This article will give you a brief overview of bluetooth devices, how they operate, potential health concerns that come with their use, how to lower your exposure and how to test for bluetooth.
What Is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a wireless communication protocol designed for exchanging data over short distances—typically up to about 10 meters (33 feet) for most consumer devices, although some variants can reach further. It was originally conceived to replace cables for peripheral connections, and today it supports various applications, including audio streaming, file transfers, and device control.
Common Devices that Utilize Bluetooth
Common devices that utilize this within your home are as follows:
- headphones and earbuds
- computers
- game systems
- cell phones
- smart watches
- smart devices
- automobiles
The Frequency Band and Modulation
Frequency Band
Bluetooth operates in the globally available 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. This band is unlicensed in many countries, which means manufacturers and consumers can use it without needing special permissions. Operating in this band allows Bluetooth devices to work almost anywhere, but it also means that Bluetooth must share the spectrum with other technologies, like Wi-Fi and microwave ovens.
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
One of Bluetooth’s key features is its use of Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS). Rather than transmitting on a single frequency, a Bluetooth device rapidly switches between 79 (or sometimes 160 in Bluetooth Low Energy) channels within the 2.4 GHz band. This hopping pattern occurs up to 1600 times per second. The benefits of FHSS include:
- Interference Reduction: By constantly changing frequencies, Bluetooth minimizes the risk of interference from other devices operating in the same band.
- Security Enhancement: The frequency-hopping sequence adds a layer of security, making it harder for unwanted devices to intercept or jam the signal.
What This Means for You and Your Family
What this means is that you and your family are being exposed to extra, man-made RF (radio frequency) radiation. There’s no smoking gun study on the dangers of RF or bluetooth radiation (like with cigarettes, for example), but we firmly believe that the lower a person’s exposure to this man-made environmental factor the better.
How Can I Lower My Bluetooth Exposure?
You can lower your bluetooth exposure by doing the following:
01 – Replace your bluetooth devices with alternatives that don’t utilize the technology. This means using wired headphones (air-tube headphones are the safest and the ones we recommend to clients) and non-smart home appliances and thermostats.
See our recommended low-EMF products to learn more.
02 – Turn your devices off when not in use. You can turn your bluetooth off on your phone and most other wearable devices. For tech devices, (such as gaming consoles, TVs and computers) simply turn the devices off when not in use.
03 – Distance. The farther you are from a source, the less the exposure will be. Keeping bluetooth and wi-fi devices far from your sleeping areas is a good idea.
03 – Shielding is another option. You can use RF blocking fabric and other EMF shielding products to reduce the exposure to devices that can’t be turned off for a variety of reasons. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to do this with important medical or security devices.
Can I Test to See If My Devices are Emitting Bluetooth?
Yes. All you need is a Radio Frequency (RF) meter and this will clearly show whether your device is emitting RF from Bluetooth, Wi-fi or connecting to cell towers.
View our list of the best EMF meters to buy.
