Complete Guide to Wearable Tech Radiation
by Martin GrosjeanWearable technology is getting more popular all the time, and it’s likely that you and your family own at least one or two of these smart devices, whether it’s an Apple Watch, fitness tracker, smart watch, virtual reality (VR) headset, heart rate monitor or sleep tracker. Augmented reality (AR) smart glasses are on the horizon, as are hearables (smart headphones). Companies have also started marketing fitness trackers and smart watches designed for children.
They all seem very exciting and convenient and like the next great gadget - but it is important to know that these wireless devices all emit EMF radiation, and that can be harmful to your health.
Studies have found serious health risks from the type of radiation emitted by wearables, which are often worn throughout the day (and/or night) for hours at a time. And since much of this new technology was introduced recently, studies regarding long-term health effects are not yet available. There is, however, an overwhelming amount of scientific research documenting health risks from EMF radiation exposure in general, so it is obvious that this is an issue that we should be concerned about.
What Kind of Radiation Do Wearables Emit?
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, wearable technology uses RF (radiofrequency) transmitters to send and receive data, and this RF emits non-ionizing radiation. They use either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and they must comply with FCC regulations, but unfortunately these safety standards don’t take into account many potential health hazards – like long-term exposure, non-thermal health effects, or children’s smaller and less developed bodies that are more sensitive to EMF damage.
Many scientists and doctors believe that consistent, long-term exposure to RFR frequencies can have detrimental health effects. To this end, studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program (US Dept of Health & Human Services) showed RFR to cause cancer and DNA damage in laboratory rats. This is one example among many similar studies, but is worth pointing out since it is from a respected US government agency.
Is Wearable Tech Safe?
As with most wireless technology, watches and trackers were generally deemed harmless before we had a chance to adequately research their potential impacts on the human body. But according to an overview of the issue by the organization Physicians for Safe Technology, there is cause for concern. They provide a good synopsis of the issue and the relevant studies on wearable technology, both wrist devices and audio devices. . Another good review of the issue that highlights the potential health concerns is the paper "Effects of radiation on humans due to the proximity of 5G wearable device", which concludes:
"In vitro investigations reveal alterations in reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance, calcium flux, tight junction integrity, and heat- and stress-related protein expression, particularly in dermal cell lines. Animal studies suggest that chronic exposure to RF-EMR may elicit oxidative stress, neuroendocrine disruption, and behavioral changes, even at intensities below regulatory thresholds. While human data remains limited, preliminary studies suggest subtle physiological effects such as altered heart rate variability and increased skin conductance, during prolonged exposure to smartwatches."
On the ‘Why’ page of our website you can find more research on the health concerns associated with electromagnetic radiation exposure.
What Health Risks Does Wearable Tech Bring?
Smartwatch radiation and the RF radiation emitted from other wearable devices are a concern since they’re used for long periods of time and they come into direct contact with your skin. Although there has been very little research conducted on the long-term effects of low-level EMF exposure, there is plenty of evidence that exposure to higher levels such as those from cell phones and WiFi routers can damage health, so there is reason to be cautious.
In the case of wireless headphones and earbuds, and smart glasses and head gear used for VR gaming, the radiation is emitted right next to your skull. For this reason, people using such devices—and especially children—are potentially susceptible to health issues related to the brain, which has already been documented with heavy cell phone use.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
Fortunately, there are ways to keep yourself safe from EMF exposure. These solutions are: limit usage, don’t wear devices next to your skin, block the RF with shielding products or use something that neutralizes the effects of EMF radiation.
- Limit Usage – While it may not be an attractive idea to stop using smart watches, even to minimize the time wearing them may help to reduce potential health issues. For example, consider taking it off at night while you sleep.
- Don’t Use Devices Next to Your Skin – In the case of fitness wearables, this might not be possible, as they rely on skin contact to get accurate pulse and other measurements. While you can keep your cell phone in a purse, briefcase or backpack, the same isn’t true for a wearable device that is used to monitor your health.
- Block the Radio Frequency Radiation with Shielding Material – Certain metals and other materials will effectively block the RF, reducing radiation exposure. The problem with this solution is that it will also block the signal, so your device will likely not work properly.
- Use a Product that Neutralizes the Effects of EMF – The only way to effectively reduce the risks from EMF while still enjoying the benefits of your wearables is to neutralize the effects of EMF radiation. Instead of blocking EMFs, this type of product harmonizes electromagnetic radiation from smart devices, making them safe to wear.
The Best Radiation Solution for Wearable Tech
EMF Harmony offers true Smart Watch EMF Protection in the form of our Smartwatch Chip & Clip, so that you can continue to use your health and fitness devices while enjoying optimal health.
Our harmonizers are built with our proprietary Frequency Intelligence Technology™️, based on bioresonance energy principles that has been developed and refined in our European labs for over 25 years. The technology works at the sub-atomic level to neutralize the harmful frequencies from RF radiation without affecting how your devices operate. It is a two-phase approach that first harmonizes the negative energetic frequencies of the EMF radiation, and then supports your body’s cells to support your overall health from the stress of EMF exposure. Learn more about how our technology works.
There have been a host of research studies that confirm the efficacy of our unique products. Our EMF harmonizers let you and your family continue to use your beneficial fitness wearables and other smart devices without having to worry about exposure to electromagnetic radiation.