Social media used to push how mobile phones and 5G were terrible for your health, and now it’s saying Apple AirPods are “microwaving” your brain. I debunked a claim that mobile phones caused brain cancer, so I guess the next thing on the list is AirPods.
Many of these wild claims are based on little kernels of scientific evidence, and they blow them up in “AirPods microwave your brain, oh my.” It is frustrating, but it keeps me busy.
This post will examine the genesis of this AirPods’ claim, and then review what the science currently shows.
a doctor holding an mri result of the brain
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AirPods microwaving brain claims
As far as I can tell, proponents of this claim often quote a 2015 letter, signed by more than 250 scientists, that talked about the health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). These scientists claim that non-ionizing radiation, which is the type of electromagnetic field that is produced by cell phones and AirPods, should be studied more, as they may cause a health risk.
These scientists did not have vast clinical or epidemiological data that supported their worries, but it always sounds like we should be scared if 250 scientists shout from the rooftops that cell phones and AirPods are damaging your brain.
Before we get into this, let’s look at the science of the electromagnetic fields. Non-ionizing radiation refers to any type of electromagnetic radiation that does not carry enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules.
On the other hand, ionizing radiation has a higher frequency and shorter wavelength than non-ionizing radiation. Examples of this type of radiation are gamma rays (formed by the decay of radioactive substances), X-rays, and some types of UV radiation.
Ionizing radiation has sufficient energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms and can cause damage to cells and DNA. Non-ionizing radiation cannot, so it does not damage your DNA or cells.
Non-ionizing radiation is emitted from your cell phone, WiFi router, and Apple AirPods. On the other hand, most people will only encounter ionizing radiation from X-rays from their dentist or physician.
Anyway, the scientists’ letter was the kernel of science that started the wholesale fear of non-ionizing radiation, especially found in commonly used devices. Of course, the Apple AirPods were one of them.
silver iphone x with airpods brain
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What does the science say?
The World Health Organization examined the biological effects of non-ionizing radiation and staunchly concluded that:
In the area of biological effects and medical applications of non-ionizing radiation approximately 25,000 articles have been published over the past 30 years. Despite the feeling of some people that more research needs to be done, scientific knowledge in this area is now more extensive than for most chemicals. Based on a recent in-depth review of the scientific literature, the WHO concluded that current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields. However, some gaps in knowledge about biological effects exist and need further research.
Furthermore, in a meta-analysis published on 30 August 2024 in the peer-reviewed Environment International, Ken Karipidis, PhD, Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), Yallambie, VIC, Australia, and colleagues, assessed the quality and strength of the evidence provided by human observational studies for a causal association between exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and risk of the most investigated cancers. Their review included 63 articles, published between 1994 and 2022, which examined 119 electromagnetic fields and cancer pairs.
Here are some of their key results:
There was no observable increase in risks for the most investigated neoplasms (glioma, meningioma, and acoustic neuroma) with increasing time since start (TSS) use of mobile phones, cumulative call time, or cumulative number of calls.
RF-EMF exposure from mobile phones (comparing regular use vs none or non-regular use) was not associated with an increased risk of glioma, a type of brain cancer.
Was not associated with an increased risk of meningioma (a tumor of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
Was not associated with acoustic neuroma (a benign tumor that develops on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain).
Was not associated with pituitary tumors (a tumor of the pituitary gland).
Was not associated with salivary gland tumors.
Was not associated with pediatric brain tumors.
Furthermore, despite the massive use of smartphones (over 84% of Americans own one), the incidence of all brain tumors has dropped by 0.8% annually from 2008-17 in the USA. If there were a link between cell phone use and brain cancers, we would expect that the incidence would have increased, maybe substantially.
white ceramic cup and iphone
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US regulations
The rate at which RF energy is absorbed by the body is called the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). In the US, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) limits SAR values for wireless devices used near or against the body to 1.6 Watts/kg averaging over one gram of tissue.
According to the FCC, all wireless devices sold in the US must pass FCC testing to confirm they stay within the SAR limits at maximum power. If a device sold differs from the tested version, the FCC can revoke approval and take enforcement measures.
Apple, AirPod’s creator, has previously addressed these concerns. The company stated that all their devices comply with all “applicable safety requirements.” Apple further noted that the RF emissions of AirPods and AirPods Pro are “more than two times below applicable limits for radio frequency exposure.”
Summary
So do your AirPods microwave your brain? No.
Wireless earpieces, like AirPods, emit far less radiation than the cellphones with which they’re mostly used. And there’s no evidence that cellphone use can cause cancer in humans. If your mobile phone can’t microwave your brain, then your AirPods most certainly can’t.
No evidence supports the claim that the AirPods (or any device) are “microwaving” your brain. Moreover, the vast body of evidence shows there are no links between these devices that produce non-ionizing radiation causing any health issue, especially to the brain.
I think the only health issue with wireless earpieces is when they are used with an excessively high volume which can lead to hearing degradation. But that has nothing to do with microwaving the brain.
So much research shows that these devices are safe. It’s almost settled science.
Citations
Karipidis K, Baaken D, Loney T, Blettner M, Brzozek C, Elwood M, Narh C, Orsini N, Röösli M, Paulo MS, Lagorio S. The effect of exposure to radiofrequency fields on cancer risk in the general and working population: A systematic review of human observational studies – Part I: Most researched outcomes. Environ Int. 2024 Sep;191:108983. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108983. Epub 2024 Aug 30. PMID: 39241333.
Michael Simpson
Lifetime lover of science, especially biomedical research. Spent years in academics, business development, research, and traveling the world shilling for Big Pharma. I love sports, mostly college basketball and football, hockey, and baseball. I enjoy great food and intelligent conversation. And a delicious morning coffee!
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