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‘It could cause cancer’ − 250 scientists ask WHO, UN to regulate wireless earbuds


A total of 250 scientists from over 40 countries have expressed concerns about the increasing use of wireless earbuds and other related technologies.

In a petition addressed to the World Health Organisation and United Nations, the scientists said microwave radiation from popular wireless technologies may pose considerable health risks.

Arguing that these technologies communicate with each other through an electromagnetic field that runs through the brain, the scientists say chances are that they could cause brain cancer.

“There isn’t even research on what this could do to the brain yet, let alone regulations to limit the potential effects. But I couldn’t imagine it’s all that great for you,” said Joel Moskowitz, a professor at the University of California.

Previous animal studies on the kind of radio-frequency radiation emitted by these devices had suggested a link to cancer.

Even the International Agency for Research on Cancer has declared electromagnetic field radiation a possible cancer-causing agent.

Devices that communicate wirelessly use electromagnetic energy waves of varying types, which at high levels, can generate heat, cause burns and other currently unknown long-term health risks.

“Since Bluetooth tends to be of low-intensity, it could open the blood-brain barrier, which evolved to keep large molecules out of the brain,” explained Moskowitz.

“The concern there is probably more neurological disorders and diseases as opposed to cancer.”

Agreeing that more research is needed to sternly declare the exact risks associated with every type of electromagnetic field, Moskowitz insisted that the rate at which the devices are used is detrimental.