Is the new Apple iPhone hazardous to your health?

As most of you know Apple is releasing a new iPhone, generation 7. As usual this new phone will have many new features including water resistance and an improved camera. However, the biggest new feature is the wireless headphones. These headphones, otherwise known as AirPods, use radio frequency (RF) energy. Apple has previously advised users to reduce exposure to this type of energy by opting for hands-free options, such as headphones or the speakerphone. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also previously classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly linked to increased rates of some cancers like brain cancer. 

While there is no definitive evidence in humans that there is a link there have been animal studies which have shown increases in brain tumors in rats and mice after long term exposure to this radiation.

Since the amount of radiation is pretty low the cumulative effects are difficult to measure and it may be decades before me know more about the potential impact on humans. 

The main issue will be that the AirPods from the new iPhone will essentially be putting this type of radiation directly into your ears and closer to your brain which would theoretically raise the risk especially if they are being used for all types of media in addition to phone calls.  

At this juncture, it is probably prudent to exercise caution by limiting exposure to all types of radiation including from cell phones and possibly the AirPods. This can be done by using the speaker phone option as much as possible. 

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