Do Smartwatches Emit Radiation?

As smartwatches have become a staple in the lives of millions of people across the globe, it is no wonder that these people question do smartwatches emit radiation and whether they are safe for everyday use.

If this question has bothered you, you have clicked on the right article. Here you can read everything you need to know about the trendiest devices of today and the potential radiation they might emit, so continue reading to find out.

Do Smartwatches Emit Radiation
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Do Smartwatches Emit Radiation?

With smartwatches becoming increasingly popular, people are getting exposed to yet another potentially harmful device that might be emitting radiation. Therefore, those aware of the constant radiation we are exposed to started wondering if smartwatches emit radiation, and with a good reason.

So, to keep it short, the answer is yes. Smartwatches, as long as they are connected to smartphones, emit radiation. Although the radiation levels might not be as dangerous as radiation from cell towers or larger electronic devices, it is still there. 

If you do not want your smartwatch to emit radiation, all you need to do is activate airplane mode. In this mode, you can be safe that no radiation will be emitted from your watch.

What type of radiation do smartwatches emit?

The type of radiation that smartwatches emit is called non-ionizing radiation. Under non-ionizing radiation can be found radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, and ultraviolet radiation on the other end of the spectrum. The non-ionizing type of radiation is low frequency and acts differently from ionizing radiation. Additionally, the manufacturer must disclose the electromagnetic radiation that smartwatches emit, as it can represent a serious health hazard to many people.

What is the difference between non-ionizing and ionizing radiation?

On the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, on the left side, you can see the non-ionizing radiation, and on the right side, you can see the ionizing radiation. These two are separated like this because non-ionizing radiation does not carry enough energy to ionize molecules or atoms and has a lower frequency. On the other hand, ionizing radiation can indeed ionize atoms or molecules, has a higher frequency, and has a shorter wavelength.

What are the possible health side effects of EMF radiation
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What are the possible health side effects of EMF radiation?

Although more research needs to be done, one is for sure. The non-ionizing radiation has indeed an effect on our bodies and not a positive one. Heat is the most significant and common side effect of exposure to non-ionizing radiation for a prolonged period. Namely, when introduced in larger doses, this type of radiation can slightly increase the temperature in people, making them feel the heat all over their bodies.

Besides this, large doses of non-ionizing radiation have been tightly associated with increased risk for cancer, cellular stress, oxidative damage, neurological effects, reproductive issues, immune system dysfunction, etc. Remember, these health hazards have yet to be tested in humans, but they’ve been tested on cells or animals. Also, the exposure level of the non-ionizing radiation in those tests was much bigger than what you would be exposed to from only wearing a smartwatch.

Finally, some other side effects you might notice from constantly wearing a smartwatch and being exposed to non-ionizing radiation are headache and nausea, mood, memory, sleep-related problems, increased irritability, etc.

Is the amount of radiation in smartwatches enough for more severe health damage?

As mentioned, little research is done on this topic, and we need strong scientific evidence to confirm or deny the claims. But, from the smaller studies and research on this topic, we can see that the results could be better. 

If you wear a smartwatch 24/7 and if you are surrounded by additional sources of non-ionizing radiation (cell phones, TV, radios, etc.), the chances that you may feel health side effects from this radiation are high.

At first, they might seem like ordinary health issues like headaches, irritability, insomnia, etc. But if you continue being exposed to radiation, these symptoms might become more severe health damage.

What can you do to protect yourself from the smartwatches’ radiation?

Even though we can not 100% protect or hide from the non-ionizing radiation that smartwatches emit, there are still some things you can do so that you protect yourself and reduce your exposure to this radiation.

  • Educate yourself and your closest ones on the dangers of non-ionizing radiation
  • Choose an FCC-certified watch for low emitting
  • Limit the time you are wearing the smartwatch
  • Avoid using it in no-cell phone reception areas, as the radiation can increase
  • Whenever possible, turn on the Airplane mode

How to know if a smart device emits radiation?

The most efficient way to tell if a smart device, like your smartwatch, emits radiation is by checking its label or manual or contacting the manufacturer’s customer service team. This information should be provided to the public, but even if it is not, as long as your smartwatch is connected to your phone, there is no doubt that it emits non-ionizing radiation.

What is the frequency that smartwatches use?

The usual frequency that most smartwatches use is 2.4GHz. Although this frequency and the level of non-ionizing radiation that smartwatches emit is low, what’s concerning is the device’s proximity to the body. The dangers of non-ionizing radiation increase twice to triple times more because your smartwatch is in direct contact with your skin and body.

Conclusion

If you wondered, do smartwatches emit radiation, I hope you read everything you need to know regarding non-ionizing radiation, and now you have the answer. This article can serve as the ultimate guide whenever you have some ambiguity about the connection between radiation and smartwatches. Stay safe!

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Scott Freeman

Scott Freeman is a seasoned expert in EMF protection with over 10 years of experience in the field. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master's in Environmental Science, Scott possesses a unique blend of technical and environmental knowledge. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to researching, developing, and promoting effective EMF protection products that prioritize both safety and efficiency. Scott's passion for helping others make informed decisions has made him a sought-after speaker and writer on the subject of electromagnetic field safety.

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