Do you use a wireless broadband connection?
By rhinoboy
@rhinoboy (2129)
April 24, 2007 7:54am CST
Please see the newspaper article below. I have often thought that the massive amount of radio waves being transmitted cannot possibly be good for us. if the radiation in sunlight can cause skin cancer, then why can't the radio waves emitted by wireless internet, cell phones, television, radio etc. which pass through our bodies permanently be doing any damage?
Is Wi-Fi bad for you?
Ian Sample
Tuesday April 24, 2007
The Guardian
No one knows. And that, say some groups, is the problem. The near-ubiquity of wireless networks has led to concerns over an "electronic smog" of radio waves that stretches from the home to Starbucks and the classroom; anywhere, in fact, that a computer can connect to the internet without wires. The rapid spread of the networks has been accompanied by negligible research into the potential risks.
Last night, the Professional Association of Teachers wrote to Alan Johnson, the education secretary, requesting a scientific inquiry into the potential health risks of Wi-Fi networks, and recommended that schools stop installing them until research declares them safe. Eight out of 10 secondary schools and half of primary schools have the equipment.
Fears over Wi-Fi networks run parallel to those over mobile phones and the masts they speak to. Sir William Stewart's report in 2000 concluded there was no firm evidence to show mobile phone radiation was a health risk, but as a precaution recommended children use them sparingly, because their brains are still developing.
There are reasons to believe Wi-Fi networks are safer than mobile phones. Because they only have to transmit a few tens of metres, Wi-Fi networks run at much lower power. The Health Protection Agency says a person sitting within a Wi-Fi hot spot for a whole year receives the same dose of radiowaves as a person using a mobile phone for 20 minutes.
Graham Philips of the pressure group Powerwatch remains concerned "We're seeing levels of behavioural problems increase in the classroom. We need research into whether these networks are causing these or other problems."
Philip Parkin at the Professional Association of Teachers said other countries are acting to reduce Wi-Fi exposure to children. "Here, these networks are being installed unchecked and unassessed."
3 responses
@Willowlady (10657)
• United States
24 Apr 07
Was dial up and wanted DSL and found someone however before they came out we had our housefire and now no phone, no computer, actually nothing left. Am at hotel and using their wifi connection currently. I can only be on sometimes and so do not worry, don't worry at my age anyway. Hope you can stay safe.
1 person likes this
@rhinoboy (2129)
•
26 Apr 07
I envy the more mature generations for that. When we're all bombarded with these scare-stories of how everything we eat or use or do will eventually cause cancer, the older folk needn't care!
Wi-fi doesn't particularly concern me, more that it's adding (often un-necesarily) to the plethora of radio waves being beamed around.
@mrbranan (1012)
• United States
24 Apr 07
I am in the class rooms almost every day and I think what is cousing the behavior problems have nothing to do with computers. I mean lets be real. We have no control any more. There are so many restrictions given to us and the kids know it.
1 person likes this
@rhinoboy (2129)
•
24 Apr 07
That's absolutely right!
I really don't think that they could pin behavioural problems onto wi-fi! The discipline problems in schools are precisely because the kids know that they can get away with it.
On the subject, I think that ADHD is greatly over-diagnosed too.
@maevic (819)
• Bahrain
24 Apr 07
I was thinking of this thing a few months ago. I'm using wireless connection on my laptop fr few hours. I think there are really some effects with the exposure on the radio waves for hours...I hope they can finish their study and conclude if it is really bad for health though wifi is very good technology...



