Bluetooth & Health - L3
Additional Information on Bluetooth
Health Authority & Educational Resources
- RF & Health - A WHO Perspective 2013 - World Health Organization
- Summary of Health Effects - World Health Organization
- Wireless Networks and Health - World Health Organization
Other Resources
- Official Bluetooth Website
- Bluetooth Technology Basics - Bluetooth Web Site
- Mobile Technologies - GSMA
Bluetooth & Health - L2
What is Bluetooth?
How does Bluetooth work?
Is Bluetooth safe?
Are there safety limits for exposure to radio waves?
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range radio technology that uses radio frequency fields to transmit signals over short distances between telephones, computers and other devices. The technology offers simplified communication and synchronization between devices without the need for cables.
A common application is a Bluetooth headset connected to a mobile phone. The headset will only operate within a few metres of the phone.
How does Bluetooth work?
Bluetooth enabled electronic devices connect and communicate wirelessly through short-range, ad hoc networks known as piconets. Each device can simultaneously communicate with up to seven other devices within a single piconet. Each device can also belong to several piconets simultaneously. Piconets are established dynamically and automatically as Bluetooth enabled devices enter and leave radio proximity.
An example of this scenario is mobile phones or laptops in close proximity that have Bluetooth enabled.
A fundamental Bluetooth wireless technology strength is the ability to simultaneously handle both data and voice transmissions. This enables users to enjoy variety of innovative solutions such as a hands-free headset for voice calls, printing and fax capabilities, and synchronizing PDA, laptop, and mobile phone applications to name a few.
Bluetooth devices typically require a security password to be connected.
Is Bluetooth safe?
Bluetooth devices are extremely low powered, typically about 2.5mW which is less than a cordless phone and approximately 100 times less than the maximum power of a mobile phone.
The safety of radio waves has been extensively studied for more than 50 years. This large and growing body of research has been reviewed by numerous independent expert panels, government agencies, standard-setting organizations and health authorities from around the world. All have reached the same general scientific conclusion: that there is no established evidence of any adverse health effects from exposure to radio waves within the limits applied to wireless communications.
In relation to radio frequency emissions and wireless technology and health, the general conclusion from the World Health Organization (WHO) is;
“Despite extensive research, to date there is no evidence to conclude that exposure to low level electromagnetic fields is harmful to human health”
Summary of health Effects – Key point 6 http://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/WhatisEMF/en/index1.html
Are there safety limits for exposure to radio waves?
Yes there are. Comprehensive international guidelines exist governing exposure to radio waves. The limits have been established by independent scientific organizations, such as the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), and include substantial margins of safety to protect all people. These guidelines have been widely adopted in standards around the world, and also endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Due to the extremely low output power, the radio wave exposure from Bluetooth devices is far below the established limits.
Bluetooth & Health - L3
Additional Information on Bluetooth
Health Authority & Educational Resources
- RF & Health - A WHO Perspective 2013 - World Health Organization
- Summary of Health Effects - World Health Organization
- Wireless Networks and Health - World Health Organization
Other Resources
- Official Bluetooth Website
- Bluetooth Technology Basics - Bluetooth Web Site
- Mobile Technologies - GSMA