Do Fitness Trackers Expose You to Radiation?

There is no denying that technology plays a critical role in our everyday lives. In the modern era, we use phones, tablets, and computers for just about everything. Not only do people “work remotely” via the internet, but they also visit loved ones and attend social functions through video platforms like Zoom.

In the health and wellness space, tech companies like Fitbit have integrated technology with exercise routines. Most notably, fitness watches have grown increasingly popular for tracking workouts and bodily functions. While there is obviously great value in tracking your overall fitness level, you must also consider how these technologies could be negatively impacting your health. A primary concern is that fitness watches expose people to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation.

Leading fitness watches such as the Apple Smart Watch and Fitbit utilize Bluetooth technology to stay synced with your cell phone. Unfortunately, many scientists feel that prolonged exposure to EMF radiation from Bluetooth technology could cause adverse health effects. Cellular capabilities in smart watches pose even greater risk, as they are more powerful emitters of EMFs than Bluetooth.

At EMF Harmony, we want you to use all the tools you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Yet, it's important that you balance the benefits of fitness tracker technology versus the potentially harmful radiation they emit.

What are Fitness Watches?

Fitness watches are a subset of smartwatches. Generally, they are specialized wireless devices with tools that measure essential functions in the human body, such as heart rate. All of this technology is put together in a compact computer you wear on your wrist.

PC Mag defines a fitness tracker as “A wrist-worn device that can detect some combination of walking steps, running distance, heart rate, sleep patterns and swimming laps. Fitness bands interact via Bluetooth with an app in a mobile device that configures the device and downloads the wearer’s activity data.”

People value fitness watches because the devices provide a real-time understanding of their physical activity. Interestingly, as people go about their day, they often get more exercise than they realize. Whether it be moving about the office, or taking care of the family, all of these movements add up to exercise. Fitness watches give you a total picture of your activity throughout the day - including those moments not normally considered exercise.

It is important to note, fitness watches incorporate a good deal of technology into an extremely small device. The primary sensors in most fitness watches include:

• Accelerometers measure your body’s movement using changes in “speed or direction.” These sensors are largely responsible for the extremely popular “step counting” function of smart watches.
• Gyroscopes account for “rotation and orientation.” With such advanced measuring, they track more complicated forms of exercise than steps. Gyroscopes are utilized in the gym to track fitness with aerobic workouts and upper body routines.
• Altimeters are tools that measure your altitude. They are particularly handy for athletes who train in the mountains that want to understand how elevation affects their physiology.
• GPS stands for “global positioning system.” GPS tools are integrated into smartphones, tablets, and smart watches to give users a real-time readout of their location on earth. GPS systems have long been used by outdoor adventurers.
• Heart Rate Monitors on fitness watches read your pulse through a light that comes in contact with your skin. By monitoring how quickly your blood is pumping through your veins, these sensors give you a real time read out on your heart activity.

Depending on the fitness watch in question, there may be additional technologies and sensors included. While none of these sensors is particularly dangerous, the fact that they must be worn right against to your skin to function is cause for alarm.

What does EMF Radiation Have to do with Fitness Watches?

The primary concern for fitness watches and EMF radiation is Bluetooth technology. However, certain Apple Watches also have cellular capabilities, which is as mentioned is an even stronger source EMF radiation. Either way you cut it, fitness watches emit EMF radiation when they communicate with smartphones or cellular networks.

While fitness watches have a number of technologies built into them, all of which generate some electromagnetic fields, it is the Bluetooth and cellular functions that are the biggest cause for concern. In order for fitness watches to function properly, they must be in direct contact with your skin, and often of course this is for long periods of time – even 24 hours a day for people that track their sleep with them. This consistent source of EMF radiation touching your skin can have potential adverse effects on your health.

Some people experience what is known as Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome (EHS), which means that they are particularly sensitive to EMF radiation and will exhibit various health symptoms that are immediately noticeable. Even for those of us who do not experience EHS, prolonged exposure to EMF’s in one concentrated area is still a cause for concern.

Bluetooth Technology and EMF Radiation

The medical community has been concerned with EMF radiation for some time. Initially, researchers showed the most apprehension over cell phones, WiFi, and electric meters. However, Bluetooth technology has quickly risen on the list for those interested in studying the adverse effects of EMF radiation. Today, Bluetooth is integrated into many technologies that we use on a regular basis, including headphones, cell phones, car stereos, and GPS navigation systems.

In 2015, over 250 scientists petitioned the World Health Organization (WHO) to call attention to health concerns with EMF radiation - including Bluetooth technology. On their website EMFscientist.org, the group describes themselves as such: “We are scientists engaged in the study of biological and health effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (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.”

With so many accomplished scientists and researchers showing concern for EMF radiation, it is advisable not to ignore the threat. These are just some of the medical concerns that have been attributed to exposure to EMF radiation:

• Certain Types of Cancer
• Damage to DNA
• Cellular Stress
• Cognitive Impairment
• Reproductive System Damage
• Neurological Problems

Scientists will continue to research the effects of EMF radiation from Bluetooth technology and other electronics. Ideally, these studies will raise our awareness to the dangers of products such as smart watches.

Are Fitness Watches Safe from Radiation?

Generally speaking, all fitness watches with Bluetooth integration or cellular capabilities pose risks for EMF radiation. As such, there will always be threats with Fitbit radiation and Apple Watch radiation. However, there are a few other options for fitness trackers that do not utilize EMF microwaves.

Most of the fitness trackers that don’t utilize Bluetooth technology are simple step trackers like the OZO Fitness SC2 Digital Pedometer. As they don’t have much functionality, these fitness trackers lack much of the appeal of smartwatches. For a more sophisticated choice, the Garmin vivosmart HR Activity Tracker offers an excellent fitness tracker that has the option to turn off the Bluetooth feature.

How Can I Protect Myself Against Fitness Watch Radiation?

It cannot be denied that EMF radiation is pervasive throughout the world we live in today. As such, attempts to block or avoid EMF radiation altogether are unrealistic. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce exposure to EMF radiation. If you would like to wear a fitness watch like a Fitbit or Apple Watch, there are ways to increase your safety.

A great place to start with protecting yourself against fitness watch radiation is by simply wearing it less. Importantly, it is likely that your routine requires similar physical exertion day-after-day. Therefore, once you get a solid reading on your day, you no longer need to track your fitness every day. Similarly, unless you have real sleep issues, it is advisable to take your fitness tracker off at night.

EMF Harmonizer Smartwatch Chip

EMF Harmony offers its Smartwatch Chip which is specifically designed for fitness trackers and smart watches. It is a small “rivet” that is inserted into the watchband, and it uses a bio-energetic technology to neutralize the EMF radiation coming from the wrist device, as well as provide overall support for the body to better manage the stress of the EMF exposure.

EMF Harmonizer Apple Watch Band

EMF Harmony created the Apple Watch Band specifically for those people who have apple watch radiation concerns. Simply attach this band to your smartwatch and harmonize otherwise harmful EMF radiation. With this watch radiation neutralizer, you get the best of both worlds in the latest fitness tracking technology and EMF protection.

EMF Harmonizer Home & Office

The Home & Office is our flagship product. We designed this product to protect you from EMF radiation in the places where you spend the most time. Set these up in your home and office and protect yourself against Wi-Fi signals, cellular networks, Bluetooth technology, and all sources of EMFs.

EMF Harmonizer Bracelets and Pendants

Who says you can’t look good and protect yourself against EMF radiation? To do so, we recommend you have a look at our EMF Harmonizer Bracelets and Pendants. Worn around your neck or wrist, these attractive pieces of jewelry will keep you safe from all EMF radiation wherever you go.

Contact EMF Harmony Today!

EMF Harmony has been creating products to protect your health from the dangers of EMF radiation for years. We would love to help you maintain your fitness while also protecting yourself against EMF radiation.

Contact us today with any questions about fitness watches or other electronics.