphone: $99.95. ...
- dB Logic EP-100 Earbuds: $29.99. ...
- AudioTechnica Premium Solid Bass In-Ear Headphones: $119.95. ...
- AfterShokz Bluez Open Ear Wireless Headphones: $99.95. ...
- Maxwell Safe Soundz Headphones: $19.99.
What does sleeping next to your phone do?
Yes, it can seriously mess up your sleep! Smartphones emit high levels of radiation which can cause disfunction or unbalance to your biological clock. In this way, sleeping next to your phone could actually lead to more nightmares because your cardiac rhythm could be thrown for a loop.