Do Bluetooth® Headsets Cause Cancer?

It is difficult to imagine that you could suffer health problems by using a mobile phone or headset. Yet health experts and concerned consumers have raised serious questions about the possible effects of mobile devices, including fears that they might cause cancer. Conclusive evidence has never been discovered, but many experts suggest that the microwave emissions from phones and Bluetooth® headsets might carry some risk of cancer or other health problems.

Since the invention of cell-phone technology, studies have been conducted to see whether they pose health risks. The concern is sensible, given that cell phones are low-powered microwave emitters, and some microwaves have been shown to pose health risks. Experts and consumers worry that keeping a microwave emitting device close to your head and your brain could put you at risk for brain cancer or other damage. The concern is sometimes greater in regard to Bluetooth® headsets, as the device is placed inside your ear and therefore even closer to your brain.


Studies have had extremely conflicting results. Some early examinations of the effects of cell phones on cells show significant damage, while others show none at all. Additionally, some people may suffer from hypersensitivity to the microwave radio frequencies, causing them to get headaches just from turning a phone on or being in a room with someone on a phone or headset. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, the US Federal Communications Commission, and the United Kingdom National Radiological Protection Board, all available scientific research shows that mobile devices are safe, but further research is necessary.

Bluetooth® headsets are a fairly new technology, so in-depth studies are yet to be completed about cancer risks. While many earpiece devices actually emit lower levels of radiation than cell phones, the earpiece does put the source of power closer to your brain. Public opinion seems to be divided fairly equally between those who believe Bluetooth® headsets riskier than cell phones, those who believe they are safer, and a large group that thinks the question is ridiculous because the radiation levels are so low to begin with.

Mobile phone technology has only been widely used since the mid-1990s. Because Bluetooth® headsets are such a new feature, it is impossible to get data about long-term effects of consistent exposure. Some people suggest that within twenty years, better studies will be available, as the first generation to grow up using cell phones and head sets will effectively be guinea pigs for long-term effects. If you are truly concerned about the microwave emissions from your cell phone, skip Bluetooth® headsets and simply use the speaker-phone option that is standard on most phones. Although scientific research has not provided clear answers as to whether Bluetooth® headsets can cause cancer, this may be an area where you feel it is better to be safe than sorry.