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For the longest time, controversy on Fitbit devices has been making rounds on the web. Most people have had one unfriendly experience or the other, some still use them without any incident, and others are just too scared to try.
The questions remain about Fitbit models. Do they emit radiation? Do they cause rashes, radiation burns or cancer?
The fact is that Fitbits emit Bluetooth radiation. Research indicates that the radiation is harmful and may cause cancer in the long term. There have been instances of Fitbit radiation burns and rashes but this has not been linked to radiation.
To know more in detail, read on.
What is Fitbit?
We need to first understand what a Fitbit is and what it does so that we can understand its effects better.
Fitbit is a portable wireless device that functions as a physical activity tracker. The device is designed like a clip that can fit unnoticed on your cloth or can be attached to a wristband and worn conveniently. It was introduced to the world in 2008, by the co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman in San Francisco.
Fitbit Functioning in Brief
Fitbit operates like a pedometer but is unique with a few additional functions. During the day, the device logs data about your physical activities such as steps taken, distance walked, and the total amount of calories burned.
At night Fitbit is mostly worn as a wristband to monitor your sleep quality. This includes the details like when you sleep, how many hours you sleep, how many times you awaken, sleeping positions, and so on.
The device assists you to set goals and logs the data to show how far you have gone. One of the features of the device is a flower avatar that blossoms as you get active and work more but shrinks anytime you slow down or get lazy.
Also, Fitbit offloads data to the product website each time you pass its wireless base station. On the product website, you can check your online profile to assess the details of your progress or decline.
You can wear Fitbit underneath sleeves, on sleeves and in any other convenient way you desire. The device was designed to be inconspicuous but effective. It is highly user-friendly and easy to maintain.
Fitbit is a beautiful tool, with its capabilities who wouldn’t be interested in acquiring one for their use.
Over the years modifications have been made to the original Fitbit to enhance its functions. Hence, there are various models of this tool.
Does Fitbit Emit EMF Radiation?
EMF Radiation is an issue of growing concern today. It turns out that a significant number of human-made electronics do more harm than good to our health.
So, while our phones, microwaves or Television seem vital to our daily lives, it is at the expense of our health in the long-run.
Fitbit is a wireless device, and like most wireless devices it connects to other gadgets via Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a source of non-ionizing radiation, which is a Low-frequency EMF.
Have a look at this video.
Fitbit Radiation Risks And Concerns
Although researchers claim that the effect of non-ionizing radiation on health is minimal at best, it remains a source of concern as experiences of consumers with various emitting devices proves otherwise.
Hence, seeing as most gadgets, especially phones, emit various levels of this radiation, there is a government radiation standard put in place with the aim to control the situation.
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is the standard that regulates the rate at which the body absorbs radio Frequency (RF). Radio Frequency like other types of radiation has the potential to heat the tissues of the body.
This is why Bluetooth is thought to be harmless since it has no heating element. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers adhere entirely to this standard.
Studies have proven that availing yourself consistently within the close range of any EMF radiation can lead to health problems such as
- Brain fog
- Dementia
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Frequent illnesses, and more severe cases such as cancer in the long run.
Fitbit emits Bluetooth radiation in a pulsating manner. This sort of emission has a short wavelength that travels at higher speeds and can easily penetrate the human body to affect cells.
Ironically, exercise is advised to build a healthy system and escape temporarily from the pool of EMF radiation around us. Therefore, using a FitBit during this activity defeats the purpose.
Consumers use FitBit during the day and at night during sleep. As much as good exercise is essential, quality sleep or rest is even more.
Part of the precautions or measures against the severe effects of EMF radiations is to turn off all wireless devices during sleep.
Studies have shown that aside from the long-term implications a device emitting radiation can also compromise your rest. The EMF radiation tricks the body into thinking it is daytime thus affecting your ability to enjoy a good night’s rest.
People who continue to wear these devices even at night are exposing themselves to more profound effects of the radiation from the tracker.
Not to mention that a person with teeth implant or any other present metal in the body will suffer higher consequences of this radiation.
Does Fitbit Radiation Cause Rashes?
Fitbit comes with more than a radiation danger but also an exposure to heavy metals like nickel which are potential allergens to a good number of the population.
Following the reported cases of customers who had suffered from rashes, peeling skin and blisters after wearing Fitbit consistently, it was discovered that nickel in the devices had triggered some of these allergic reactions.
Heavy metals like nickel have always been dangerous to human health. In this case, it was discovered that the skin could absorb heavy metals.
The model, Fitbit Force was manufactured with nickel as an alloy in the stainless steel used for the products assemble. Hence, under continuous exposure, the metal was successfully leached into the body through the skin.
The Fitbit Scale Aria – Is it Harmful?
The Fitbit scale Aria is another product from Fitbit using the same wireless technology and possessing smart features.
The scale measures body weight, body fat, body mass index (BMI), and lean mass. Fitbit Aria is sleek, portable, and strategically designed to blend into your home and routine. It complements other Fitbit devices for a complete effect.
Like the tracker, this scale connects to your mobile devices to display all the data collected. Part of the problem here is that the Fitbit scale achieves all this by sending electric signals into your body.
As expected, the manufacturers claim that this signal has no adverse effects on the human body but most consumers have experienced otherwise.
People have reported feeling lighted headed, fatigue, and nauseated. Also, the scale isn’t recommended for children under the age of 10, pregnant women, and anyone with a medical implant device.
While these electrical signals may not be the source of the real problem, they could be contributors. The EMF radiation emitted continuously from this Wifi powered device is probably the primary source of the symptoms.
Wifi like Bluetooth is a low-frequency EMF and a form of Radio Frequency (RF). Like all forms of radiations, we know too well the effect of prolonged exposure on health.
When you also consider using both the Fitbit tracker and Fitbit scale the result could be devastating.
The Fitbit Green Light – Is it Harmful?
The pulsating green light feature on some Fitbit models is included for heart rate monitoring.
The light only flashes when you are in contact with the Fitbit because at this time it tracks your heart rate and relates the data alongside others in the phone application.
These lights are PurePulse LED lights quite similar to the visible lights in your home or office. They have low power and emit no heat that can burn your skin. It is also rare to find anyone allergic to visible light. Therefore, the green lights present no danger to your health and can equally be easily turned off in your device settings.
Turning off this feature means the Fitbit will not track your heart rate.
Does Fitbit Radiation Cause Burns?
For as long as the Fitbit products have been in circulation, there have been several complaints from consumers about rashes, skin peeling, nausea, fatigue and so many other symptoms of using the products.
There are many cases of burns (read this article). Hence, it is true that Fitbit causes radiation burns.
The most prominent are those on the Fitbit tracker which was seen by most people as a wonder tool come to improve their lifestyle. People wore it during the day, and to sleep at night but before long the symptoms show up and consumers are left confused.
The Company has made efforts to withdraw and modify the products, but it all comes back with the same complaints from users.
On one part, the nickel element could be doing a lot of harm to the body, and on the other, EMF radiation could be the problem.
Is EMF Radiation Responsible for The Skin Injuries Caused by Fitbit?
Having discussed how these Fitbit devices significantly expose users to EMF radiation, one would conclude that this is the case.
The truth is no specific tests or studies have provided an answer we can depend on. Some skin may be overly sensitive to the heat and radiation from the products; others could be allergic to the nickel component.
However, one thing is sure; EMF radiation is dangerous and consistent close exposure guarantees harm to health.
Fitbit emits this EMF radiation and is always so close to the body. The fact remains that users must consider every possibility and take precaution.
The Manufacturers Point of View
As the complaints about Fitbit continue to occur, people regularly ask the Fitbit Company about the radiation emitted by their device and its effects.
In their response, Fitbit has always claimed that all devices are compliant with the FCC regulation regarding Bluetooth, and therefore cannot be harmful to users.
The Company has in the past, withdrawn the products to modify them but ended with the same recurrent dissatisfaction.
A lot of factors are involved in deciding if the EMF radiation from the devices are genuinely harmful.
For one, the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) has a few limitations;
- The test subjects used to determine the readings lack some components that can be found in a regular human body such as implants, piercing and other metals that interfere with radiation to make it more problematic.
- The readings are specific to adults. Hence there is no way to assume that radiation safe for you is safe for your child.
There is also the undeniable fact that the radiation from FitBit can max out an Acoustimeter.
The Company only continues to release statements maintaining their position on the matter but have released no proof or results to support their claim.
Final Thoughts
At a glance, the Fitbit devices can be seen as a great opportunity, a wonder tool to guide you towards an improved lifestyle and health.
Unfortunately, sooner than later you might find yourself exhibiting symptoms that seem triggered by your new friend.
A good number of persons would immediately set the device aside, while others continue to try in the hope of a different result.
Choosing whether or not to condemn this device is entirely your choice. A good read will tell you all you need to know to make a valid decision. Two things are inevitable; the Fitbit device emits EMF radiation and EMF radiation as we know it is unsafe at a consistent distance not to mention against your skin for long hours.
We already live under continuous emission of EMF radiation in both high and low frequencies.
But some who are more informed than others take knowledgeable steps to do the best they can in avoiding prolonged exposure.
The Fitbit radiation is not as powerful as that emitted from a regular cell phone, but it is still a cause for concern. These devices may not result in severe symptoms such as cancer or Alzheimers but mild cases such as burns, illnesses, and so on equally compromise health.
If you decide that the Fitbit is a necessary addition to your life despite the obvious risk involved, remember to take a few precautions while using it. Turn the device off at night and refrain from bending, squeezing, twisting or attempting to pressure the device in any way.
Also, limit the use of FitBit to adults only and see a doctor if you feel a change in your health following the use of Fitbit.
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