Date: Monday, October 22, 2007
Wi-Fi Worries Investigated as Government Call for Inquiry
The Government have launched an inquiry following fears over the safety of Wi-Fi networks. Just last month, Philip Parkin, of the Professional Association of Teachers, called for an investigation into the dangers of wireless networks and asked for the use of them to be suspended in schools until findings were presented. Currently, there is no scientific evidence to prove the dangers of wireless networks, but there is no evidence to the contrary either.
It is thought that wireless networks could potentially have the same health risks as mobile phones. A recent Swedish study showed that regular mobile phone users are two and a half times more likely to develop a tumour. However, a number of experts believe that the electromagnetic radiation released by Wi-Fi would be significantly less than the amount released by mobile phones. Peter Lyons of the Open Learning Partnership is one of these people; he believes “Wi-Fi gives out a far less powerful output than any mobile phone mast.”
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) will spend two years on the inquiry, which will investigate the risks of Wi-Fi networks in classrooms, offices and homes. They will begin testing and monitoring in a laboratory, which will be equipped with computer models and dummies. The dummies will be fitted with microwave radiation monitors, which will be able to record radiation exposures at the head and throughout the rest of the body. Following their investigations, the HPA will submit a health risk report to the government.
Michael Clark, HPA spokesperson, believes this investigation is essential to address concerns over Wi-Fi safety. He said: “Like mobile phone use, Wi-Fi has undergone rapid expansion and we feel there should be a proper scientific database on what the actual exposure levels are, so we can have a proper debate about it.” When the Health Protection Agency’s findings are published, it is thought that the government will make an informed decision about their use in schools, hospitals and offices.
Sources:
Times
Guardian
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