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We all know that fitness trackers can help us stay motivated to reach our goals. However, you might be concerned about being exposed to any radiation or electromagnetic frequency (EMF). Asking yourself “Do fitness trackers give off radiation…” is understandable.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, like any wearable technology, fitness trackers use low-powered radiofrequency (RF) transmitters that emit radio waves, a type of non-ionizing radiation. This form of radiation uses less energy than ionizing radiation and it is low frequency. Besides, EMF or non-ionized radiation enables electronics such as fitness wearables to communicate with other devices through WIFI and Bluetooth. Not only do these two technologies emit non-ionizing radiation but cell phones do, too, from their antennas. Although RF transmitters use very low power levels they expose users to this type of radiation. So, yes, fitness trackers can give off or emit EMF or non-ionizing radiation.
Unfortunately, EMF is present in our daily lives. Non-ionizing electromagnetic frequencies can be synthetic or natural. For example, electrical wiring, powerlines, and some electrical appliances are machine-made EMFs that use very low frequencies. Now, the earth’s magnetic field is a natural source of electromagnetic frequency.
Recommended reading: Non-Bluetooth fitness tracker: The essential guide you need
That’s why you are constantly exposed to non-ionizing radiation or EMF. For those who wear a fitness wearable is very important to know what you can do to minimize exposure to ionization radiation. But first, we will discuss the health risks of wearing fitness watches in more detail.
For more details about EMF and the risk of cancer, visit this link.
Table of Contents
Do fitness wearables give off EMF radiation and why you should care?
If you are constantly wondering whether fitness trackers give off radiation, you must know that there is no concrete evidence that suggests fitness wearables can be a risk to your health. However, smartphones and WIFI emit non-ionized radiation. So, as we know most of the activity trackers or smartwatches work with at least one of them.
Even though fitness trackers emit much lower non-ionizing radiation or EMF than cell phones, we are still at risk. Many experts state that the RF energy emitted is too low to be of concern, while other experts say that even low levels can cause some health effects.
To make sure that exposure to RF radiation is met, companies who sell electronics, in the United States, with the FCC (Federal Communication Commission). According to the FCC, their procedures are similar to other countries guidelines.
However, there are major concerns that cell phones may cause cancer. The National Cancer Institute states that cell phones also emit non-ionizing radiation from their antennas and that “parts of the body nearest to the antenna can absorb this radiation.”
As of right now, non-ionized radiation side effects can be damaging to skin tissue such as overheating cell phones.
Are fitness trackers safe to wear?
Smartphones, Bluetooth, and WIFI emit a fair amount of RF energy. As we mentioned earlier, when you connect your fitness watch to them you are exposed to this radiation. In addition, fitness wearables use non-ionizing radiation which means that they don’t emit enough energy to cause cancer. However, RF radiation is absorbed into our bodies.
In 2011 the World Health Organization stated that the non-ionizing radiation emitted by the cell phone can be “possibly carcinogen”. Many studies have shown a relationship between EMF (electromagnetic frequency) from cell phones to autism, fertility problems, and brain tumors. So you do not want to pair your fitness trackers to your smartphone unless it is necessary.
You may remember that in 2014 several Fitbit users complained about rashes and dizziness on their Fitbit community website. Others felt nauseated and with erratic pulse rates. In addition, many users stated that when they stopped using their Fitbit fitness watches they felt fine.
In addition, according to CNN, Provata Health recalled around 30,000 fitness trackers last year due to overheating in which users suffered wrist burns.
If you are concerned, you can use your fitness watch during your fitness activity or sports. We will share more useful tips to help you lower any risks of RF energy.
Can you wear them all the time?
Now we know that when we pair our fitness tracker to a smartphone we are exposing ourselves to a fair amount of non-ionized radiation from the phone.
There’s no doubt that fitness trackers can help us simplify our workout achievable goals. However, if you are concerned about the exposure to RF energy it’s understandable. You might be wondering: Is it safe to wear your fitness watch every day?
Although there is no evidence that fitness trackers can cause cancer, moderation is the key. For example, if your sleep quality is good you do not have to wear your tracker during the night. the bottom line is you do not have to use you are Fitness watch 24/7.
However, you may monitor your sleep quality only if it’s needed. Just make sure you don’t put your hands close to your head when you’re sleeping.
Tips on how to minimize exposure to radiation that you should know
Although we don’t know for sure if the low RF radiation that emits from the fitness watches is either risky or safe there are a couple of things you need to do to avoid or minimize exposure.
I prefer to turn off the Bluetooth most of the time and will sync to my smartphone once a day. However, these tips will help you lower EMF exposure:
- If you are wearing a fitness tracker turn off the Bluetooth. You can sync the health data to your cell phone once a day
- Just use your fitness watch to do your exercises
- Monitor your sleep quality with your tracker when it’s totally necessary. Make sure you sleep with your arms away from your head.
- Get a wrist-worn fitness tracker only
- Do not buy clip-on trackers around your waist
- To find any fitness or health patterns wear your fitness tracker for a couple of days only. Then take it off. Only use it to check your progress and any improvements.
- You can also buy a non-Bluetooth fitness tracker which is simple, and easy to use. Do you know that you can find functional fitness trackers that do not use Bluetooth? Discover and learn more about them here.
- Stay informed about EMF and possible health risks. You can contact us with any comments or questions.
- Find out about EMF radiation from your smartphone. According to the National Cancer Institute, the FCC posts information about the SAR (specific absorption rate) of smartphones produced within the last 2 years. SAR can the tell amount of the RF radiation absorbed by the head of a phone user. You can access this information using your phone’s FCC ID number. To find the FCC ID in your phone open the cover and remove the battery. Then use the FCC ID search form here.
Conclusion
I used to ask to wonder whether fitness trackers can cause any health risks. That’s why I decided to be informed about this topic and share useful tips with you to help reduce your exposure to EMF.
Keep in mind that many fitness watches use a smartphone connection, Bluetooth, and wireless internet (WIFI). Although many experts tell that they use a low amount of RF energy, there is an exposure to this type of radiation. Therefore, we all should limit the usage of fitness trackers and other electronics.
Let me tell you that we are exposed to EMF and will always be. The key here is moderation and always staying informed. We hope that the experts will publish more research on fitness wearables and any possible health risks. This will help to reduce EMF exposure.
Resources
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B.L.A is a webmaster, content creator, and blogger who loves fitness watches and working out.
After many attempts to stick to a fitness plan, she found inspiration in fitness wearables which has helped her remain active and lead a healthy lifestyle. She is committed to encouraging individuals who need help with their motivation.
When she isn’t researching fitness technology market trends and writing, you might find Brenda cooking delicious meals, connecting with nature, growing veggies, reading about technology, and enjoying life with her husband C. A.
Check out her other blog Breathe Out Panic Attack.