Apple‘s AirPods and similar wireless headphones have been noted to possibly produce cancer risks due to the amounts of electromagnetic frequency (EMF) radio waves emitted from the products. A group of 250 scientists have signed a petition to the United Nations and World Health organization expressing a “serious concern” about the risks and the low standards of the current guidelines.
Jerry Phillips, a University of Colorado biochemistry professor, explains that the high levels of radiation could be harmful due to the fact that the wireless headphones are worn so close to the ear canal: “Effects include increased cancer risk, cellular stress, increase in harmful free radicals, genetic damages, structural and functional changes of the reproductive system, learning and memory deficits, neurological disorders, and negative impacts on general well-being in humans.”
A link has not been made to the safety of mobile devices in general. Apple has yet to respond to the study or petition. Earlier this year, rumors about the second iteration of the popular headphones surfaced on blogs. Stay tuned for more information.
