Modern technology seems to surround us everywhere we go. There’s good reason for it. These devices are immensely powerful and capable of providing us entertainment, information and the ability to connect with others all over the world at a moment’s notice. However, there are some aspects of these pieces of technology that some may find worrying.
This includes the EMF radiation that may be emitted by things like cellphones, tablets, and wearable devices such as the Fitbit. While radiation levels in these devices tend to be low, it’s worth understanding some basics about how they work and what potential issues may exist.
Find out here the answer to the question, are Fitbits safe?
What is a Fitbit?
Fitbit is the term commonly used for wearable devices that track things like steps, sleep habits and more. In many cases, you can think of the word as being used like the word “Band-Aid.” While Fitbit is a specific brand, people may refer to nearly any wearable fitness tracking device like Fitbit.
Most often, these devices come in the form of watches or bracelets. Wearing the device on your wrist, you can easily have your habits tracked without having to worry about carrying a tool around with you. In the process, Fitbits store information needed for you to access later on.
How a Fitbit Works
Within each Fitbit are sensors that work alongside sophisticated algorithms that allow it to analyze and aggregate different metrics. Those who use such devices are able to monitor their heart rate, how many calories they are burning, and how much physical activity they have undertaken on any given day.
For example some are fitted with an altimeter sensor that indicates whether you are ascending or descending a flight of stairs. As for the 3-axis accelerometer this is able to track the total number of steps a person has completed each day.
Both of these features are able to convert any movement a person makes into digital metrics once the device is in contact with their body.
A great many people prefer Fitbits to pedometers simply because they are able to provide more accurate information in relation to tracking their activity. These devices include smart technology which allows them to distinguish between different kinds of movement such as going for a 5 mile walk compared to driving the same distance.
This way it provides the wearer with an accurate account of the amount of time they have spent moving.
How are Fitbits Used?
An aspect that some may worry about is the use of EMF radiation in Fitbits as part of their ability to track and communicate with other devices. These devices are used for tracking day and night, which tends to mean that they are using that radiation very close to your body. Because of this, it’s understandable that some people may have some concerns about safety.
That said, there is also a lot of usefulness in these tools. They track your health habits, making it easier to make small changes that can improve your health over time. They can assist with sleeping better, getting more physical activity in your day and generally helping you to move towards a healthier lifestyle.
Looking at Fitbit Quality
Something, in particular, to pay attention to is the quality of the tracking device you choose to use. When it comes to even small amounts of radiation, using a device made from higher quality materials can be safer, and it’s going to be likely to work better on a general level.
If you’re interested in using one of these devices, it’s going to be worthwhile to check out the reputation of brands you’re interested in. That way, you’ll be able to tell whether or not other customers have had any reactions that may be related to EMF radiation.
This, of course, includes the larger, big-name brands. While there’s a good chance they are made with better materials, it’s still always a good idea to research these kinds of purchases before making them. It can help to keep you safe and allow you to avoid wasting money on something that won’t work for you.
Fitbits and EMF Radiation
Most people are aware that things like cellphones and wearables emit radiation. That said, not everyone is aware of just how much, or how dangerous that radiation may be. It only makes sense that you might be a little concerned about that radiation.
What’s worth keeping in mind is that the level of radiation is thought to be quite low in both kinds of devices, and wearables are actually the lower of the two. However, there are many who still wonder if being around even low levels of radiation often might have bad effects on our health.
Research Knowns and Unknowns
While the majority of the research completed on EMF radiation from Fitbits and cellphones goes to show that it’s very unlikely these devices are dangerous, it’s not 100% conclusive. Due to the relative newness of these devices, it’s hard to tell what long-term results might be.
Additionally, although these devices are largely considered to be safe, that doesn’t mean it’s absolutely impossible for problems to occur. Because of this, it can’t help to be aware of the possibilities and take steps to protect yourself in the event that they are capable of causing damage in the long term. A little bit of extra safety never hurts.
Symptoms Possibly Related to Radiation
Some have found that there may be some specific symptoms that may be related to exposure to radiation. If you notice any of these symptoms seem to be a surrounding cell phone or Fitbit use, then it may be worth talking to a doctor.
These symptoms are as follows:
- Mood swings
- Irritation to skin
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Sleep problems
- Brain fog
In many cases, these symptoms may not be due to anything hugely problematic, but if you notice that they are becoming chronic, it’s worth discussing with a professional.
How Does EMF Exposure Affect Sleep?
Above we listed some of the symptoms that some people may suffer from due to EMF exposure, one of these being having problems sleeping. Below we are going to explain a little more about how exposure to EMF can affect one’s sleep.
Research carried out has shown that exposure to electromagnetic radiation can alter a person’s natural sleep pattern. The reason for this is that our body reads the electrical nature of EMF as a kind of light.
When a person’s pineal gland detects this type of light it causes the body to produce less melatonin. This is a hormone produced by our body that helps to regulate sleep and alertness. As not enough is now being produced, getting a good night’s sleep becomes harder.
In fact, a study carried out by the University of Melbourne, Australia produced results showing how exposure even to low levels of electromagnetic radiation affects the production of melatonin. In fact, it has a much greater effect on the quality of sleep we have compared to exposure to electromagnetic radiation during the day.
The reason for this is probably because at night our body is trying to rest. But due to you being exposed to EMF radiation you remain more alert, and in turn your body remains in an inflamed state.
Recognizing the Balance
What is important to keep in mind when it comes to wearables like the Fitbit, is that the amount of radiation coming from the device is very low. In addition to that, these devices help people with making small changes that help them get into better health over time.
When they improve their overall health, they are decreasing their chances of developing cancer and other illnesses that are more likely to occur with poor health. With this knowledge in hand, it’s going to be up to you to determine whether or not the trade-off is going to be worthwhile.
Consider Moderation
These days, there are so many things out there that we are uncertain about with regard to the possibility of developing illnesses like cancer. Whether it’s EMF radiation, the chemicals in food and drinks, or chemicals in other kinds of products we may use, moderation is often key.
On top of that, taking small, simple steps can really help to make you less likely to develop cancer as a result of anything you’re uncertain about. Things like turning off EMF-using devices when you don’t need them, limiting processed foods and just being aware of the risks can really be helpful.
Conclusion
There isn’t anything wrong with wanting to be able to track the amount of activity you carry out each day. You can, of course, do this without the need for using a digital device such as Fitbit.
Yes such devices can help you lose weight and stay in shape, but you do need to consider the possible risks associated with using them. Unfortunately, not all such devices are safe for everyone to use, and if you do intend to use such devices on a regular basis avoid wearing them for any extended period of time.
